Minimum requirements for technical writers

[David Hawkins <david -dot- hawkins -at- citrix -dot- com>]

If your organization has a technical writing or publications department,
what are your minimum requirements for new hires? I'm specifically
interested in the following:

	Is a college degree (BS or BA) required?
	Is a degree in a communications or a technical discipline required?
	Can work experience substitute for a degree? Is it more important
than a degree?
	Are non-native English speakers considered for writing English
documentation?
	Does one requirement affect the availability of candidates the most?
Or does pay scale or location have a greater effect?
		
Of course, organizations with several levels of writers are likely to have
several levels of requirements. I'm looking for the range of requirements
that organizations use, and why. The purpose of this is to test my
assumptions and learn from the experience of others. Reply on-list if you
think others are interested or privately if you prefer. 

David Hawkins
Senior Technical Writer, CiTR!X Systems Inc. 
1801 NW 49th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL USA 33309
(954) 229-6192 / david -dot- hawkins -at- citrix -dot- com
www.citrix.com


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