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> Specifically, I wanted to find out from you folks which of the two
> certificate programs I describe below would make the most sense for a
> technical writer who's heading off to a less industry-saturated area and
who
> entertains "high hopes" about telecommuting:
> 1.) A hands-on Windows 2000 systems administration course, in which one
> learns the ins and outs of installing the OS, and also how to configure
and
> troubleshoot aspects such as Active Directory, DNS, IP Routing, RAS,
etc.
> 2.) A course on creating dynamic web sites, the content of which is
> database-driven. Technologies used: ASP, XML, SQL, Perl, and javascript.
Both classes sound very good. Win2k knowledge is very useful since many
firms use Win2k as their server systems and knowing them helps you
communicate better with the techies. Relational database skills are also
extremely valuable. Both Windows NT/2000 and RDBMSs are what I consider
"base-technologies." Knowledge of these technologies has application in
many areas and industries.
Content knowledge is far more in demand than tool knowledge. Moreover,
your content skills open up other employment avenues. Perhaps you'll find
you like systems administration - now you can apply for both sys admin
jobs and tech writing jobs. The more tricks you can do, the more likely
you'll impress the gatekeeper, while the single-trick folks remain locked
out.
Also, remember that while some tech pubs managers might not be impressed
with your Win2K skills - somebody above the tech pubs manager will. Most
engineering managers aren't going to be impressed with your ability to
format paragraphs. They will, however, be impressed when you can
contribute some real technical insight to the project. Before you know it,
you'll be the new tech pubs manager and the style guide tyrant who was
there will be flipping burgers.
A landmark hotel, one of America's most beautiful cities, and
three and a half days of immersion in the state of the art:
IPCC 01, Oct. 24-27 in Santa Fe. http://ieeepcs.org/2001/
+++ Miramo -- Database/XML publishing automation. See us at +++
+++ Seybold SFO, Sept. 25-27, in the Adobe Partners Pavilion +++
+++ More info: http://www.axialinfo.comhttp://www.miramo.com +++
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