Re: New tech writer employment tips?

[Glen Warner <gdwarner -at- ricochet -dot- net>]

jmoser -at- lexmark -dot- com wrote:

> Glenn wrote:

'Glen,' actually ....

> The problem I forsee:  most of the programmer/writer positions seem 
to
> require 3 years experience before they'll even look at you (at least,
> that's how it seems up here in the Pacific North Wet) ... so if I
> finish this program, will I be employable?  :o\
> 
> I think many companies post jobs with experience stipulations just 
to scare
> away most entry-level job seekers. 

(*snip*)

Actually, I did run into one position that required that you have some 
time in the field of tech writing, and "be able to read" code (C++, in 
this case).  No specifications for how long you have to have been able 
to read the code, in this case.

> I believe your attitude determines much about how potential 
employers view 
> you.

Possibly, possibly ....

> Thanks for posting the information about your school. I've wanted to 
learn
> some other languages. I like that these classes approach the
> languages from a writer's perspective.

When I took the "C++ For Technical Writers" class a year or so ago, it 
was taught by a husband and wife team:  she, the tech writer, and he, 
the programmer.  Alas, a deadline loomed, and she had to disappear for 
the last half of the class ... so we got taught by a programmer!  
Tough one.

The "Overview of Computer Programming" class discussed various 
numbering systems, etc., and thoroughly confused most of the class.  I 
was able to explain the basics of binary counting to a pair of young 
ladies behind me by wiggling the fingers of one hand and explaining 
that 8-4-2-1 thing.

They got it.

I hear the class is still leaving people in the dark ... I'll have to 
ask one of the students to get me a copy of the syllabus ... and see 
if I can fix that.

Should be fun ....

--gdw
> 
> Jeff

"The future will be better tomorrow." 
--Dan Quayle (How's that for a blast from the past?)



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