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D. Crossman writes:
<<many people have contacted me asking where the University that I am
considering taking online courses for a Certificate in Technical
Writing is located (Boston, MA). However, no one has commented on
what they think of the comprehensiveness of the set of courses
proposed for this Certificate, and how well it might prepare one for a
career as a TW, esp. in software/hardware documentation.>>
Although the courses you listed sound terrific, I have not taken any
of them and cannot comment on how effective they may be. However, they
are VERY expensive.
You say you already have some technical writing experience; have you
considered simply working as a temporary contractor for awhile? I did
it for several years and found it very educational. The best part is
that it pays you instead of the other way around. I like to work where
other writers are employed, especially experienced people, you learn
the most from other writers and editors. That's why this listserv is
such a tremendous service -- free education!
Granted, you don't get a nice certificate out of it, but I've been a
technical writer for 15 years now and I haven't paid a dime for it (if
you don't count STC dues). It looks just as good on a resume.
