Date of Award
12-2-2009
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Rhetoric and Writing
First Advisor
Karen Kuralt
Abstract
Out of an unhappy work experience as a lone technical writer, I became curious about the experiences of other technical writers. Were they similar to mine? If not, what did they know that I did not? What does the literature say? I answered these questions using my personal experiences, literary research, and a three-part study that included an initial survey, an in-depth survey, and personal interviews. I found three common themes: 1) varied definitions and job descriptions for technical writers, 2) a common feeling that many employers do not understand what technical writers do, and 3) a common need to prove oneself in order to earn respect. The findings tended to support many of my own experiences as well as what the research suggests. I also found that much of a technical writer's survival and happiness hinges on education through experience and a willingness to learn, grow, and adapt.
Recommended Citation
Iacobacci-Miller, Heather, "Setting Expectations and Finding Respect and Job Satisfaction as a Technical Writer" (2009). Theses and Dissertations. 244.
https://research.ualr.edu/etd/244
