[Fwd: Re: Will I be employable?]

[Erica <ericamhc -at- gmail -dot- com>]

Jennifer,

What I've noticed just within the area is that the technical writers 
I've worked with are often writing for IT, but do not have a background 
there.  That means a bigger learning curve for them.  I know my two 
colleagues at work are highly trained, excellent technical writers, yet 
only had one course in their degree in using computers.  While I can't 
speak to the technical writing market in general, I can say that more IT 
background would be invaluable if you do become a technical writer.  It 
seems clear that computers and the internet are here to stay.
I'm not sure certificates in programming, database design/admin, and web 
design, are necessary, but if you are interested in those topics it 
can't hurt either.  Personally I was a programmer and web 
developer/designer first.  I have certainly found this has helped me 
work with the developers and technical contacts in my company to take 
the technical specifications and translate them into user assistance 
guides.  This has made an immense difference towards my ability to 
understand concepts and programs quickly and easily.  It has also helped 
me extend my technical communicator duties to interface design and web 
design within the company, which is exciting for me.  However, if these 
topics aren't of exceptional interest to you, a few courses will still 
be very helpful.  Database design and programming for beginners are a 
good start.  Beyond that you may wish to pick up courses later when you 
have found a placement so you can focus right where your employer does - 
that helps it remain useful and applicable, and you can always take more 
courses later.

My impression is IT training is not absolutely necessary but very helpful.

Cheers,
Erica

A12-140
-- 

Cheers,
Erica
Technical Communicator, Budding User Experience Designer, Mama of Two Little Boys...
http://designingux.com

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