TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Value of Writing Degree From:Nancy Hayes <nancyh -at- PMAFIRE -dot- INEL -dot- GOV> Date:Fri, 11 Aug 1995 16:52:06 GMT
>I was recently going to school, pursuing a professional writing degree,
>until I decided to take a full time job doing software documentation. I
>have a chemical engineering degree and three years work experience in
>that field. My question is: Would it be of any value to me to get my
>degree in professional writing at night (I have 8 classes left) or is
>work experience and a portfolio more important. Thanks for any input
>you can give me.
Finish the degree. Eight classes isn't even three full classes. And it
has the same value as any other degree, your chem engineering one
included: it's "proof" to some uptight, degree-snobbish, manager that
you had the guts to finish something difficult. Both degrees, combined
with your experience in software, will be invaluable.
Nancy Hayes (nancyh -at- pmafire -dot- inel -dot- gov)