Practical models for technical communication - Shannon Kelley 2021

Tips for success
Make technical communication work for you

Education is a lifelong pursuit. It gives you the awareness and flexibility to meet changing job markets, technology, and to adapt accordingly. It also exercises your curiosity, which is a fundamental survival skill that keeps you marketable. Your training shouldn’t stop at graduation.

Stay Current

Stay current in your field with continued education. Many careers require you to continue earning credits to maintain licensure. Even if your field doesn’t have license requirements, education is a solid investment. You can attend industry conferences. Many of them offer credits for their proceedings. Look into area colleges and see what relevant classes or certifications are offered.

Become a member of industry-related organizations. Most industries have their own organizations. For instance, computer scientists and engineers can join IEEE (https://www.ieee.org). There are also associations for under-represented individuals as well. Women in Tech Comm, a special interest group from the Society for Technical Communication, is just one example. You will find the support and resources needed for a long and productive career.

Remember to network and stay connected to other professionals. There is truth to the adage “it’s who you know” when it comes to developing new opportunities. Continued education, trade shows, conferences, and professional organizations provide networking opportunities. Just like in college, your best resource may be sitting next to you.

Pay It Forward

In the same way that the people profiled in this chapter took time out of their day to share their experience, you should do the same. There will be times when you have more time than money, so help out future professionals in your field by volunteering to share your knowledge. We learn from those who came before us. Go back to your college or university and speak to a new crop of young professionals—share your experiences. Become a mentor to someone. Sometimes, having one person believe in you makes all the difference.

Case Study

You: A Case Study

This textbook presents case studies for you to see concepts in action. Now, it’s your opportunity to reflect on everything you learned and how you might apply these ideas to your work as a student and professional.

This chapter shows you the bridge between student work and the work you’ll do beyond the classroom. A key component of education is learning how to synthesize your classes while in school and then learning how to integrate your education with your professional life. Reflection allows you the opportunity to put all of the pieces together so you can continue adding to the puzzle over the course of your educational pursuits and professional career.

Discussion

” Write a paragraph or two (at least 250 words) on what you learned this term. What stands out to you? What will be most helpful as you continue your education? Do you see connections between the content in your technical communication course and your other classes (current or future)? How can you use what you learned from this book in other classes?

” Write a paragraph or two (at least 250 words) about how to incorporate content from this class into your professional life. What skills are sought after in your field? How does communication play a role in your future profession? Go back and review the chapters, then connect skill sets to your profession.

” Write a paragraph or two (at least 250 words) about how you plan to stay current in your field. Will you continue your education? Are there certificates or licenses that you can pursue? What are your networking opportunities with others in your field? Look at related affiliations, organizations, clubs, etc.

Checklist for Your Future

Synthesize

Reflect on how your educational training supports your professional goals.

Articulate previous work, internship, and/or relevant volunteer experience.

Create a goal statement that describes current and future goals.

Prepare

Develop a list of key words for your desired field or profession.

Look for companies you might want to work for and read their mission statements.

Arrange an informational interview. Prepare at least three to four questions to show your interest in the organization.

Keep Learning

Research certificates and licenses in your field so you can stay relevant.

Join affiliations that allow you to meet new colleagues.

Develop a plan to stay involved with new and emerging professionals.