Re: resume: making up for no degree

[jarnopol <jarnopol -at- INTERACCESS -dot- COM>]

Jessica N. Lange was wondering how much difference a TW degree makes.

As for me, I wonder what difference any degree makes.  I've been writing
procedures, help text, user manuals, training guides, train-the-trainer
guides, functional specs and the lot for longer than I care to remember.  I
did not finish college, do not have a degree in journalism, literature or
technical writing and have no intentions to go back to school at my age unless
it's culinary school.

Everything I know about technical writing, audience analysis, mastery testing,
etc., I've picked up from books, courses/seminars or trial and error.  It
hasn't been an easy row to hoe, but it's taught me well.

The last time I interviewed with  a firm that required a degree, Ventura was
still the "king" of desktop publishers and everyone still wore suits to work
every day.

Given the choice between a fresh-out-of-school writer with a degree in
technical communications and a writer with a couple of years experience but no
degree, I'd probably go with the experience.  Now, do I look for this on a
resume?  yes and no.  I don't think you can effectively communicate EVERTHING
you've done on your 1 or 2-page resume.  But you CAN do it in your interview.

And don't forget to send that thank-you note.  but only if you're applying for
a full-time permanent position. <g.>

hope this helps
jarnopol


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