If you really want to be a technical writer, you’ll need to get a technical writing internship. But there are a few things you need to know.
Here is what you need to know about technical writing internships:
Technical writing internships are a great way to get experience and skills in writing technical documentation. They can be paid or unpaid. You can search for internships at companies like Google, Amazon, Uber, and NASA. These internships typically last from a few months up to a full year.
I’ve worked as a technical writer for years.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about technical writing internships.
What Is A Technical Writing Internship?
Technical writing programs are typically offered by technical writing companies, colleges, universities, or professional associations.
These programs typically last for a semester or two, and they may be paid or unpaid. During your internship, you will work closely with a mentor who is an experienced technical writer.
This mentor will help you develop your skills and knowledge, and they will provide guidance and feedback on your work.
Apprenticing under a mentor has been a gamechanger for me.
At the end of your internship, you should have a strong portfolio of writing samples that you can use to showcase your skills to potential employers.
What Does A Technical Writing Intern Do?
A technical writing intern is responsible for creating and revising various types of documentation.
This documentation includes:
- User manuals
- Installation guides
- Release notes
- Product specifications
Additionally, you may be responsible for maintaining a knowledge base or FAQs section on a company’s website.
As a technical writing intern, you will gain valuable experience in creating various types of technical documentation.
I’ve literally done it all (you will probably have the same experience).
You will also learn how to work closely with development teams to ensure that all documents are accurate and up-to-date.
Here is a good video about what technical writing interns actually do:
Are Technical Writing Internships Paid?
Most internships for technical writing are paid positions.
This is because companies understand that interns need to gain real-world experience in order to be able to transition into a full-time role after graduation.
However, there are some companies that do not offer paid internships.
These companies usually have a very limited budget for their internship program and are only able to offer unpaid positions.
But they may provide other forms of compensation, such as academic credit or a stipend to help cover work-related expenses.
If you are considering an unpaid internship, make sure to do your research on the company beforehand.
You want to make sure that they will be able to provide you with the necessary resources, support, and experiences during your internship.
Why You Should Do A Technical Writer Internship (5 Good Reasons)
There are at least five reasons you should consider doing a technical writing internship.
Here are those reasons.
1. You Will Gain Valuable Experience
An internship will give you the chance to work with a variety of people and learn new skills. This experience will be valuable when you are looking for a full-time job.
Additionally, an internship can help you build your portfolio and make connections in the industry.
2. You Can Learn About Different Aspects Of Technical Writing
Technical writing is a broad field.
By doing an internship, you can learn about different aspects of technical writing, such as user documentation, online help, and marketing collateral.
This knowledge will be valuable when you are looking for a full-time job.
3. You Can Make Connections In The Industry
An internship can help you make connections in the industry.
These connections can be helpful for landing job interviews and full-time positions in major companies. Never underestimate the power of networking opportunities.
4. You Can Learn About The Company Culture
Doing an internship will give you a chance to learn about the company culture.
This is valuable information to possess when considering applying for a position, writing a cover letter, and handling questions in a job interview.
5. You Can Get Paid (Probably)
Many internships are paid positions.
This can be a great way to earn money while you are learning about the field of technical writing.
Some internships pay better than others so it’s always a good idea to check around to get the best internship revenue.
What Qualifications Do You Need To Get Technical Writing Internships?
Most technical writing internships will require you to have at least a basic understanding of the field.
However, there are some additional qualifications that will help you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of getting the internship.
Some of the most important qualifications for a technical writer internship include:
- Excellent writing skills
- Proven grammatical skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Proficiency in various software programs
- The ability to translate complex ideas into everyday language
How To Get A Technical Writing Internship
There are a few key things you can do to increase your chances of landing a technical writer internship.
1. Do Your Research
Before you even start applying for internships, it’s important that you take the time to research the field of technical writing.
This will help you understand the skills and knowledge required for the role, and it will also give you a better idea of what to expect from the internship experience.
It’s also helpful to research the particular industry (technology, SAAS, automotive, healthcare, etc).
2. Get Some Experience
While internships are typically geared towards students or recent graduates, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a foot in the door if you have some relevant work experience under your belt.
Experience makes you more valuable to a company.
If you have any previous writing experience, whether it’s from a previous job or even just school assignments, be sure to highlight it on your resume and in your cover letter.
3. Customize Your Application
When you’re applying for an internship for technical writing, it’s important that you take the time to tailor your application to the specific role.
This means specifying why you’re interested in the internship and what you hope to gain from it, as well as highlighting any relevant skills or experience you bring.
You want to customize your application to each company.
4. Ace the Interview
If you’re lucky enough to land an interview, make sure you’re prepared to impress.
This means doing your research on the company and the specific role you’re applying for, as well as practicing your answers to common interview questions.
Dress professionally, ask intelligent questions about the company, and show your passion for the position.
