"Every project is interesting. Most of the work I see involves the 'next generation' or the 'future of the department.' Technology moves fast, and it seems like every week I see exciting, cutting-edge processes and equipment." –Bree, Technical Writer
What do you do in your position?
I write online documentation for all Assembly cleanroom processes, maintain the Assembly Intranet site, create graphics, and develop Web applications. I work with production personnel, technicians, engineers, training specialists and programmers. I gather information, perform usability studies, create presentations, teach classes, provide technical support, review new software and mentor new writers.
How or why did you decide to enter a technical career?
I enjoy building and creating things. I like to make an elaborate meal, design and make clothes or crafts, design and build cabinets or work on my car.
I entered college with a mechanical engineering degree in mind. I figured that I could combine my two loves of skiing and creating to get an engineering job with a chairlift manufacturer. After a few semesters, reality struck, and I saw how narrow my scope of career choices was. So I looked back at all my high school and college classes to see if any stood out as fun, interesting, and challenging. One did: technical writing. It's as methodical as designing a structure, but I can still be creative, and I can make a difference in people's lives. As for skiing, I do that for fun rather than a career.
What do you like about your job? Give an example of an interesting project or opportunity.
I like the interaction I have with the engineers and production staff. They all have different perspectives and experiences, so I learn more about the equipment and processes than anyone else. From that knowledge, I can create documents that bridge the communication gaps while meeting everyone's needs and interests.
Every project is interesting. Most of the work I see involves the "next generation" or the "future of the department." Technology moves fast, and it seems like every week I see exciting, cutting-edge processes and equipment.
What high school courses helped you prepare for your job or
college program?
I took as much math, science, English and foreign language as I could. Each one provides skills in problem-solving which is valuable no matter what career you choose. However, the most influential classes for me were Spanish and French. After years of diagramming English sentences, I discovered that I didn't understand it as well as I thought. I understood the mechanics, but not the value. Learning a new language forced me to really think about the parts of a sentence and what each part means ("Aaah! So that's what you mean by future perfect progressive tense!"). After that revelation, language took on a completely new meaning.
What post high school education did you pursue?
After a short visit to the engineering curriculum, I set my sights on a degree in technical communication. I tried to keep my class load well-rounded. If you become a writer, you won't necessarily know the industry for which you will write. So I took history, marketing, communication, accounting, statistics, chemistry, calculus, art, and (of course) English--lots of English. Having some background in other fields helps me understand the material about which I write. It's gratifying to catch mistakes and inconsistencies because you truly understand the topic and the technical language.
What advice would you give a student interested in pursuing a technical career?
Focus on a field that you enjoy and that you are willing to make into a career. Take every opportunity to ask questions of people in that field and volunteer to "job shadow" for a day. If your field has a local professional chapter, join, get involved, and make yourself known (most have reduced rates for students). Sometimes jobs are only advertised at professional meetings.
Make the most of your college education by getting excellent grades, but also build working relationships with your professors and fellow students. You never know when an opportunity will strike, and that rapport with the esteemed professor will pay off when you have the privilege to use his or her name as a reference on your resume.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family, skiing, water skiing, bicycling, and attending NASCAR events (I especially enjoy driving the stock cars). I also participate in the Snake River Chapter of the Society for Technical Communication. From my involvement with the society (which started in college), I've gained so many memorable experiences and friendships—not to mention wonderfully fulfilling jobs!
Education: Technical Writer
Degrees typically sought for this position are a Bachelor of Arts in technical communication.
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