RE: The "Perfect" Course of Study for a Technical Writer

["Leonard C. Porrello" <Leonard -dot- Porrello -at- SoleraTec -dot- com>]

I would add a poetry course or two. Seriously. Reading and trying to write poetry is unsurpassed for honing ones ability to write with precision and conciseness.

Leonard

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+leonard -dot- porrello=soleratec -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+leonard -dot- porrello=soleratec -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Karen
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 5:52 PM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: The "Perfect" Course of Study for a Technical Writer

I was thinking what the "perfect" technical writing degree would consist of so that students would be the most marketable post-college. Then, I decided to ask what you could include in a list for a curriculum, certificate, or self-study to be prepared to enter or re-enter the job force. Obviously, the writing and communication skills are paramount; however, when I got my degree, the technology was not even available.

Here's my list:

Writing Coursework:
* English Composition/Grammar (all the complete basics)
* Technical Writing
     - Policy and Procedures
     - Manuals and User Guides
* Editing
* Scientific Writing
* Marketing Writing (Advertising/PR)
* Business Communication & Report Writing
* Learning Theory

Business Coursework:
* Marketing
* Small Business Ownership
* Business Analysis (Including UML and other diagramming of processes)
* Project Mananagement

Technology
* Microsoft Office (Including Access & Visio)
* Pure HTML, CSS, Javascript (not WYSIWYG)
* Introductory Programming (C++, Java, etc)
* Publishing (Structured FrameMaker)
* Web Development (Dreamweaver, Flash, etc)
* XML/DITA
* CBT/eLearning Tools (Captivate, Camtasia, Authorware, Director, Others???)
* Online Help Tools (such as RoboHelp, Help & Manual, AuthorIT)
* Graphics (Illustrator, etc)

Also, consider what you think new graduates are lacking when entering the work force.

Can anyone else contribute to this list?


Karen
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ekarenbowen
  Yahoo IM: ekarenbowen -at- yahoo -dot- com  MSN IM: ekarenbowen -at- msn -dot- com  AOL IM: ekarenmariebowen
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

ComponentOne Doc-To-Help gives you everything you need to author and 
publish quality Help, Web, and print content. Perfect for technical 
authors, developers, and policy writers. Download a FREE trial.
http://www.componentone.com/DocToHelp/

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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