Doing Unto Others through Technical Communication Internship Programs

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 1997

Doing Unto Others through Technical Communication Internship Programs

Gerald J. Savage

Abstract

While technical writing continues to struggle for recognition as a legitimate academic discipline, English programs are increasingly perceived not only by nonacademics, but by academics in other fields as having little relevance in nonacademic professions. Internships are routine components of technical communication programs, but they can offer excellent professional opportunities to English majors who do not plan academic careers. A technical communication internship program expanded to encompass the nonacademic needs and interests of English majors has benefits for the English department, for English majors, and for the technical communication profession. First, it can enhance enrollments and retention in the English program. Second, it can build the credibility of the English curriculum in the nonacademic professional community. Finally, it can enhance the credibility of technical communication within the English department. It is to our advantage to do whatever we can to support our English department colleagues rather than to undermine their often precarious status in the academy and in society.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 1997-10-01
DOI: 10.2190/mmqf-15ye-2ydy-6ap8
Open Access: Closed
Topics: artificial intelligence technical communication multilingual writers

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (3)

Bourelle (2014)

New Perspectives on the Technical Communication Internship: Professionalism in …

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Wible (2009)

<i>Internships: Theory and Practice</i>. Charles H. Sides and Ann Mrvica. Amity…

Technical Communication Quarterly
Savage (1999)

The Process and Prospects for Professionalizing Technical Communication

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (10)

FREEDMAN et al. (1996)

Learning to Write Professionally

Journal of Business and Technical Communication
LARSON (1996)

Patterns in Transition

Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Savage (1996)

Redefining the ResponsibiIities of Teachers and the Social Position of the Tech…

Technical Communication Quarterly
MOORE (1996)

Instrumental Discourse is as Humanistic as Rhetoric

Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Cunningham et al. (1994)

Undergraduate Technical and Professional Writing Programs: A Question of Status

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Show all 10 →

FREEDMAN et al. (1994)

Wearing Suits to Class

Written Communication
Sides (1994)

QUO Vadis, Technical Communication?

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
LITTLE (1993)

The Technical Communication Internship

Journal of Business and Technical Communication
FLYNN et al. (1991)

Gender and Modes of Collaboration in a Chemical Engineering Design Course

Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Rutter (1991)

History, Rhetoric, and Humanism: Toward a More Comprehensive Definition of Tech…

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Also cites 2 works outside this index ↓

10.2307/376975

↗
10.1007/BF00128437

↗

CrossRef global citation count: 3 View in citation network →