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: Certification: My Personal Survey From:Eric Haddock <ehaddock -at- ENGAGENET -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 13 Jun 1997 14:26:28 -0500
I had gut reactions to two things mentioned:
1. Certification is what defines a profession, not only who has the skills but
what the skills are and what contribution they make to industry and society.
I'm sorry--I do _not_ need a piece of paper to tell others what I contribute
to society. That's the most snobbish, grandiose, myopic statement I've heard in
months.
2. Certification not only encourages preparation before entering a field but
also a continual development of professional skills.
What? How does certification _encourage_ someone to participate? Who chooses
a field because there's certification for it? I can just imagine giving a
career day lecture at a high school. What would be the reaction if I said: "And
you have to get a certificate before you can become a technical writer. It may
cost as much as $1000?" What about if I gave that lecture at a university? Oh
boy, more studying. More hoops, and of course, more expense that I would guess
financial aid wouldn't cover.
Certification _encouraging_ people to enter our field? How? Why?
TECHWR-L (Technical Communication) List Information: To send a message
to 2500+ readers, e-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot- Send commands
to LISTSERV -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU (e.g. HELP or SIGNOFF TECHWR-L).
Search the archives at http://www.documentation.com/ or search and
browse the archives at http://listserv.okstate.edu/archives/techwr-l.html