Making myself marketable

[Kathleen Padova <kpadova -at- ASICENTRAL -dot- COM>]

Eric asked:


With that in mind,  what do _you_ do to increase your
marketability and potential for a newer, better, more
satisfying position, either at your current employer
 or elsewhere? Or, what should certain of your co-workers, ex-managers,or
 current and former employees consider to make themselves more valuable in the
 marketplace?

 ******

 I started, but never finished, an undergraduate degree in Techinical and
 Science Communication (after going though several other majors). Hasn't hurt me
 a bit. More employers want to know how long I've been writing and what tools I
 can use. I think I would scream if I had to sit through another tech writing
 class.

 At my current job, I have identified about a half dozen areas that could
 benefit by someone learning more about the tool, process, etc. Since working
 here I have begun to learn about Help Desks and Knowledge Bases. As our company
 grows, we have discovered problems keeping everyone involved in a project up to
 date. I suggested and am now implementing a communication structure for each
 project. (Sounds impressive; but it's just a ton of writing). Basically, no one
 else wants to deal with it; so they are thrilled that I am.

 In the middle of the certification thread (Thread, Heck! It's a whole darn
 skein!), someone posted a question about FrameMaker/SGML courses. That gave me
 an idea to see about getting "certified" to teach FrameMaker (if that's at all
 possible).

 I also like the idea of learning management skills.

 I purchased a ton-o-books (my company paid for half), most of which were
 recommended by TECHWR-L posters (thanks!). Once in awhile, I actually get a
 chunk of time to read them.

 Someone posted a question about how we keep on top of the lastest technology
 and tools of our profession and still have a life. I find it a challenge. In
 order to learn about how HTMLHelp might fit into our documentation
 deliverables, I've had to go back and start learning HTML and stuff about Java
 and Active X 'cause half the postings and articles I read don't make any sense
 to me. It also helps that I never felt that I had a life <g).

 I offer to help other departments if they need me to pound on a document they
 are writing. Sometimes it seems like they just need a proof reader, other times
 I get involved in the document structure and message. Because of this, I've
 been asked to assist in client proposals.

 I always used to be passive and rarely spoke up or asserted myself. I have no
 idea where I got the *spunk* but I have made myself known by getting ideas and
 not being afraid to speak them. It's actually getting me places.

 My 2 cents,

 Kathleen Padova
 kpadova -at- millstar -dot- com

 My opinions, not Millstar's.

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