Re: Tech Writers as Project Mgrs.

["Nancy S. Burns" <nburns -at- NOAO -dot- EDU>]

I agree with Sue and Karla about tech writers' suitability for project
management. During my previous  job as tech writer (for a small
design/manufacturer of temperature control systems), the manager of
technical pubs was given the responsibility of heading a new product team.
She knew the technology cold, understood the processes of getting something
out the door, was well organized, worked well with team members, and had a
great sense of humor.  I know because I was a team member and saw her in
action. (You can believe that the documentation process went smoothly!)

I encourage any tech communicators who feel they can handle the fire to go
for project management.

>Sue Gallagher said:
>> My next mountain is project management. Who says a writer can't
>> lead a development team? Especially when it's and end-user
>> product with a complicated UI???

and Karla McMaster responded:

>I think project management is a logical extension of being a technical
>communicator. After all, project management, as I see it, is mainly a
>coordination job. It calls for someone who can speak to all members of the team
>and understand what's being said. It also calls for an organized individual who
>can lay out a logical course of action and adjust when the situation requires
>it. As I see it, most technical communicators are uniquely suited to this type
>of position.



Nancy S. Burns, Technical Writer
National Solar Observatory
Tucson, Arizona
e-mail:  nburns -at- noao -dot- edu
Telephone: 602-322-8574
FAX: 602-321-3400