Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 2003

The Skills That Technical Communicators Need: An Investigation of Technical Communication Graduates, Managers, and Curricula

Aimee L. Whiteside University of Minnesota System

Abstract

This study examines the skills that recent technical communication graduates and managers believe technical communication students need before entering business and industry as new technical communicators. Through questionnaires and interviews with recent graduates and managers of technical communication departments as well as an analysis of the participating schools' curricula, this study suggests areas where technical communication may need more preparation, including business operations, project management, problem-solving skills, and scientific and technical knowledge. Further research is needed at local, state, and national levels to analyze technical communication undergraduate curricula along with responses from recent graduates of technical communication programs and managers of technical communication programs. Only through continued research can we ensure that future technical communicators receive an education that eases their transition into the world of business and industry.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2003-10-01
DOI
10.2190/3164-e4v0-bf7d-tdva
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
technical communication
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (27)

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  8. Carnegie et al. (2019)
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  9. Shalamova et al. (2019)
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  10. Tanner et al. (2019)
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  11. Watts (2017)
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  12. Vie (2017)
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  13. Ballentine (2015)
    Creativity Counts: Why Study Abroad Matters to Technical and Professional Commu…
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  14. Zhang et al. (2015)
    Influences on Creativity in Technical Communication: Invention, Motivation, and…
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  15. Blythe et al. (2014)
    Professional and Technical Communication in a Web 2.0 World
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  16. Lauer et al. (2013)
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  17. Swarts (2011)
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  18. Ford et al. (2011)
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  19. Saidy et al. (2011)
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  20. Ford et al. (2009)
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  21. Todd (2008)
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  22. Brumberger (2007)
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CrossRef global citation count: 45 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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