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I have seen quite a few technical writers move into marketing
communications, which often has much higher visibility and more
opportunities to move up the corporate ladder. (Might depend on the
industry.) Usability seems like a logical transition, as does QA.
Personally, I am happy where I am at. My forays into management have not
been particularly enjoyable; I like getting my teeth into a project, not
delegating it. I wonder how much of the lack of advancement is because
others don't really see a need to "move up", and if they do, they get out of
tech writing?
Barb
-----Original Message-----
From: bounce-techwr-l-199665 -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:bounce-techwr-l-199665 -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Phillip St.
James
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2005 1:52 AM
<snip>
What other private and public sector jobs do you think we could do well
after strong service in technical communication?
Technical communicators are cost centers, not revenue producers. In Silicon
Valley, marketing and engineering have the most clout in private technology
firms. Personally, I have never seen a tech writer advanced on merit to
other more visible, better jobs within large or small organizations. Maybe
others have seen this...
Maybe this lack of competitive, upward mobility for tech comm folks will
gradually change for the better in the years to come. But I wonder what
will drive that transformation and transcendence - if it happens at all...
What do you think? Is this differential treatment you point out fair and
deserved?
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