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: I want to be a tech writer From:David Demyan <concord -at- IX -dot- NETCOM -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 17 Jul 1995 06:29:27 -0700
Bonni Graham wrote:
>Dave demyan makes a number of good points (although I don't think Gwen
>was being as negative as he paints her being and I CERTAINLY don't
>think she was being discouraging), but in the spirit of encouraging
>beginning tech writers, I feel I need to correct one of his
statements:
>><snip> We all know the
>>basics: Good BA/BS, data processing or other technical specialty,
>>MA in technical writing or composition, and forget the PhD for now.
> ^^
>These are not necessarily "the basics". A good BA/BS will help, but,
>depending on the comapny you want to work for, and the area of TW you
>want to go into, it doesn't necessarily need to be in a technical
>specialty.
(snip)
Bonnie is absolutely right. I misspoke here and, now that I have had
time to review my post, recognize that as a mistake. My own feeling
(being too old to have graduated from any Tech Writing MA myself) is in
complete accord with Bonni: there are many ways and many degrees useful
in getting into the technical writing profession.
Dave Demyan *** Mendem Concord, Inc.
(908) 753-8500 *** One Mountain Blvd.
concord -at- ix -dot- netcom -dot- com *** Warren, NJ 07059
FAX: (908) 754-8224
