Why Technical Writing Skills Are Non-Negotiable in Today’s Professional World

LinkedIn Article: May 13, 2025

Student Engineering Notebooks

From Engineering Reports to AI Prompt Engineering—Clarity Is King

In every career rooted in technology, architecture, or engineering, communication is just as critical as design. While we often prioritize technical competencies like CAD, prototyping, or analysis, one foundational skill is frequently underemphasized: technical writing.

Whether you're drafting an email, compiling a project proposal, building a résumé, or prompting AI tools, your ability to write clearly, concisely, and purposefully is what elevates your work—and your career.

Why Technical Writing Belongs in High School Curriculum

Starting early is key. High school students in STEM, architecture, and engineering pathways need to develop professional communication skills before they enter college or the workforce. Embedding technical writing into design and engineering courses allows students to:

• Communicate design intent and document process

• Write formal reports, reflections, and proposals

• Learn industry-aligned documentation and communication formats

• Gain confidence in written expression, essential for collaboration and leadership

By introducing these skills early, we prepare students not just for academic success—but for long-term career adaptability.

What Is Technical Writing?

Technical writing is more than manuals and memos. It is the translation of complex information into understandable, actionable language—adapted to a specific audience and goal.

In architecture and engineering, this includes: 

• Design documentation

• Professional correspondence and emails

• Project briefs and proposals 

• Research summaries and reports 

• Résumés, portfolios, and cover letters 

• AI prompts and tool instructions 

These aren't just academic exercises—they’re daily professional requirements.

Core Elements of Effective Technical Writing

1. Clarity – Logical, structured, and free of jargon

2. Concision – Focused, with no unnecessary fluff

3. Accuracy – Technically correct and properly referenced

4. Audience Awareness – Tailored to users, clients, or collaborators

5. Purpose-Driven – Designed to inform, instruct, or persuade

The AI Connection: Prompt Engineering as a New Technical Skill

One modern application of technical writing is AI prompt engineering—guiding tools like ChatGPT, generative design platforms, and data analysis models through clear, structured instructions. Prompting AI successfully requires the same skills as technical writing:

• Clarity in task description

• Concise direction

• Logical sequencing

• Well-defined goals and outputs

This is an emerging skill that should be integrated into high school STEM education alongside other digital tools.

Professional Payoff

Those who master technical writing can: 

• Communicate across interdisciplinary teams 

• Write compelling portfolios and résumés

• Lead documentation-heavy processes with ease 

• Use AI tools to streamline workflows 

• Adapt quickly in careers driven by precision and clarity

Conclusion: Write Like a Pro, Lead with Precision

As educators and mentors, technical writing instruction into STEM, architecture, and engineering curricula, at the very latest, begins in high school. Students who can express complex ideas with clarity and confidence are better equipped to succeed in college, internships, and professional practice.

Are you integrating technical writing into your program? I’d love to connect, collaborate, and share resources!