RE: Picking a new software skill

["Dugas, Andrew" <ADugas -at- eTranslate -dot- com>]

First, I commend you for using this break in employment to enhance your
skill set.

Now, to the matter at hand:

Photoshop skills don't hurt, but I've never known them to make or break a
job offer. As a TW, I've found the graphic work I rarely goes beyond
cleaning up/doctoring screenshots or making a simple diagram. I rarely
exercise more than 20% of my advanced-intermediate PS skills. Graphic skills
are valuable, sure, but beyond the rudimentary level, it gets sketchy. Of
course, that's IME. 

If I were you, I would see what kind of skills employers in your area are
advertising for and use that research as clue as to what you should study. I
was recently laid off and observed that Java API experience seems to be all
the rage these days. Naturally, I bought a teach-yourself-Java book and
started studying. That was not a factor in my eventual re-employment, but I
did mention it in interviews ("So what have you been doing since you were
laid off?" "Studying a little Java, etc." "Java? You don't say...") and I
think it made a positive impression.

If your research shows no distinct pattern, I would try to advance my
FrameMaker skills and maybe learn WebWorks. Turn some of your samples into
online Help for practice. Single-sourcing is still a buzzword out there,
everybody looks for Frame skills, and WebWorks on a resume suggests advanced
Frame skills.

HTH

Andy

-----Original Message-----
From: Chris L [mailto:userchris0224 -at- yahoo -dot- com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2001 4:47 PM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: Picking a new software skill


I'm going to try to turn my unfortunate state of
unemployment into a golden opportunity to learn a new
skill. I have access to Adobe Photoshop software and
some training CDs that accompany it. As tech writers,
do you find this to be a prominent software in the
profession? Also, do you think it's a good choice in
which to invest my time?

Thanks so much,
Chris


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