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Subject:RE: Where did you get your feet wet From:"Joe Malin" <jmalin -at- tuvox -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Tue, 7 Jun 2005 10:50:52 -0700
Better late than never!
I started out as a software engineer, then went into product management.
While I was at a large company, I was offered the chance to write
tutorials for a product. As I was doing it, I noticed that the product
documentation was really hard to follow. At the same time, they proposed
moving me from a very senior-level product management position to a
"starting" tech writer position. I was burned out from PM, so I said
yes.
I soon discovered that I did *not* know how to write well. Engineers who
believe that "anyone can write" should take this to heart: You can learn
to write well, but you do *not* start out that way.
I was lucky. I was given the chance to transition within my company. My
company does really good documentation, and I received a tremendous
education. My company paid for me to get my technical writing
certificate. I don't work there any more, but I value my experiences
there.
I think that if you are a writer and you want to do technical writing,
you should get a technical education that is at least close to the field
you want to be in. For example, if you're going to document a Windows
software application, take an introductory programming course or a
Microsoft Windows certification course.
If you're an engineer or other technical professional who wants to
explore tech writing, *get your technical writing certificate*.
Whoever you are, *continue your education*. You will inevitably succeed
as a tech writer if you nurture your curiosity.
Joe
| -----Original Message-----
| From: bounce-techwr-l-216553 -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
| [mailto:bounce-techwr-l-216553 -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf
| Of Carrie Baker
| Sent: Monday, June 06, 2005 12:32 AM
| To: TECHWR-L
| Subject: Where did you get your feet wet
|
|
| I took a five month course in technical writing.
| I also have a degree in English litertature and a teaching
| certificate.
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