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My experience about Sr. Technical Writers from when I held the position and when I worked other Sr. Technical Writers is that understanding project management methodology is helpful. As I have said to some extent in previous posts, project management is popular in my town. Senior Technical Writers also seem drawn to PMI certification from what I've seen.
I like project management because it is very helpful for keeping projects and tasks on track. Managing one's own work is simple enough when there are few projects, but in a senior position, you will likely need to monitor the work of others and project management puts the monitoring on the tasks, rather than the people. This is helpful when a person is unable to complete a task or project because it will make delegation and task reassignment a little more manageable, so that you do not wind up doing all of the the work that other people may not be able to complete.
Lauren
________________________________
From: techwr-l-bounces+lt34=csus -dot- edu -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com on behalf of Michelle Vina-Baltsas
Sent: Thu 10/18/2007 10:20 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Just promoted to Sr. TW!
Hello all,
I'm happy to report that I've just been promoted to Sr. Technical Writer!
It's been a long time coming and I'm very pleased. My new job description
is somewhat vague because we're in a slight transition phase right now.
We're considering moving to XML, are in the process of implementing a CMS,
and are also embarking on writing documentation for a whole new product
line. The Tech Pubs department I'm in has a manager and two other
full-time TW's, plus one TW contractor.
I've discussed my new position with the department manager and she has
described the position as "managing the day-to-day activities of the other
TW's". Since this is the first Sr. writer in the group, we agree that
it's going to take some time to adequately describe the position.
How would the other Sr. Tech Writers out there describe their positions?
Are you still writing a lot?
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Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
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