Grad School Summary

[Shelley Larock <larock -at- TYCHO -dot- ARH -dot- CDC -dot- COM>]

Thanks so much to everyone who responded.

For those of you who asked, here's a little more info about myself.
I'm 21 years old (22 in a couple of months).  I will graduate in
May 1995 with major in scientific and technical comm. and a minor
in mechanical engineering.  As far as work experience, I have written,
designed, & published one magazine for Michigan Tech University's Winter
Carnival and will do another one this winter.  I have worked with gov't.
docs and proposals for a local research center and also wrote technology
briefs and a short style guide for them for reference for their writers.
Currently I am working on a software documentation project for
Metaphase Technology, Inc. through Control Data Systems, Inc. (yup,
contract writing), both of the Minneapolis area.  I am originally
from a very small town in the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan.
Mich. Tech is also in the UP.  I've grew up in a lot of different
towns, as I was an Army brat. In order to find a job I will HAVE
to move to a different area, preferably in the midwest, but if
I am offered a job in a place farther away I won't hesitate to go.
My career is very important to me (I'm in a very serious relationship,
but we've already agreed to compromise on where to live depending
on job offers :) ).

OK.  Here's the summary.  Most of you said I shouldn't go to grad
school for the lone reason of building a more impressive resume.
I agree.  If I go, it will be for personal gratification and benefit.
I love to learn.

Many of you noted that a lot of the major companies have tuition
reimbursement, and that could definitely play a big role.  I would
rather work FT and take evening/weekend classes instead of working for
a year and then taking a year or two off to go back to school.  Of
course I could still do that even if the company doesn't offer
tuition reimbursement.

I guess my biggest worry is planning to go to grad school in, let's say,
three or four years and then never getting there, for whatever reasons
I might have at the time.

Almost all of you said that there really isn't a demand for tech writers
with advanced degrees.  I've also noticed this when looking through
want ads, employment guides, and job postings.  Rarely do I see "Tech Writer
wanted.  Requirements: PhD."  Honestly, I have no desire to ever be
a college professor (nothin' wrong with 'em, just don't want to be one).

With all of the advice and suggestions I've received I feel I can start
giving this a lot more serious thought.  Thanks to you all and I'll let
you know what I decide to do.

You've all been great!

Shelly
larock -at- tycho -dot- arh -dot- cdc -dot- com