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Subject:What's my next step? From:craig -dot- cardimon -at- att -dot- net To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Mon, 04 Nov 2002 22:50:37 +0000
Hello All,
I've read your postings via the listserv at http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/and was wondering if you would be kind enough
to offer some suggetions.
Here's some background. I was laid off from my job as a Web programmer last
March. It took me six long months of hard work to land my current gig. I'm
working as a temp, doing inventory control. It's not in my industry, but I am
working on a computer, learning Lotus Notes, Lotus 1-2-3, and Microsoft Access.
I'm also paying the bills, which is what matters most right now.
However, I would like to gradually move into technical writing. I have a BS in
biology and a Technical Writing Certificate (never "used"), an MA in English,
newspaper reporting experience, and several years' experience in Web
programming.
I used to work at a small online database company. I was the one who actually
programmed the majority of the databases (flat-file), but none of my procedures
were written down. Before I left, I wrote down everything I did. I documented
where all the scripts and programs were located, how to run the scripts and
programs to process the data, and how to post the flat-file databases on our
parent company's website. I kept a copy of all this information in a binder. As
I had only two weeks to finish it, this porfolio is not beautifully done. It's
quick and dirty.
In my inventory control position, I'm writing documentation for previously
undocumented procedures. I'm develping a folder full of notes I'd like to make
into a portfolio.
Where do I go from here? I'm a bit stymied as to how to start moving toward
tech writing.
Thank you for listening,
Craig Cardimon
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