RE: Information Mapping Seminar - Worth It?

[Dannette Thompson <dthomps -at- foundationsoft -dot- com>]

Andrew,
For what it's worth...
While I am not actually an MSCE, I have taken all of the training classes. I
just never took the exams. Call it laziness. Call it lack of funds. Whatever
you call it, I don't regret my decision.

Perhaps it's because my specialty is more with end-user software than with
hardware, but I've frequently mentioned my training and knowledge of
things-Microsoft only to be given a blank stare by employers. 

As a matter of fact, they've been much more interested in my Office skills
(a former MS Office instructor) than my training in networking.

I'm wondering your opinion on the real work-related value of the
certification. I know for many people being an MSCE can get your foot in the
door. But does it *really* help a tech writer who doesn't document
networking?

Dannette Thompson
Technical Writer
Foundation Software, Inc.
The #1 Accounting Software for Labor-Intensive Contractors
The opinions expressed in this message do not necessarily reflect the
opinions or policies of my employer or coworkers.


-----Original Message-----
From: Andrew Plato [mailto:intrepid_es -at- yahoo -dot- com]
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2001 1:50 PM
To: TECHWR-L
Cc: jmbrady1217 -at- hotmail -dot- com
Subject: Re: Information Mapping Seminar - Worth It?



"Jennifer Brady" wrote:

> What exactly is Microsoft Certification, and how would a tech writer use
it? 

Its a series of technical tests on Windows technology, systems networking,
and system administration. There are numerous paths you can take - such as
becoming an MCDBA, a Microsoft Certified Database Administrator. See
http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices for more information. 

MCSE certification among tech writers is virtually non-existent. I was
certified in 1996, but I have to renew my certifications this year.
Honestly, I am the only tech writer I have ever known who is Microsoft
certified. 

The knowledge I learned from being Microsoft certified is tremendously
valuable. Not only has it propelled me into other jobs (network security
namely), but my writing and my ability to learn complex software systems
increased significantly. I also was able to land jobs with clients much
easier. Many engineers were shocked that a technical writer would be
Microsoft certified. It helped earn the respect of engineers quickly. 

ANY technical certification is valuable. It is 100 times more valuable
than ANY writing certification. If you want the big money and the big
opportunities - you need tech skills. 

> I am very interested in what others on this list have to say about
training 
> that is useful for TW (conferences, etc.) as I do get a training
allowance 
> and want to use it wisely. 

I stopped going to tech writing conferences in 1996 - and since then my
income and writing capability has only risen. I don't think that is a
direct result of not going to conferences - but it is a direct result of
refocusing my career. I stopped focusing on my writing skills (and hence
avoided most tech writing conferences) and started working on my
technology skills. 

It paid off, well. 

Andrew Plato 

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