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.
Have we all forgotten we all had to start somewhere? I once was in the
position of getting a lucky break when entering our profession. I was at the
receiving end of a lot of crap because I was the "f---king newbie".
Fortunately, there was one person who gave me some latitude. So I gained
some badly needed professional experience. She admonished me that some day I
would be in the position of "been there, done that, and have the T-shirt to
prove it", but I should be helpful instead of showing professional
arrrogance.
I worked with two summer students in the last three years. They were as
green as grass and seemly "as dumb as a sack of hammers". Both I and they
survived the experience. More to my learning than theirs.
Regards,
Joel Coates
Frontier Communication Ltd.
Calgary, Alberta Canada