The Academic Job Market in Technical Communication, 2002-2003    

Analysis of the academic job market in 2002-2003 reveals that 118 nationally advertised academic jobs named technical or professional communication as a primary or secondary specialization. Of the 56 in the "primary" category that we were able to contact, we identified 42 jobs filled, 10 unfilled, and 4 pending. However, only 29% of the jobs for which technical or professional communication was the primary specialization were filled by people with degrees in the field, and an even lower percent (25%) of all jobs, whether advertised for a primary or secondary specialization, were filled by people with degrees in the field. Search chairs report a higher priority on teaching and research potential than on a particular research specialization, and 62% of all filled positions involve teaching in related areas (composition, literature, or other writing courses).

Rude, Carolyn D. and Kelli Cargile Cook. Technical Communication Quarterly (2002). Careers>Academic>TC>History

Certifying Technical Communicators: An Historical Perspective  

STC members have shown interest in being certified as technical communicators for at least 37 years. The Society has made at least four studies of certification. This paper reviews the work of the 1975-80, 1981, 1982-87 and 1994-1998 committees. The three, multi-year studies had essentially the same results; significant numbers want certification, but too few to make a full certification program economically viable. The studies also revealed that creating a certification program might be divisive. The 1982—-87 study revealed an interest by employers in STC having an accreditation program.

Malcolm, Andrew and Lawrence D. Kunz. STC Proceedings (2001). Careers>Certification>TC>History

How I Leaped Almost Overnight from Traditional Tech Writer to Marcom Guy to Hybrid - in a Tad More Than Four Decades  

I began as a traditional technical writer and editor in January 1961. Then a gradual evolution changed my worklife: I became a multiple-threat hybrid. My experience zig-zagged from writing proposals to professional acting to building technical resentations to educating myself in marketing communications and marketing to counseling others in strategically thinking how to better market their ideas. Today, I am the hybrid of the future: technical writer and editor/marcom specialist/strategic thinker/marketing counselor.

Gottlieb, Larry. STC Proceedings (2002). Careers>TC>History

Keeping Our Sanity: Managing Change in an Ever-Changing World  

Change is an integral part of our lives. Businesses change, careers change, lives change. But what is the nature of change? And how can we effectively navigate change? Change is a dynamic process that in many ways is similar to the grief process. Strategies for navigating through change include humor, establishing and maintaining a vision, communication, other interests, adjustment time, and realizing that you have choices and options.

Eschen, Mary L. STC Proceedings (1995). Careers>TC>History

Tech Resource: STC (The Society for Technical Communication)

Professional organizations often help define the professions they serve: Such is the case with the Society for Technical Communication (STC). Founded in 1953 as an organization for technical writers and editors, the STC is now an umbrella group for 25,000 professionals whose job roles include documentation specialists, visual designers, information architects, interactive designers and others who work with technical information. Their output includes technical manuals and now extends into charts, brochures, online tutorials, annual reports, Web-based training and other materials. With technical communication an increasingly diverse field, STC aims to broaden its membership with professionals from a variety of occupations.

Hoffman, Allan. Monster.com (2004). Careers>TC>History>STC

Three Mind Maps for the 1990's Technical Communicator  

New ways of using organizational theory, communications techniques, and project life cycle concepts can empower the knowledge worker of the 1990's. Today's Technical Writer needs new strategies for increased productivity and profitability in order to remain in the mainstream. Mind mapping is discussed, and three illustrative examples receive a new spin. A workbook is provided for notetaking.

Doremus, Jean S. STC Proceedings (1994). Careers>TC>History

Trends Forum: 1997  

How do we prepare for the future? How will trends affect our careers as technical communicators? Do we have the right set of skills to survive?

Hackos, JoAnn T. STC Proceedings (1997). Careers>TC>History