RE: entering tech writer field

[Richard Weir <richard -dot- weir -at- ce -dot- com -dot- au>]

As far as I am concerned there is not a set qualification that a Tech Writer
needs. I didnt even know that a Tech Writer existed until 3 years ago. I
simply thought that the developer wrote the docs. But after becoming a Tech
Writer that I realised why we have tech authors.

My story is, I am qualified with degrees in; Business, Banking and
Management. I have worked as a Banking Consultant, Bank Auditor, Business
Analyst and now for the last 3 years a Technical Author.

As far as I am concerned a Tech Author can be anyone who had worked in the
IT environment and can successfully take apart a piece of software or a
program and expain how it works in easy to understand english. Once you get
that first bit of experience away you go.



-----Original Message-----
From: Lois Patterson [mailto:lois -at- dowco -dot- com]
Sent: Tuesday, 20 November 2001 5:18 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: Re: entering tech writer field



I have a kid (almost 15 and several inches taller) who wants to be a writer
also. He has helped me out on a basic level from time to time on writing
projects (not on technical writing projects, nor ones where confidentiality
was an issue). I think his preference is to be a best-selling fiction
writer, but he wants to do other writing if that doesn't work out. (I'd be
curious if anyone else has made writing a family business of sort.)

My suggestion is the same as for my son -- he should take whatever
university program he finds interesting. My son is interested in languages,
psychology, and linguistics (other subjects too, like physics and chemistry,
but probably more of a leaning towards humanities subjects). But more
specifically, any courses that help develop logical thinking are good. Also,
I think it's extremely useful to do courses where heavy-duty original
research papers are required. 

I've also suggested that he consider becoming proficient enough in other
languages to do technical translations. 

Lois Patterson

> Here's a question for the list (and I know I'm going to get a LOT of
> different answers!):
> 
> Let's say your kid (OK, he's 18 and much bigger than I am!) says he WANTS
> to get into technical writing and knowledge management.  What course of
> undergraduate study would you recommend, and why?
> 
> I came into the field from chemical engineering.  Maths and sciences are
> not Greg's strong suits, although he does read and understand some fairly
> technical stuff written for the lay audience.  He is a good reader,
writer,
> and listener.  And this kid has treasured facts almost since he was born
> (started talking about then too, it seems).
> 
> Suggestions?
> 
> Win

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