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.
> What exactly is Microsoft Certification, and how would a tech writer use
it?
Its a series of technical tests on Windows technology, systems networking,
and system administration. There are numerous paths you can take - such as
becoming an MCDBA, a Microsoft Certified Database Administrator. See http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices for more information.
MCSE certification among tech writers is virtually non-existent. I was
certified in 1996, but I have to renew my certifications this year.
Honestly, I am the only tech writer I have ever known who is Microsoft
certified.
The knowledge I learned from being Microsoft certified is tremendously
valuable. Not only has it propelled me into other jobs (network security
namely), but my writing and my ability to learn complex software systems
increased significantly. I also was able to land jobs with clients much
easier. Many engineers were shocked that a technical writer would be
Microsoft certified. It helped earn the respect of engineers quickly.
ANY technical certification is valuable. It is 100 times more valuable
than ANY writing certification. If you want the big money and the big
opportunities - you need tech skills.
> I am very interested in what others on this list have to say about
training
> that is useful for TW (conferences, etc.) as I do get a training
allowance
> and want to use it wisely.
I stopped going to tech writing conferences in 1996 - and since then my
income and writing capability has only risen. I don't think that is a
direct result of not going to conferences - but it is a direct result of
refocusing my career. I stopped focusing on my writing skills (and hence
avoided most tech writing conferences) and started working on my
technology skills.
It paid off, well.
Andrew Plato
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