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Subject:Re: What is the value of Tech Comm Masters? From:Amy Smith/Westford/IBM <amy_smith -at- us -dot- ibm -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Thu, 9 Oct 2003 08:38:41 -0400
I have a Masters in Technical and Professional Writing from Northeastern
University in Boston.
Value to current employer? Not sure. Some, I think.
Value in current New England job market? Probably minimal to none.
Value to me personally? Priceless. :-)
It was all about the journey for me, not the destination. When I started
the program, I was a solo tech writer for the internet ops group of a
large financial institution. I decided to pursue my masters' for the
primary goals of getting the bigger picture in my chosen career. I was
able to tackle subjects and projects outside of the scope of my day job,
not to mention exposure to other forms of tech communication. I've
*always* been in high tech, you see, but in my classes I met writers who
worked for medical, biotech, insurance, and non-profit organizations.
I also made some solid friendships with professors and classmates. Yes,
STC provides networking opportunities, too, but you know, you really get
to know people when you are collaborating on a group project. I saw some
classmates more than my husband some semesters! :-0 :-)
I think my boss at the time appreciated the fact that I was pursuing this
degree, so there's that. I don't know if having and advanced degree has
made a difference to any of my employers since. But that's ok, I did it
for myself, not them.
My $0.02. YMMV.
Amy
**************************************************************
Amy Smith
GPD Information Development
IBM Software Group/Lotus Software
Phone 978.399.5009 | Tie line: 399.5009 | Email: amy_smith -at- us -dot- ibm -dot- com
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