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: The Real Offense From:Ymorrigu -at- aol -dot- com To:techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com Date:Sun, 12 Mar 2000 23:52:26 EST
Well, after all of the pontificating on the subject, I guess I'll try and
make a stab at actually answering your question.
YES! I did indeed learn from my university courses. I majored in Technical
Communication (a little broader than just Tech Writing) and Technical
Translation, and managed to get out in under four years with so much
practical knowledge that I had no problem either finding a job or starting up
with only my academic experience. The difference between my situation and
what I'll assume is everyone else's is that most of my classes were taught by
industry specialists, not professors. So yeah, I did get the theory and
grammar, but I also got classes on contracting, client relations, and
"current technologies." The B.A. program I attended focused so much
real-world experience that we had to complete a number of
projects/internships/assistantships, make a portfolio, and join the school's
publishing group AND pass all the classes before we could graduate. Maybe my
experience was an exception, but I feel that my academic career definitely
prepared me for the job I have now. Hope this shines some light on the
situation!
