Ned Bedinger wrote: Who would you trust to codify what it takes to be a certified tech writer?
************************** I looked briefly at the program offered by Clarkson University (posted on TCP by Donna Jones, http://www.techwriter-certification.com/), and it's terrific. I will probably go for one of their certificates this year just as a hobby (have also been looking at the "Business Leadership" Masters programs at St. John Fisher College near Rochester, haven't checked SUNY Brockport yet). I don't really want to be a full-time manager although I seem to be moving in that direction in my non-profit work. I actually love tech writing, could see myself continuing in this job well past retirement (maybe as a part-time consultant after official "retirement"), and the Clarkson online offerings look like a yummy way to climb up to speed in some of the new tools and techniques. Of course I will ask my boss to pay for them. They're priced reasonably so if he won't cover them, I can. It was a condition of employment that the company would cover a Lead ISO Auditor certification program this year, but we're still waiting for the 2007 budget approval. It's a chunka kaching, so they might reasonably ask me to move other professional development to next year (and I think I'm putting in for the STC and ASQ national conferences then). I know Clarkson pretty well; received my BA at SUNY Potsdam just across the river. Clarkson is a very solid technical college. Before committing, I might also look at what's being offered at Rocheater Institute of Technology, Renssylaer Polytechnic, and Carnegie-Mellon. Maybe a project for the list could be for reps from different regions to research TW-related certificate programs at their local colleges and we consolidate the results at the website? On the general topic of certification, I must say that my official ISO training certificates from a recognized provider have done more than anything else to get me into exactly the work that I want. Specialization can be a blessing as well as a curse. Dori Green PS -- How did this hop from TCP to Techwr-l? I moved it back. ______________________________________________ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION & TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
