To the technical communicators reading this—your profession is not dying. It’s evolving. And with the right tools, the best is yet to come.
In 1953, at the dawn of the technical revolution, a group of forward-thinking professionals gathered in Washington, D.C. to establish the Society for Technical Communication (STC). Born in an era of emerging technical documentation needs—when aerospace, computing, and industrial technologies were rapidly expanding—the STC represented more than just an organization. It was a beacon for professionals transforming complex technical information into clear, accessible language.
For decades, STC stood as the premier organization for technical communicators. Its annual conferences, journals, and certification programs were considered the gold standard. However, the digital revolution would soon challenge its traditional model.
On February 3, 2025, the Society for Technical Communication (STC), a 72-year-old institution, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, ceasing operations immediately. The decision didn’t come out of nowhere. One of the reasons was the steady decline in the membership: it dropped by over 30% in a decade, while operational costs (e.g., conferences, certification programs) outpaced revenue. Attempts to cut costs and pivot to digital offerings fell short.
At the same time, STC missed the opportunity to go global. It remained heavily focused on North America, despite the rapid growth of technical communication in Asia, particularly India. Its pricing models, certification requirements, and conference locations were inaccessible to professionals in emerging markets.
For further reading, explore the STC Bankruptcy FAQ or the LinkedIn analysis by Peter Yorke.
The closure sparks reflection: Is this a sign of stagnation in technical communication, or a failure of legacy institutions to evolve?
Is Technical Writing Dying?
Well, fortunately, no, the fall of STC doesn’t really mean that. Contrary to fears of obsolescence, the technical writing profession is thriving and actually evolving. There’s about 7% of annual growth in technical writing jobs, with median salary increasing due to specialized skills and expanding opportunities in emerging markets (India, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe).
The ecosystem is shifting to help connect the people all over the world via decentralized communities, with the accent on remote communication and collaboration. The technical writers now prioritize affordability and flexibility over rigid, membership-driven organizations.
At the same time, the industry calls for specialists to adapt as well, creating new demands such as staying current with advancements in AI and natural language processing or mastering content strategies. Depending on the product, technical writers nowadays often need a certain level of technical proficiency, including coding basics (HTML, Markdown), a clear understanding of AI tools and CMS platforms, and familiarity with UX and design principles. Soft skills — particularly adaptability, cross-cultural collaboration, and teamwork — remain equally critical.
Emerging Professions in Technical Communication
AI Documentation Specialist
This role has emerged to address the need to document AI systems, training data, model deployment, and ethical guidelines.
Demand: High.
AI adoption across industries (e.g., healthcare, finance, SaaS) requires clear documentation for developers and end-users. For example, 47% of organizations prioritize AI governance, creating demand for specialists who can translate technical AI processes into accessible content.
Evolution from Technical Writing: Requires skills in AI tool proficiency (e.g., prompt engineering) and data-driven content optimization. AI Documentation Specialists now curate AI-generated drafts, refine outputs for accuracy, and ensure compliance with ethical standards.
Product Experience Writer
Product-led companies (e.g., SaaS platforms) increasingly hire writers to craft in-product content like onboarding guides, tooltips, and error messages that reduce user churn.
Demand: Growing.
As businesses prioritize user retention, the product-led organizations are expanding teams to enhance in-app experiences. Freelance opportunities in this niche are also rising due to its underserved status.
Evolution from Technical Writing: Moves beyond static documentation to dynamic, user-centric content embedded within products. Combines technical clarity with UX writing principles to guide users through workflows.
Technical Content Strategist
This role is well-established, with content strategy now recognized as critical for aligning technical documentation with business goals.
Demand: Very High.
The content marketing industry is projected to grow at a 16.01% compound annual growth rate, driving demand for strategists who can manage editorial calendars, SEO, and multi-channel campaigns.
Evolution from Technical Writing: Requires cross-disciplinary skills in data analytics, UX design, and AI tool integration. Technical writers now oversee content ecosystems rather than single documents.
Localization Technical Writer
Globalization and multilingual content needs (e.g., for EU compliance) have solidified this role.
Demand: Steady Growth. Companies expanding into international markets require localization experts to adapt technical content culturally and linguistically. Because, even though there are quick and effective AI tools to assist in scaling multilingual content today, human oversight remains critical for nuance.
Evolution from Technical Writing: Builds on traditional technical writing but adds expertise in translation tools (e.g., CAT software) and cultural adaptation.
Surviving Communities: Alternatives to STC
If you plan to evolve professionally, not only you need to learn and develop new skills in general, but participate in the community. Here are a few of our choices.
| Organization | Key Differentiators | Geography |
| Write the Docs | Free Slack communities, global meetups (Prague, Portland), focus on inclusivity. | Global |
| Tekom Europe | Europe-centric, emphasizes standardization and certification. | Europe |
| Australian Society for Technical Communication (ASTC) | Partners with platforms like ClickHelp for training; regional focus. | Australia |
| American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) | Specializes in medical writing; offers niche certifications. | Global (U.S.-centric) |
| IEEE ProComm | Integrates technical communication with engineering; academic research focus. | Global |
| Content Strategy Alliance | Targets UX writers and content designers; emphasis on digital-first strategies. | Global |
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The demise of traditional institutions like STC is not a sign of professional extinction, but a clear signal of transformation. Technical writing is becoming more dynamic and more integral to global communication than ever before.
The future belongs to those who can adapt quickly, learn continuously, and blend technical expertise with human creativity.
We at ClickHelp are ready to walk with you through each step of this evolution. As a cloud-based documentation platform built for the new era of technical communication, we offer collaborative tools, AI-powered features, and flexible workflows that are suited not only for traditional technical writing but for these modern specializations as well. Our platform transforms how teams create, manage, and publish technical content—breaking down silos and enabling true global collaboration.
Start your free 14-day trial today and discover how we can empower your documentation team to thrive in the new chapter of technical communication.
Good luck with your technical writing!
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