Re: entering the tech writer field

[Daryl Poole <dpoole -at- nch -dot- com>]

I am on digest, so this is a day late, but it is in response to Chris' post:

<snip>
Three years ago, I joined this list as a lurker and learned (even cataloged)
information as a stepping stone to understand the "lingo".  With that
information, I realized by publishing anything (i.e., in my case, I wrote a
newsletter), volunteer or otherwise, I could build my resume and writing
samples.  I also (big controversial topic) took an online Technical Writing
Certificate course where I learned specifically how creative writing and
technical writing differ (i.e., presentation, content, style and tone, etc.,
etc., etc).

If you're really interested in becoming a Technical Writer, you should read,
listen, research as much as possible about the field.  Demonstrate your
tenacity
to prospective employers.  There are also tons of creative ways to learn
about
technology in any form: night classes, Dummie (et.al.) books that include
trial
program CD ROMS, books, books, books. Pick up a manual and study it. 
</snip>

I was a tech writer at a bank many, many years ago before we had tools, but
my career path took an unexpected turn into operations and management. After
taking ten years off to raise my family, I was lucky enough to get hired a
year ago as the lone documentation specialist in an IT shop for a global
manufacturing and sales company based on my past experience and my writing
skills. I have been continuously reading and studying as much as I can while
working, but I would like to get an "official" Technical Writing Certificate
and want to do it online. 

I know that many of you don't believe it is necesary, but I want to do it
both because I always need to know as much detail as I can about anything
I'm interested in and also to find out what I don't even know I don't know
(ya know). I would appreciate it very much if those of you who have personal
experience would please tell me what online TW course you took, and what you
liked/didn't like about it. 

As stated, I'm on digest so you can reply offlist. TIA.

Regards,

Daryl Poole
IT Documentation Specialist
972.438.0988
dpoole -at- nch -dot- com


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