TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: To degree or not degree? From:Fred Wersan <wersan -at- ZEUS -dot- MA30 -dot- BULL -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 6 Jun 1994 11:06:43 EDT
Saul Carliner asks:
But that's what they think. What did their employers tell them, after they
were hired?
-------------------------
I have a tech writing certificate from a local community college. ( I also have
a B.A. and two Masters degrees). The program is well respected. Graduates are
considered to have the equivalent of a years experience as a tech writer.
Historically the placement rate for graduates (12 - 18 per year) is 99%. I
believe that all of this year's graduates had jobs when they finished.
What's a degree worth? If the program virtually guarantees a job, because local
employers know the graduates have the basic skills and can do the job, I'd say
it's worth a lot.