Abstract:
Hiring managers need to understand academic programs in technical communication in order to evaluate potential new hires, especially for entry-level positions in challenging,
high-tech, international environments. Changes in the
profession, in the workplace, and in higher education have
led to the proliferation of academic programs. These may
offer advantages over non-academic training, in terms of
cost, comprehensiveness, content, and control. Academic
programs are also different among themselves, based on
credentials, institutions, instructors, and program homes.
By developing reasonable, informed expectations for what
academic programs teach, managers who hire program
graduates can experience the payoffs of lower-risk, more
cost-effective long-term hires.