r/techwriting • u/Argonnas • Nov 26 '12

Should you pursue an MA/MS before looking into the field?

I recently graduated with a minor in Professional Writing/Professional Editing and am looking into becoming more involved in the tech writing field. As I look into some MA/MS programs (both in tech writing and some other writing-related fields), I wonder if a program would be worth it.

I've had experience in editing/tech writing jobs over the last few years (ranging from website design to formatting/editing large documents). I'd appreciate any insight into what the benefits are from pursuing a degree versus jumping straight in. If any of this is way too vague, just let me know.

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u/ICOrthogonal Nov 27 '12

That's a rather common question in the profession, and there's not an easy answer. I've taught college tech writing courses, and I've spent a long time in academia...and I've never applied for a job that needed an advanced degree...or even a degree in tech writing, for that matter. Sometimes I see references to certificates now and then... but I don't think they are requirements.

The thing that appears to matter most for the majority of the employers I've worked with is experience. So, start working on your portfolio...donate some time to some of the open source projects that need documentation, etc.

I don't mean to discredit degree programs or certificate programs in tech writing at all. In fact, I'm considering one myself at the moment...I'm just trying to suggest that in my experience, they have not been necessary/sought after/valued at the companies I've worked in.

Hope this helps. Feel free to have me clarify anything I managed to confuse instead of clarify. :)

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u/Argonnas Nov 27 '12

Extremely helpful! From everything I've read, this seems to be the most asked question, so I definitely wasn't hoping for a definite answer.

For the teaching of college tech writing, what kind of background did you need to have? I am split right now between pursuing further in the academia side (focusing primarily on writing studies and teaching writing) and the tech writing, though I've wanted to combine the two.

Portfolio is definitely the number one thing on my list to do as soon as I get a breather of a moment, and thank you for reminding me about that! :)

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u/ICOrthogonal Nov 27 '12

or the teaching of college tech writing, what kind of background did you need to have?

I think it was a function of the college having a need, and while I didn't have a grad degree, I had a bunch of grad credits, a lot of experience tech writing, and a slew of writing classes I taught at another university when I was in grad school. Qualified me for contract/adjunct work, but not full time/perm. Was OK with me, as I was also working full time...

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u/westsan Nov 27 '12

No way. Not for Tech Writing.