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.
This is in response to Cathy Zazueta's question about a foreign language as
an acceptable "related area".
I have a degree in German, with 27 cr/hrs in English as a minor. When I
applied for tech writing and/or training positions, I was told by the human
resource people that a degree in a foreign language with a high grade point
average (not bragging, but mine was 4.0) was an indicator of an individual's
ability with communication skills. The reason given was that if you can
understand grammar, punctuation, syntax, etc. in another language, you are
aware of the requirements and can do the same in your own language.
If you are considering applying for a position, go for it. The worst that can
happen is that you will not be offered it. Good Luck.