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.
Response to Shawn, busting his behind, getting a
degree in TW:
Go for it -- there's nothing *wrong* with having
a degree. I think folks are just saying (at least
I am) that it shouldn't be *required*.
Aside: My experience has been that a TW degree is more
helpful when the hiring manager is not a fellow tech
writer. A non-writer will, in general, assume a level
of competency. Experienced technical writers will want
want to see what you can actually *do*.
To get some practical experience, work as an intern/co-op,
do some volunteer work, and get involved with one of the
tech comm groups: acm sigdoc, stc, etc.
Also, make sure you get some technical knowledge of the
field in which you want to write. Learning about tools
and industry trends is a skill you want to develop and
keep developing. Read trade publications. Keep up with
lists like this. Network. BUT DON'T TRY TO KEEP UP WITH
EVERYTHING. I did at one time. You'll burn out. Now I
keep up on a surface level in a lot of areas, specialize
in a couple that interest me and/or are practical, and
know who specializes in the others so I can find out more
details as I need them.
>----------
>Now what am I supposed to do? You guys are the professionals. Are you
>willing to hire me?
>
> TECHWR-L (Technical Communication) List Information: To send a message
>to 2500+ readers, e-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot- Send commands
> to LISTSERV -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU (e.g. HELP or SIGNOFF TECHWR-L).
> Search the archives at http://www.documentation.com/ or search and
>browse the archives at http://listserv.okstate.edu/archives/techwr-l.html
>
TECHWR-L (Technical Communication) List Information: To send a message
to 2500+ readers, e-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot- Send commands
to LISTSERV -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU (e.g. HELP or SIGNOFF TECHWR-L).
Search the archives at http://www.documentation.com/ or search and
browse the archives at http://listserv.okstate.edu/archives/techwr-l.html
