Re: MA in Tech Writing?

[Paul Contursi <pcon -at- PIPELINE -dot- COM>]

I've been working actively in the technical writing field for
the past 14 years (11 as a permanent staffer and 3 as a
consultant). Your desire for another sheepskin is admirable but
there is not substitute for experience in the real world. If I
were you, I'd shoot for the Masters program only if I could get
a grant or an extremely low-interest loan to fund it. In my
opinion, getting more experience under your belt would be far
more beneficial.

DavidaL423 -at- aol -dot- com () wrote:



>Hello Everyone:

>A university recently accepted me into its MA in
>Technical and Business  Writing program.  The
>university is well-known and respected in my area.  I
>already have a graduate-level Technical Writing
>certificate (and plenty of  outrageous college loans to
>go with it :)!).

>I was wondering what the pros and cons were for
>continuing into a Master's  program.  Would it help me
>advance further in my career (aka: make it easier  to
>get a higher paying Technical Writing job) or would it
>make little or no  difference?

>I would like to have an MA for personal reasons
>(prestige, etc..).  However,  since grad schools are
>expensive, I need to be able to directly benefit
>professionally and economically from having an MA.  I
>would appreciate any  advice on this matter.

>Sincerely, David

>NB:  Please forgive any typos, grammar mistakes, etc...
> I just got home from
>a _very_ long day at work (one hour commute...yucko!)
>and feel lucky that I  can even spell my name at this
>point! :)