How you can become a technical writer: Getting the process right

By SARAH-JANE BOSCH (Cape Times, Career Times, 14 March 2005)

Declan lsaacs
Job: TechnicalWriter
Qualifications: BSc, NDip Food Technology
Place of work: Acorn Technologies

TO SUCCEED in any science-related position you need first-class scientific training and a good understanding of computers. You must have a strong sense of structure, and be able to put your thoughts into writing. You must have good problem- solving and analytical skills. You must be observant, patient, and be meticulous with regard to detail.
You will usually be working as part of a team, so you must have good communication and interpersonal skills, and be able to relate to people at all levels. There are career opportunities for life science graduates in private industry, particularly in chemical, pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies, as well as academic institutions and research facilities such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

Qualifications needed: You need a science degree from a recognised university, or a national diploma or BTech from a university of technology (former technikons).

Where to train: Universities and universities of technology offer relevant courses.
Acorn Technologies is a life-science incubator for start-up businesses in Cape Town, with the focus on businesses in the medical device sector. Acorn assists science graduates in start-up companies commercialise their products and expand into international markets. Services include mentorship and internship programmes; commercial and technical support; office space and facilities; financial services; education; marketing and promotion; and business planning.

Expected earnings: Earnings range from R1O 000 to R25 000 a month, depending on experience and the specific nature of the position.

What does your job entail? I’m working on a project for a company that designs computer-based medical diagnostic and testing devices. The company wants to market its products in the European Union countries, and my job is to ensure that their manufacturing and testing processes conform to the required EU standards.
This particular project requires extensive knowledge and familiarity with the ISO quality management system used throughout Europe. A manufacturing company has to put in place processes and documentation that meet the stringent 1S013425 standards.
The project entails monitoring existing procedures and manufacturing processes, and noting where they need to be changed to meet the required standards.
I have regular meetings with line and executive managers and quality assurance staff to discuss changes that are required. Once we decide which changes need to be made, I amend the existing procedures or write new procedures.
It’s important that the prescribed processes must be practical and result in a streamlined workflow, so the next step is to get the staff to use the procedures to make sure they are quite clear and easy to follow.

Average work day: I spend time on the production floor, observing the various processes and talking to production staff.
It is important to plan ahead and discuss streamlining the process and getting useful input from affected employees. Weekly review meetings are vital for feedback from staff and managers.
I spend a lot of time on the internet to keep up to date with the latest
technological developments.

Best part of the job: It’s a huge challenge. Very few Western Cape manufacturers of medical equipment have ISO13485 accreditation, and our deadline is just a few months away.

Worst part of the job: There is an enormous amount of paperwork involved, but it is an essential part of the job and has to be done efficiently.

Why did you choose this career? I did a science degree followed by a diploma in food technology, and then worked in the food manufacturing industry for several years. Although it wasn’t exactly what I set out to do initially, I gained valuable experience in the ISO quality-management system and a good understanding of manufacturing processes.
In this project I apply all the skills and knowledge acquired in previous studies and work experience. I am also learning new skills that will stand me in good stead if I decide to start my own consulting business or want to assist other life science graduates to optimise their careers.

Are you paid enough? I’m on the right track — my income is increasing with experience.

Rate your work stress on a scale of 1 to 10: As we near the July deadline I’m sure it’ll be close to 10.

What do you do in your leisure time? I’m keen on motor sports but I’m studying business management part-time for the next year or two and this affects my free time.

Travel opportunities? Yes, in any scientific career it’s important to keep up to date with modern technology, so regular overseas trips should be an integral part of the job.