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.
Subject:RE: Biomed - Wave of the Future - Evolve? From:"Oja, W. Kelly" <w -dot- kelly -dot- oja -at- verizon -dot- com> To:TECHWR-L <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 9 Sep 2003 10:44:16 -0500
Dan and Mike presented points that I can really relate to. Although this
is only my third tech writing job since getting out of school, in each
of the three positions I would not consider myself an expert in the
three different fields.
The first company was in the financial sector writing materials for
stock brokers, commodities traders, etc. Although I have immediate and
extended family in that very field, I had only limited knowledge. But
the company was looking for someone to revise their user manual. I fit
the need for the term they needed me and the tern I needed them for
because I also used this job for meeting my internship requirements for
my degree.
The second company I had worked for before going back to college, and I
will admit that I had somewhat of an inside track for the position and
had knowledge on what I would be writing about. Again I fit the need for
the 3-month assignment.
My current assignment is in the telecommunications industry, but I write
procedures for the technicians. I have some background on the ins and
outs of how everything works from the Cisco Networking classes I took 4
years ago, but nothing compared to the techs that wrote the original
documentation. Again, the company needed someone that could write, and
again... You guessed it, I fit the bill.
I have always had the ability to adapt quickly, but does that mean I
could successfully be a tech writer in the biomed field? I don't know,
but I feel I could make one heck of a good try. I have always felt that
anything in life can be accomplished with a positive attitude and some
determination.
IMHO, I lean toward the camp that believes knowing how to write comes
ahead of knowing what you are writing about. Gaining more knowledge of
the subject matter will come with every word written.
And as Dennis Miller says, "Of course that is just my opinion. I could
be wrong."
W. Kelly Oja
Verizon Airfone
Verizon Airfone JetConnect (SM) now with email
Inflight e-mail, Instant Messaging, and more...
