Re: FW: "not technical enough"

[Jeff Hanvey <jewahe -at- yahoo -dot- com>]

--- "Evans, Amy M." <AEvans -at- wcom -dot- net> wrote:

> Do I go back to school to get a degree in Technical
> Communications, or do I
> go back to get an Information Technology/Computer
> Information Science
> degree? <snip> 
>In our
> field, is it even
> necessary to have a Masters degree?  Or should I
> just pick up a couple of
> classes to stay on top or technology?

A second degree really won't change anything. At this
point, it's more likely that people want you to
demontrate you knowledge rather than flash them a
diploma. In fact, you don't really have to have a
degree to get a job...

However, taking extra courses is always a good thing
to stretch your horizons and widen your appeal. You
might consider taking a course in some computer
language, especially if you want to get into software
documentation. If you're interested in documenting or
training on networks, take courses in that.

If you want proof of your education, then build toward
certifications: A+, MSCS, et cetera. Shop around the
conferences and web for certification courses (at
least one certification in tech writing wouldn't
hurt).

And take refresher courses on writing when you can,
but don't focus on literature courses...see if the
university has a writing for engineers course or 
business writing courses.

Of course, all of these things are really just padding
on the resume - the true test is ability. While a
certification can tip the scales in your favor, most
hiring managers will look at your experience first.

=====
Jeff Hanvey
http://angelcities.com/members/jewahe

"There is fiction in the space between / The lines on your page of memories
Write it down but it doesn't mean / You're not just telling stories"
-Tracy Chapman, Telling Stories

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