The field of technical communication is in a weird place right now. Can a technical communication graduate degree help?
As a field, we’re more in demand than ever, but the demands themselves are changing. Companies want us to be experts in everything from UX to content strategy to project management, all while keeping up with emerging technologies like AI.
But here’s the problem: our field has never really had a consistent, streamlined path for professional growth. Sure, you can find certifications or training modules for specific skills. You can attend conferences. You can do your own research.
But a lot of technical communicators I talk to feel stuck. They’re experts in writing or editing or usability testing, but they’re not sure how to move into leadership roles. They’re not sure how to position themselves as strategic assets within their organizations. And they’re not sure how to gain the credibility they need to make real change.
The Big Challenges Facing Technical Communication Today
So, what are the main challenges? Here’s what I’m seeing:
Lack of Clear Career Paths: Our field doesn’t have the same well-defined growth paths you see in engineering or business. It’s harder to say, “Here’s what you need to do to get promoted.”
AI Integration: AI is changing how we work, whether we like it or not. From automated content generation to predictive analytics, companies are expecting technical communicators to adapt and integrate these tools into their workflows.
Content Strategy Demands: More organizations are finally understanding the value of content strategy, but that also means they expect technical communicators to deliver on complex, large-scale projects that require interdisciplinary knowledge.
Leadership Gaps: Many technical communicators are stuck in mid-level positions, unable to break through to managerial or executive roles.
Skill Creep: We’re being asked to do more with less. Not only are we expected to be excellent writers and communicators, but also data analysts, project managers, and UX specialists.
How a Graduate Degree Can Help
This is where a graduate degree in technical communication management can make a real difference.
I’ve seen it happen over and over again: technical communicators with the right training and credentials have more authority in the workplace. They’re more likely to be trusted with leadership roles, and they’re better equipped to advocate for themselves and their teams.
Here’s how a program like Mercer’s M.S. in Technical Communication Management can help:
- Focused Leadership Training: Instead of piecing together skills from disparate sources, you get a structured curriculum designed specifically to build management and leadership skills for technical communicators.
- AI Integration Training: Programs that are staying current (and Mercer’s is one of them) will teach you how to leverage AI tools ethically and effectively, instead of being blindsided by them.
- Networking Opportunities: You get access to faculty and alumni who are working in the industry and can offer mentorship, advice, and job connections.
- A Credential That Opens Doors: Like it or not, credentials matter. Having a master’s degree in technical communication management adds weight to your resume and helps you break through career plateaus.
Final Thoughts
The field is evolving. You can either evolve with it or get left behind. A graduate degree isn’t the only way to advance, but it’s a proven one. And if you’re feeling stuck, it might be exactly what you need to push your career to the next level.
Want to know more about Mercer’s M.S. in Technical Communication Management? Check it out here.