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.
> Active participation in professional associations, if nothing else,
> indicates that one has a professional network -- very handy resource for
> the organization, not just oneself.
In my experience, employers are only impressed if they have heard of the
professional organization or if the organization has some actual
influence over the profession, such as the bar or medical associations.
For example, before I decided that the STC was not worth my time, I had
my involvement featured prominently on my resume. The only interest it
generated was when an interviewer asked what the intials stood for - and
even then the interest was casual and brief.
--
Bruce Byfield, Outlaw Communications
Vancouver, BC, Canada
(604) 421-7189 or 687-2133
bbyfield -at- axionet or bruce -at- dataphile-ca -dot- com
www.outlawcommunications.com (updated 1 May , 1998)
"Yours is the open road,
The bitter song, the heavy load
That I'll never share
Though the offer's still there,
Every time you turn around."
- Stan Rogers
