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: how does one become a techwriter From:David Blyth <dblyth -at- QUALCOMM -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 13 Dec 1995 19:27:38 GMT
>How does one become a techwriter?
Most of us seem to have become Tech Writers in a rather round-about
way. For example, my own story runs something like this....
1) Decide to get a BA in Physics
2) Get side-tracked into History
3) Take a bunch of Literature classes for fun. Write some poetry.
4) Drop out of college and pay the bills by being an accountant
5) Finish BA in Cognitive Studies (Philosophy, Psychology, and Computers)
6) Apply to Grad School in History
7) Decide to pay the bills by Tech Writing for awhile.
8) Stick with it because you like it and seem to be good at it.
The key here seems to be being bicognitive, inquisitive, and to
enjoy writing.