5. Be Patient & Perservere
It can be difficult to land an internship, especially if you don’t have any previous experience in the field.
Just remember to be patient and keep applying to different internships until you find the perfect fit. Network with your university professors, local businesses, and online through sites such as LinkedIn.
Once you have your resume, cover letter, and portfolio ready, you still need to know where to find an internship.
The next section will tell you exactly where to look.
Where Do You Find Technical Writing Internships?
Finding technical writing internships can be a challenge, but there are a few places to look.
Here is where to find technical writer internships:
- Online Job Boards (Indeed, Zip Recruiter, Monster, and Handshake)
- Directly contacting a company
- Networking (this is how I found my technical writing contract)
- College career center
One option is to search online job boards. Many companies post internships on these sites, and you can use keywords like “technical writing” or “technical communications” to find relevant listings.
Another way to find technical writing internships is to contact companies directly.
Many times, internships are not advertised but are instead filled through word-of-mouth or personal connections.
If you know someone who works at a company that might have an opening, ask if they would be willing to put in a good word for you.
Finally, you can also check with your school’s career center.
Many schools have relationships with companies that offer internships, and the staff can help you connect with the right opportunity.
With a little effort, you should be able to find a technical writer internship that will help you gain the skills and experience you need to launch your career.
There are many places to find these writing internships.
Here are 10 cities with great opportunities for technical writing:
| No | Name of City |
| 1 | Orlando, Florida |
| 2 | San Francisco, California |
| 3 | Boulder, Colorado |
| 4 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| 5 | Chicago, Illinois |
| 6 | Seattle, Washington |
| 7 | Austin, Texas |
| 8 | Portland, Oregon |
| 9 | Boston, Massachusetts |
| 10 | Washington, D.C. |
Are There Remote Technical Writing Internships?
Yes, there are remote technical writing internships.
I am currently a remote technical writer and, let me tell you, it has its benefits. I get to experience a lot of professional growth, I have a lot of independence in my work, and I worry less about distractions from my personal life.
Because I am working remotely, I have had to take on more responsibility for my work.
This has meant that I have had to learn new things quickly and be more proactive in my work. As a result, I have grown a lot as a professional, and I am now much more confident in my abilities.
Another benefit of working remotely is that I have a lot of independence in my work.
I am not being constantly supervised by someone else, so I can work at my own pace and in my own way.
This has helped me to be more productive and to develop my own methods for getting work done.
Finally, working remotely has helped me to achieve a better work-life balance.
Since I am not spending any time commuting or traveling to an office, I have more time for other things in my life.
This has been really beneficial for my mental health and well-being.
There are a number of companies that offer remote technical writer internships.
These internships are typically for a period of 12+ weeks, and they provide you with the opportunity to work with a team of professionals on real-world projects.
Some internships last much longer.
What Are Some Technical Writing Internship Interview Questions and Answers?
Earlier, I mentioned the importance of nailing your internship interview.
That’s why I wanted to include this section on writing internship questions and answers. Read through these now and right before you go into your interview.
1. Why Do You Want To Pursue A Career In Technical Writing?
Answer: I want to pursue a career in technical writing because it combines my two passions of writing and technology.
I enjoy helping people understand complex concepts and ideas, and technical writing gives me the opportunity to do that on a daily basis.
2. What Experience Do You Have In Writing And Editing Technical Content?
Answer: I have experience in both writing and editing technical content. I have written articles for tech blogs and edited user manuals for software applications.
I have also taught myself HTML and CSS so that I can create web pages.
3. What Skills Do You Think Are Necessary For a Successful Technical Writer?
Answer: I think that the most important skills for a successful technical writer are excellent communication skills, the ability to understand complex concepts, and the ability to write clearly and concisely.
4. What Do You Think Sets Technical Writing Apart From Other Kinds of Writing?
Answer: What sets technical writing apart from other kinds of writing is the need to communicate complex information in a way that is easy for the reader to understand.
Technical writers also need to be able to keep up with the latest technology so that they can write about it accurately.
5. What Do You Think Are the Biggest Challenges of Technical Writing?
Answer: I think the biggest challenge of technical writing is making sure that the content is accurate and up-to-date. With technology constantly changing, it can be difficult to keep track of all the latest information.
6. How Do You Plan To Meet Those Challenges?
Answer: I plan to meet this challenge by staying current with the latest technology trends and developments. I also want to build up a network of contacts in the tech industry so that I can easily get accurate information when needed.
7. What Are Your Goals for Your Career in Technical Writing?
Answer: My goals for my career in technical writing are to continue to improve my skills and knowledge so that I can be the best technical writer possible. I also want to help this company succeed by creating clear and concise content that meets its needs.
8. How Do You Think You Can Contribute to the Success of a Company Through Your Work as a Technical Writer?
Answer: I think I can contribute to the success of a company through my work as a technical writer by creating high-quality content that meets the needs of the company.
