TC as a job vs. profession

[David Dubin <David_Dubin -at- NOTES -dot- PW -dot- COM>]

In response to Ann Halsey's questions, my opinion is the following:

"Do you think STC (or some other "official" body) should
 be certifying technical communications professionals?"

To me, certification implies that an individual has met a certain set of
requirements/standards that has been determined by a specific oversight body
for a specific reason. I can understand why doctors, pharmacists, lawyers,
and other such people must be certified, but I cannot see where a requirement
could be relevant to technical communications.

" - Is TC a profession, or just a job?"

Again, this is only my opinion, but I think it is both (I am practicing to
become a politician). I say this because a profession is defined as, "a
calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic
preparation." However, how many of us, in this field, have degrees, but do
not communicate well? How many of us are excellent communicators, but have no
degree?

To me the separation is the degree of commitment one puts into the creation
of the most perfect product of which they are capable and on continuing to
learn and grow within the field. For anyone who delivers less, it must only
be a job.


"- Given the wide range of "stuff" we do as TCers, how
   would/should certification work?"

Before we worry about how it would work, it is more important to concern
ourselves with the responsibilities of the oversight body, and the reason(s)
certification would be required in the first place. It must be more than just
being able to add a few letters after our names. Would we be certified so
that the public knows we are trustworthy, knowledgeable, and "professional"?
Do the terms "real estate agent" or "insurance broker" bring to mind the
adjectives I just mentioned? Why not, these people are "certified".

Certification must serve a specific purpose that will benefit both society
and the profession. If anyone can come up with a few good purposes, I'll
support certification.


This has been one person's opinion, your's are as valid as mine.

david