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.
> What are the essential software/programming skills a new tech communicatior MUST possess?
<snip>
I agree with Al Geist (no surprise, given our similar status as silverbacks) in that there is too much focus on tools, and too little on process and the business aspects of our profession. We, as a group, seem to be easily distracted by shiny things. ;-}
That said, the requirements will vary all over the map depending on the company -- about the only sure bet is that the requirements will have changed, at least slightly, by the time you work hard to meet the existing list. (only slightly tongue in cheek).
The lists others have presented on this thread are good, and I have nothing to add to them, other than a suggestion that you get to be great at your craft, and extremely knowledgeable about the business end of TC. This will set you apart from folks who are decent presenters of technical material, but talented in the use of a limited number of tools.
>
John Rosberg
Documentation and Training
john_rosberg -at- hotmail -dot- com
2765 Deerfield Road
Riverwoods, IL 60015
847-502-1833
Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days. http://www.doctohelp.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-
