Via Caveat Lector, an excellent post over on Information Wants to Be Free discussing the pros and pitfalls of getting an MLIS (Masters of Library and Information Science) degree.

This advice (with appropriate details tweaked) is actually excellent advice for anyone thinking of pursuing any kind of advanced degree or training, particularly one with a specific vocational focus. It makes a couple of excellent points:

• Be skeptical of media predictions of future job shortages creating a guaranteed job market. Often these don't pan out.


• The credential may prevent your resume from being tossed by the HR department, but your skills and experience will get you hired. Focus on building skills.

Funny that I should come across this while a brand-new shiny catalog from SJSU's Professional Development program is sitting on my desk. I've taken 4 or 5 classes from their tech writing program, and they've all been excellent. I may take another this semester (I'm particularly eyeing 'Writing for Single Sourcing"). I keep considering signing up for their certificate program, and I keep deciding that possession of an actual tech writing credential would have no discernible career benefits. And yet every time I get the new catalog, I'm tempted. Everyone in my family has a list of degrees and certifications as long as their arm. I think I'm trying to live up.