TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Career choice and degree From:Dave Prior <triton!dap -at- UUSTAR -dot- STARNET -dot- NET> Date:Wed, 12 Apr 1995 09:07:44 -0500
>Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 18:24:18 -0500
>From: Tammy Hale <tammyh -at- FGM -dot- COM>
>Subject: Career choice and degree
>I disagree with the thread that contends that less than expert level
>knowledge of a topic produces better documentation. The argument seems to
>be that because you have gaps in your knowledge, you can see things from
>the reader's point of view. . . .
>FWIW, I majored in English Lit, loved it, and do not regret it. However, I
>wish I had earned a second major in EE or CS; what a powerhouse I'd be!
I agree with Tammy and also majored in English Lit, loved it, and do not
regret it; I even minored in Philosophy! Then came 20 years in the Army
with a lot of plan writing/training/editing and time to pick up a MA in
Computer and Information Resource Management.
Current techwriting/training developoment position required my learning
about the company's software products, but with that background??? I was
soon an SME.
I guess the key is solid basic education; solid communication skills
(verbal and written); solid learning skills. An MA doesn't hurt!
]|||\|[o_<_/\
---------------------------------------
Dave Prior - Product Communications Specialist
STRATA Group
(314)770-9619
triton!dap -at- uustar -dot- starnet -dot- net
