Four Things that You Can Expect as a Tech Writer

Once you transition from technical communication classes to real-world technical writing, there are at least four things that you can expect.

1. Your boss will not have had any experience with technical writing.  Most likely, your boss will have worked his or her through the workplace environment.  Therefore, your boss may be very familiar with managing manufacturing personnel.  Your boss may be an expert salesperson.  However, unless you work for a firm that specializes in technical writing, the chance that your boss will be familiar with localization, page design, usability, or any other technical communication topic will be minuscule.
2. Your boss will likely provide grammar edits (usually incorrect), word choices (usually jargon-based), and layout demands that will completely contradict everything that you were taught.  Because you are the new kid on the block, this will be an opportunity to learn both tact and assertiveness.
3. Your boss will have no idea of how long it will take to interview Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), compile a manual, have it reviewed, and send it to print.  Nonetheless, your boss will likely be very familiar with the contractual delivery schedule that everything sold by the company must meet.
4. Your proposals to improve processes will meet resistance.  Still, do not let that stop you from writing style guides.  Your company needs to know to improve intercultural communication (even in brochures and tech manuals) and you need to stand on your training as a technical writer.