Career Development Resources for Technical Communicators
Develop a long-term view of your career.
- For one model, see “Emerging Skills in Technical Communication: The Information Designer's Place in a New Career Path for Technical Communicators” by Saul Carliner, Technical Communication. 48(2).
- To get a better view of the industry in which you work, visit “An Overview of the Technical Communication Industry” at http://saulcarliner.home.att.net/idbusiness/overviewtcindustry.htm.
Develop a career development plan.
Visit http://saulcarliner.home.att.net/idbusiness/careerdevelopmentplans.htm for more information.
Also visit:
The Careers section of the e-Server http://tc.eserver.org/
Research other career options.
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In communications:
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In development:
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In marketing:
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- Usability engineering (visit the Usability Professionals Association (www.upassoc.org)
or the Special Interest Group on Computer Human Interaction of the Association for Computing Machinery (www.acm.org)
- Quality assurance
- Programming
- System design
- Technical support
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- Sales
- Marketing programs
- Market research
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Get a second opinion.
Visit the Career Services Office at the school where you received your degree for:
- An informed second opinion.
- Career testing.
- Resume preparation advice
(If that is not convenient, Jewish Vocational Services offers a similar service on a
non-sectarian basis (that is, anyone can use these services).)
Get training.
- Society for Technical Communication:
- Informal opportunities to learn through Intercom, Technical Communication and chapter and SIG newsletters.
- Formal opportunities to learn through the Annual Conference, telephone seminars, and chapter-sponsored workshops and conferences.
- Degrees and certificates:
- Check the directory of academic programs at the STC site for a list of colleges and universities offering programs.
- Also check with your local university’s Continuing Education program.
- Check out private providers. Most advertise in Intercom.
- Get training in related fields, such as usability, training (and instructional design), design, and employee communications. Visit the websites of the associations listed above for training opportunities.
Remember that one significant change is the result of many small activities.
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(c) Copyright. 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002. Saul Carliner. All rights reserved.
