Becoming a Technical Writer in India - Part 1

Becoming a Technical Writer In India

I became a Technical Writer by some lucky turn of events. After completing Engineering, I was looking for jobs in the software industry, and then I got to know that I can use my existing English / Grammar skills and become a technical writer in the Information Technology (IT) industry.


My parents begged me to read The Hindu newspaper daily and at the least read the headings on every page from childhood. Seeing my dad go at it with such enthusiasm daily, I started reading the newspaper to become a good English-speaking person or gain knowledge like him. My dad was known as “the guy” if someone wanted to inquire which course would be good for their son/daughter. So it was “becoming” like him that I started reading the newspaper headings and also to get good at vocabulary. For me, it seemed like Dad could tell the meaning of any word in the newspaper without seeing a dictionary. It surprised me a lot; I used to use the dictionary for every word :). Dad also used to write my Republic Day and Independence Day speeches that were like 5 or 6 pages long; somehow, I used to mug it and blurt it out in front of a big audience.


So cut the scene to the end of engineering. After having exhausted all options to go to a different country, I decided to give IT jobs a shot in Hyderabad. I was searching for a good course to learn so that I can get an entry-level job. By chance/god's will, I got in touch with my senior Anurag, my neighbour in Vijayawada. He said that I could get an entry-level job as a Technical Writer easily if I can crack a grammar test. So with sheer confidence that I am good at English, I gave the grammar test and got finalized as the top 3 candidates. It felt amazing; we waited till 7 pm so that the Vice President can do the final interview for us. While leaving the building, HR called us back and told us that one person from our group was rejected and we two were the best candidates for them. I was ecstatic and felt happy that I cracked a job interview. The other guy was Venkanna, with whom later I develop a great friendship.



(continued in part2...)