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.
Ann Larmon wrote:
>My own experience with a degree (BS, English/Tech Writing) is that it
>has not been much use. Everyone wants it, but no one will take it.
>I am self-published, as well as in scientific and professional
>journals, but no one seems to care, even with the awards I won in
>college for my writing. My experience is limited, but includes
>publishing varied media.
Ann,
This may be your experience -- I hope you are generalizing too much
when you say "no one will take it" [your degree].
Must we conclude that a degree doesn't matter, or is a waste?
I'm inordinately senstive to the 'degree is worthless' argument
[which you are *not* saying]. The "degree is not worth it" is the other
side of the "why do I need a degree" argument. A degree having some worth
can coexist with the idea that it's not entirely necessary for ever
endeavor.
I tend to think education is worthwhile (and any experience that
doesn't kill you is education :-) ).
As to your particular job search, you say you've self-published and have
some journal publishing
credits. Couldn't those credits be packaged up in a portfolio presentation
in some way, to put a better foot forward? haven't people gotten
jobs with less?
