Breaking into Technical Writing: Insights from Our X Space Discussion

Breaking into Technical Writing: Insights from Our X Space Discussion

How to Break into Technical Writing: Insights from Dr. Derdus Kenga

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3 min read

Technical writing involves crafting clear and concise instructions to communicate specific knowledge within a particular field. This form of writing is prevalent in manuals, assembly instructions, and various IT contexts. Unlike other types of writing, such as UI/UX or creative writing, technical writing focuses solely on imparting skills and knowledge without room for creative interpretation.

Dr. Derdus Kenga's Journey

The session was purposefully titled Breaking into Technical Writing - The Speakers Experience and it was therefore important to hear about Dr. Kenga’s journey into the field. While we mostly see established people in the industry, Dr. Kenga’s narration of his journey showed that the ordinary and continual efforts lead to a successful career in the field.

Dr. Derdus Kenga, a content developer at Microsoft, shared his journey into technical writing. Initially, he pursued an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and became a lecturer, which marked the beginning of his writing career. He started by writing lab manuals and later launched a blog called "Tech Tips" in 2014 to teach people how to deploy USSD and SMS applications. This blogging experience, though valuable, was distinct from technical writing, as it allowed for personal opinions.

In addition to blogging, he would also write on products of interest on LinkedIn, which included reviews and comparisons of software products and documentations. This helped him create an audience that got him noticed for the Decode Africa project. Honing his technical skills here would later spring him into working for Microsoft Africa, where he would later work as a content creator.

Career Tips for Aspiring Technical Writers

  1. Getting Started

    • Deploy your own applications and document them thoroughly, covering the purpose, deployment, and usage.

    • Publish content on platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, Hashnode, and contribute to Stack Overflow.

    • Share summaries of technical content you read to demonstrate growth and expertise.

  2. Building a Portfolio

    • Contribute to open-source projects to gain practical experience.

    • Create a public GitHub repository with well-documented projects.

    • Engage in public speaking at conferences to establish your brand.

  3. Balancing Writing and Technical Skills

    • Understand that the audience for technical documentation often lacks background knowledge. Write clearly to ensure single, precise meanings.

    • Always maintain professional communication standards and avoid shorthand.

  4. Long-Term Goals

    • Ensure you have a long term goal in place. Dr. Kenga plans to launch a technical writing school targeting individuals with post-secondary training. The curriculum will focus on producing a complete documentation set as a portfolio and will offer career services.

Key Takeaways

  1. Understanding the Audience - Technical writing must be unambiguous. A statement should have only one meaning, considering factors like audience perception, experience, and expectations.

  2. Building an Online Presence - Dr. Kenga emphasized the importance of online visibility. He utilized LinkedIn to write reviews of documentation, tagging relevant leadership and people associated with companies. This strategy helped him gain visibility and led to opportunities, such as his involvement in the "Decoded Africa" project.

  3. Joining Communities - Engaging with communities like "Write the Docs" is crucial for networking and visibility. Such platforms allow technical writers to connect with like-minded individuals and improve their craft.

  4. Teamwork and Collaboration - Successful technical writers must demonstrate the ability to work well in teams. This involves adapting to different tools and methodologies, embracing team spirit, and considering diverse viewpoints.

  5. Language and Communication Skills - Perfect English is not a necessity. Consistency in documentation, guided by style guidelines, ensures clarity and facilitates onboarding for team members.

  6. Project Management - Effective project management is essential. Identify project goals, timelines, and collaborators. Ensure timely delivery while accommodating unforeseen challenges.

Conclusion

Technical writing is a specialized field that requires a blend of writing proficiency, technical knowledge, and effective communication. By building an online presence, joining professional communities, and continuously improving both individually and collaboratively, aspiring technical writers can successfully navigate their careers. Dr. Kenga's insights provide a valuable roadmap for those looking to enter and excel in this field.