How does "technical writing" in the zoology field work?

	How does "technical writing" in the zoology field work? Hello. I am here because I am curious about my future career choice. I am about to turn 22 in a few days and after about nearly five years or so of not knowing what I wanted to do career-wise as a teenager, I decided that I wanted to pursue a degree in zoology because I enjoy studying animals. However, instead of working as a schoolteacher, professor, lab technician, etc. as I assume that many zoology graduates choose to work as, I looked up other career options for a zoology graduate, and many university and/or general education websites stated that I could work as a technical writer. Because I personally believe that I have sufficient writing skills to perform the job, I think that working as a technical writer would be perfect for me. Additionally, I am not exactly comfortable in a working environment similar to those found in classrooms, especially those with a bunch of students relying on me to educate them. I know that is generally where all the money is, but I am more concerned with financial stability as opposed to a big six-figure income. However, the career title is somewhat confusing. When I looked up the "technical writer" job title, the definition involved simplifying technical jargon in fields that involve technology such as engineering, computer hardware/software, etc. Of course, zoology is not exactly a "technical" field but rather involves the study of wildlife. My question is, knowing this, how exactly do I write "technically" as a certified technical writer with a zoology degree? Does this "technical writing" career in zoology equate to writing information about animals to scientific magazines, textbooks, and/or the like, or is technical writing different to those jobs? I also would like to know how such a job would work. Would a company employ me to write for them on a regular basis, or would I have to "hustle," as in attempt to send my writings to other publishers independently whenever I wish to work, sort of like a fiction writer? I decided to ask here because I did not want to go to school for it for years only to be disappointed should I get a degree. Here are some links to where I gathered my information: http://departments.weber.edu/careerservices/_choosing/wcid_html/ZoologyWSU.htm#Writing http://work.chron.com/fields-can-work-zoologist-9984.html http://www.jobmonkey.com/howto/zoologist.html http://admission.wsu.edu/academics/fos/public/field.castle?id=1757#toggle10 Asked By: WillKill - 1/18/2013

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
A technical writer translates science into a language form suitable for the intended audience. First, go searching for potential employers and see what are their target audiences. You may find work in regulation, pest risk management, environmental management, climate change planning, pre-destruction survey, mining PR, mass media and government. First up, get some publications. A science blog is a good start, Build followers by explaining new developments. Prepare articles for newspapers, TV news and trade magazines. Lastly, be prepared to do something else! Your career is yours to make and technical writing jobs are evolving very quickly. Answered By: DrDontheTermiteGuy - 1/21/2013

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