Opportunities and articles to enhance your skills and job search.

Jumping into the School Writing Pool
There is a growing market that many technical writers have never considered. Sacramento Chapter's Allison L. Shaw and Jenni Helfrich guide you to the edge of the pool.

Writing for the Web
MSNBC.com editor Jonathan Dube offers some tips and pointers for writing for online communications. In other web writing resources, some of the best tips for web writing to ever appear in Writing That Works have been consolidated into this new report.

Books and Software
Every month we look for guest writers to keep us updated on books, software and other resources for our industry. This month Guest writer Mike Tarrani reviews the definitive guide to developing online content, Hot Text, Web Writing that Works. You'll also want to read up on the latest edition of the Chicago Manual of Style that just came out this summer.

Employment
It's a tight job market out there, so make sure that your resume gives you the competitive edge. Each month we offer free resume reviews before the monthly meeting. Book your appointment with our Employment Manager. STC Berkeley also operates a free job list, which you can sign up for.

Networking
It really is all about who you know. Networking is important tool in our industry. Before you head out to visit other chapters, visit our networking links to locate the opportunities. This month we found some new online resources as well. If you're tired of driving all over the Bay Area to network, the Silicon Valley Chapter has started some new online special interest groups (SIGs).

Education
UCLA Extension is pleased to offer a $50 discount for STC members enrolling in online courses in the Technical Communication, a 9-course certificate program. Fall quarter courses begin in October 2003.

Courses include:

• Foundations Skills of Technical Writing, 10/9 to 12/11
• Technical Writing, 10/7 to 12/9
• Technical Editing, 10/8 to 12/3
• Writing Effective Proposals, 10/13 to 12/8
• Introduction to Policies and Procedures Communications, 10/9 to 12/11
• International Technical Communication, 10/7 to 12/3
• Project Management Communications, 10/9 to 12/11
• Making Sense of Knowledge Management, 10/9 to 12/11

Fees without the discount are $500 to $550 per course. Full course descriptions and technical requirements are available online, or contact Helen Williams at 310-825-7729.

All material ©2003 Berkeley STC/Ragged Left. The Ragged Left is published six times a year. For reprint or submission information visit our editorial section.
For any questions, comments, or technical problems, please contact the editor.