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Thank you. As someone who is just entering the technical writing field, I
was a bit intimidated by the ever-growing list of requirements and was
starting to wonder if I'd made the right decision after all...
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Rhonda Sussman
ursa -at- interlog -dot- com
ICQ 47788234
> A good working knowledge is more than adequate for Microsoft Office.
Indeed a
> good working knowledge in as many products as you can get your hands on
improves
> your marketability. I would argue that powerpoint, access, and excel are
less
> than important. Powerpoint can be picked up by anyone in an afternoon and
unless
> you are doing database or spreadsheet design access and excel aren't
necessarily
> needed. Mastery of these programs is needed by only a few.
> Also, while many use word, many do not. I've been Techwriting 5 years and
have
> used Word less than a dozen times for nothing more than memos.
> "I hope I haven't turned your four-year undergrad program into a six-year
> masters degree."
>
> You've turned it into an eight year doctorate with 10 years job experience
I'm
> afraid. You will also have a writer that was focused on one industry only
and
> limiting the possible career choices.
>
> Limit the requirements to confidence, familiarity with computer tools, an
> enquiring mind, and a command of language and communication. Any courses
given
> to technical writers should stress these points.
>
> Eric L. Dunn
