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I was already a technical writer when Gateway started the program in the
late 80s. As a graduate of a different Gateway program I already had all of
the core general education requirements met as well as courses that would
satisfy optional requirements. That left the core technical writing courses.
My experience gave me enough knowledge to test out of a few of those courses
and I enrolled in the program and took the rest. As a result of my advanced
standing, I was the very first graduate out of that program in 1991.
Since then, I've served twice as a member of the curriculum committee and
can tell you that it's a very good program and that Dick Gage, who runs the
program is an excellent instructor and extremely dedicated to making it the
best possible program. He's worked with many businesses and technical
writers to make sure that the curriculum gives students what they need to be
successful in the field. Every student must complete a one-semester
internship to get some real-world experience. If you have any questions
about the program, drop Dick an email (gaged -at- gateway -dot- tec -dot- wi -dot- us) and I'm sure
he'll be happy to answer.
Having said that, every job or contract assignment I've ever held has had
"Bachelor's Degree" as one of the requirements. But what's gotten me the job
was experience. An Associate Degree in Technical Communication is a great
starting point. It should get you in the door with companies who are in the
market for entry-level technical writers or with companies who want a
technical writer at the lowest possible salary. It's not going to get you a
job as a senior technical writer... you've gotta have experience to get
there. Remember, all job descriptions as seen on Monster, Dice, etc. are
wish lists. What they ask for and what they're willing to accept are two
different things.
With respect to credits transferring to the University of Wisconsin system,
that may be a little dicey... a few credits may transfer but make sure you
know what will and what won't before proceeding. I have heard that almost
all credits from the technical communication program at Gateway will
transfer to Milwaukee School of Engineering
(http://www.msoe.edu/gen_st/tc/2+2TC.shtml), which has a Bachelor's Degree
program in Technical Communication. However, I have not researched that.
MSOE is a highly respected engineering school in Milwaukee.
Mike
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----- Original Message -----
Message: 12
Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2007 08:47:55 -0500
From: "dlang -at- terracom -dot- net" <dlang -at- terracom -dot- net>
Subject: Associate Degree in Technical Communications
Greetings,
I am an experienced technical writer but currently lack a degree.
Since this college is part of a vocational/technical group, some or all of
the credits will most likely transfer to the Wisconsin state college system
later. (I'm verifying this)
My question to the group: in your experience, how marketable is an
associate degree? Most of the job postings I've seen for tech writers have
required at least a Bachelor's degree.
My areas of specialization include software documentation and instructional
material design, but I am considering transitioning to marketing
communications.
Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide,
Dixie Lang
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