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I have studied the history of the professionalization of
physicians, nurses, lawyers, engineers, and the like. Each
reached a period of transition, such as that evidenced by
the recent discussions on the list. The issues that are
coming up in the technical writing/information management
field are the same ones that came up in those other, now
licensed professions: training, degrees, work experience,
life experience, certification. The debates that ensued
in those professions were approached with the same dichotomy
of cool logic and impassioned arguments that have shown up
on this list. Such a juncture can be difficult,
uncomfortable, and unsettling. It can also be exciting,
enlightening and exhilarating. That tech writing appears to
be at that juncture qualifies it to be referred to as "a
young profession."
Because we are having these debates does not mean that
professional standards, degree requirements, and certifications
are inevitable in our field. However, as in those other professions,
when more people enter a field, and the work becomes more imperative
and visible, higher levels of attainment and stiffer requirements
slowly become the norm. This does not negate thousands of years of
occupational history, nor does it ignore the vast experience of those
who came before. The evolution of a line of work into a profession
can ultimately lead to increased recognition, respect and remuneration
for its participants.
One common denominator in those areas listed above is that
the process of professionalization was carried out within each
area, and by the practitioners of each of those occupations.
As regards technical communication, let the debate rage on--because it
is timely, because it is relevant. The arguments and discussions, no
matter how uncomfortable, will help us define what we want to be, where
we want to go, and how we want to get there. Certainly, we can stop
particular discussion threads that are no longer fruitful; but they will
come up again. Hopefully, each time they do we will add another
piece to the puzzle of our evolving profession.
Laura Grosvenor
laurag -at- arlut -dot- utexas -dot- edu
Information Technology Group
Applied Research Laboratories
The University of Texas at Austin
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