Training for Careers in Technical and Business Writing

Those interested in writing that have a knack for taking complex information and making it understandable may want to consider the field of Technical and Business Writing. Professionals in this field are involved with making technical documents user-friendly and easy to understand. They often work on maintenance manuals, company literature, catalogs, assembly instructions, proposals and company websites. With this background, students may work for commercial companies or government organizations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, the job outlook for technical writers is expected to be good, growing about as fast as the average. Experts have made this prediction because of the increasing demand for technical writers in law, medicine and economics.

The education requirements vary depending upon the employer. Many employers prefer to hire those who have formal training or experience. Most students enter this field with a bachelor's degree in Technical and Business Writing. Some go on to earn a master's degree if they're interested in higher paying or management positions. This education is available at colleges and universities.

Top Schools for Technical and Business Writing (Source: U.S. News, www.usnews.com):

• 1. Miami University, Oxford-

This university has a rich tradition, founded in 1809.

-Undergraduate Student Body: 15,059; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:17; Tuition Costs: In-State: $21,487, Out-of-State: $21,507; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.7; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 60% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1200-1299.

• 2. Worcester Polytechnic Institute-

This institute has an average freshmen retention rate of 92% as reported by U.S. News.

-Undergraduate Student Body: 2,868; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:13; Tuition Costs: $31,390; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.6; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 60% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1200-1299.

• 3. Illinois Institute of Technology-

This institution is ranked 97th in the category of national universities by U.S. News.

-Undergraduate Student Body: 2,089; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:13; Tuition Costs: $22,920; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.7; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 60% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1200-1299.