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RE: New Job Titles: at what price? (was 'weird job titles')
Subject:RE: New Job Titles: at what price? (was 'weird job titles') From:"McDonald, Guy A." <Guy -dot- A -dot- McDonald -at- usa -dot- conoco -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Fri, 9 Feb 2001 10:15:57 -0600
I think this is a great example for all of us on the subject of personal
growth. While I think the writer's reaction is purely based on working for a
petty manager, the move into a Business Analyst position is fantastic. Years
ago, I too topped out as a senior writer. So I started reading the business
press. Time after time I kept running into the same lament - IT companies
were worried about not having technical talent with business acumen.
Therefore, I did what many of you do. I went back to school. The degree in
business I now have has opened many doors for me. Mind you, I took plenty of
programming and other IT related courses to stay current and marketable.
So yes - I think the post that Steve Gillespie forwarded is an
encouragement.
Guy A. McDonald
Information Development Manager
Technical Information Architects, Inc.
7880 San Felipe Suite #200
Houston, Texas 77063
<mailto:gmcdonald -at- tiainfo -dot- com>
Direct 713.975.0081
Conoco office 281.293.6422
Fax 713.975.9812
Cell 281.935.0721 http://www.tiainfo.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Gillespie [mailto:sgillespie -at- fedex -dot- com]
Sent: Friday, February 09, 2001 8:33 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: New Job Titles: at what price? (was 'weird job titles')
I can surely relate to the discussion of job titles and salary - I came
in to my company 4 years ago 'topped out' as a senior technical writer,
but recently managed to get 'promoted' by making the move that several
others here have done: bid on position title 'Business Applications
Analyst' -a totally separate job field here, but of course, one that
carries a significant salary increase.
I was even able to convince the hiring manager that I deserved the
'Senior' BAA level; however, it has come with a price: instead of being
an expert in my field, now I'm basically a beginner (at least in new
boss eyes). And the new boss takes every opportunity to let me know
'what a break he gave me' by bringing me over (from the dregs of
technical communication). The message is, of course, that I really don't
deserve to be here!
The moral of my little story is, of course, be careful what you wish
for! (or maybe don't sell your soul for the BIG $$)
Meanwhile, I'm knocking the dust off my resume ...
Name Withheld by Request
(Steve Gillespie)
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