I am also willing to learn new things and adapt to changes quickly, which can be helpful in a rapidly changing industry.
9. What Do You Think Are The Benefits Of Pursuing A Career In Technical Writing?
Answer: I think the most important thing for technical writers to remember is that they are writing for a specific audience with specific needs. It is important to understand the audience and what they need to know before starting to write.
Technical writers also need to be able to take complex information and break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
10. What Do You Think Makes Technical Writing A Unique And Valuable Profession?
Answer: Technical writing is a unique and valuable profession because it helps companies communicate complex information to their audiences.
Technical writers play an important role in the success of companies by creating clear and accurate content.
Is An Unpaid Technical Writing Internship Worth It?
The answer is, yes, an unpaid internship in technical writing can be worth it.
Here are three reasons why:
- Unpaid technical writing internships can be beneficial because they offer the opportunity to learn new skills.
- They also provide experience in the field, which can be helpful in securing future employment.
- They offer the chance to build connections within the industry, which can be valuable for long-term career success.
- It can give you the opportunity to prove your value in the industry.
So, if you’re considering an internship, don’t let the lack of pay dissuade you – it can be a great investment in your future.
Does Amazon Have a Technical Writing Internship?
Yes, Amazon does have a technical writer internship program.
This internship is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about and gain experience in the field of technical writing.
Interns will work with a team of technical writers to create documentation for Amazon products and services.
They will also have the opportunity to attend workshops and seminars on technical writing topics, and to shadow experienced technical writers in their day-to-day work.
The Amazon Technical Writer Internship is available to you if you as long as you are a currently active student at an accredited university. You must also agree to work full-time for 10 weeks over your summer break.
Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample as part of their application.
Is There A NASA Technical Writing Internship?
The answer is yes.
NASA offers several paid internships each year for students who are interested in pursuing a career in technical writing.
These internships provide valuable experience that can help you get a job after graduation.
If you’re interested in applying for a NASA technical writer internship, be sure to check the eligibility requirements and the application deadlines.
You can find more information about these internships on the NASA website.
Is There a Microsoft Technical Writing Internship?
Microsoft offers a number of internship opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in technical writing.
These internships provide valuable experience working with some of the latest technologies and documentation tools.
Students who complete a Microsoft internship often go on to find success in their chosen field.
There is no specific technical writer internship program at Microsoft, but there are many opportunities for students interested in this field.
Some of the internships that may be of interest include:
- Programming and software development internships
- Web development internships
- User experience design internships
- Technical support internships
These are just a few of the many internship opportunities available at Microsoft.
Is There a Disney Technical Writing Internship?
The Walt Disney Company offers a variety of internship opportunities for college students and recent graduates.
The internships provide hands-on experience in the fields of animation, business, media, technology, and more.
While there is no official technical writer internship at Disney, there are several opportunities that would be perfect for someone interested in this field.
The Walt Disney Imagineering Writing Internship, for example, is open to college juniors and seniors interested in writing for theme park attractions.
The Disney ABC Television Group News Internship would be perfect for someone interested in writing for television news.
Whether you’re interested in writing for the big screen or the small screen, there’s an internship for you if you want to write for Disney.
Is There an EU Games Technical Writer Internship?
Yes, there is an EU Games Technical Writer Internship available.
The program is designed to help students and recent graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in the games industry gain practical experience in the videogame field.
The internship provides an opportunity to work with some of the leading game developers and publishers in Europe, and to learn about the games industry from a technical standpoint.
Interns will be expected to produce high-quality documentation and contribute to the development of game projects.
Is There an Uber Technical Writer Internship?
Yes, there is a technical writer internship program at Uber.
This highly competitive program is designed to develop the skills of aspiring technical writers and help them learn more about the company’s products and services.
As an intern in Uber’s technical writing program, you will have the opportunity to learn about the company’s products and services and work closely with a team of experienced technical writers.
You will gain valuable experience in writing documentation, developing user guides, and creating online help content for Uber.
In addition, you will have the chance to shadow a senior technical writer and participate in weekly skills-development workshops.
How To Get a Google Technical Writing Internship
Google is one of the top companies to work for, and their technical writing internship is highly coveted.
If you’re interested in a career in technical writing, here’s how you can improve your chances of being accepted into the program:
- Keep your resume and writing portfolio updated
- Include several different kinds of technical writing in your portfolio
- Network with Google executives as much as possible
- Familiarize yourself with Google and its products
- Complete internships with other technology companies
- Take online courses to add to your resume and application
- Apply for the internship at Google’s career and job board
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that an internship for technical writing is an extremely beneficial experience.
Not only will you learn a great deal about the field of technical writing but you will also have the opportunity to apply skills in a real-world setting.
I would highly recommend a technical writer internship to anyone considering a career in technical writing.
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