I discovered the technical writing profession by accident. When I started, I had no idea who a tech writer was or what they do for a living.
In general, in Ukraine, we offer a wide range of learning opportunities for designers, developers, business analysts, and others, including courses, university degrees, workshops, and more. But for technical writers – there isn’t anything. If you want to be a technical writer, you must self-educate using European or American courses, mostly online.
Here, in Ukraine, we still lack a clear understanding of what a technical writing is. At the same time, we have American or European companies in many branches that clearly understand the role of a technical writer. Occasionally, you may find a job description mentioning a "technical communication/technical writing degree."
I realized that to be a good professional and understand my work, I needed to find a course or degree. My journey began with a simple goal: to formalize and expand my knowledge in technical writing. Having worked in roles where I was already creating user documentation, I felt the need for a structured approach to learning.
So in 2023, I began searching for a program and discovered many options, primarily at US universities. But the problem was that they were mostly on site. I then discovered the online TCLoc course offered by Strasbourg University, which includes the TCTrainNet Program.
The flexibility of TCLoc and TCTrainNet was one of its strongest appeals. As a working professional, attending in-person classes was logistically challenging. The online format allowed me to study in my own time and pace without compromising depth or interactivity. At the same time, attending this online program is an excellent opportunity to gain a European education in the sphere where I have been working since 2008.
Of course, I had my doubts too. From the beginning, I had questions about my motivation. But here you can stay calm and enjoy the course. You have a tutor who controls the whole process, and you're not isolated because your tutor stays with you throughout the program. You can ask questions at any time.
The course is very well structured, and trainers provide timely and personalized feedback. The forums also allowed for interaction with peers from around the world, adding a layer of diversity to the learning experience that I hadn't anticipated.
The course not only met my expectations but exceeded them. It covers a lot of different topics, such as:
- Writing processes and documentation lifecycle
- Information architecture and controlled language
- Localization and translation workflows
- Legal requirements and standards
- Authoring tools and content management systems
- Visual communication and media integration
Also, it has a strong focus on international standards, which was particularly helpful for understanding how technical communication is evolving globally. The course is finalized with both an oral and written exam.
For anyone considering TCTrainNet, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It is not just a course – it is a gateway into a profession that is both intellectually satisfying and increasingly essential in our digital world. Whether you're transitioning from another field or looking to formalize your experience, this program provides the structure, support, and skills to help you succeed.