This month’s Tech Comm Café brought together a wide range of professional experience. We were joined by engineers, marketing professionals, students, and experienced technical writers. This gave everyone the chance to see the many paths available in the industry and provided interesting networking opportunities.
The group spoke about the impact of AI on technical communicators and our careers. Some people were looking for advice on how we should better prepare ourselves to work with AI. Most were generally enthusiastic about the positive impacts of AI, because it makes their work easier and helps them to produce results of a higher standard. The consensus was that, while AI is not perfect, we should embrace it and ride the new wave of technology, rather than being swept up by it and left behind. A recent webinar covered some of the pros and cons of using AI at work.
Some of the other topics highlighted the wide variety of backgrounds of the group members. People shared their experiences working with subject matter experts (SMEs). An engineer who has worked as a SME highlighted how valuable it is to be able to pass on specialized knowledge to writers to ensure that they can communicate their information clearly. One attendee provided some critical advice to aspiring technical writers: Never assume that everyone knows what you are talking about! Know your audience, and be skeptical when a SME tells you that you don’t need to explain something because “everyone knows that already.” Also, be mindful of specialized terminology and check with your SME to be sure you’re using it correctly. For example, in medical writing, know the difference between a needle and a syringe, and whether your audience needs to know it.
One person spoke about her experience transcribing and editing Hansard documents at the BC Provincial Legislature in Victoria, leading to an interesting discussion about the complexities of that work. It also raised questions about how to develop technical communication skills to future-proof such a position, as AI and automatic speech recognition become more commonly used in transcribing and editing.
The group had some useful advice for the students in attendance, emphasizing the importance of continuously learning, gaining new experience, and simply trying new industries to help you find what you most enjoy.
The conversation provided some valuable insights into the world of technical writing and the range of opportunities that can be found there.
The Tech Comm Café provides networking opportunities, job leads, answers to work-related dilemmas, and a burst of professional energy to keep you motivated. We discuss technical writing tools and techniques, career planning, portfolios, and anything else related to working as a technical communicator.
We welcome anyone who’s interested in technical communication — contractor, in-house, student, long-time tech writer, STC member, non-member, career-changer, or recruiter. We hope to see you at the next meeting!
Next Meeting: ONLINE on Wednesday, October 16, 2024
- Subscribe to receive email announcements of future meetings.
- If you plan to attend, RSVP by 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 16, to receive login instructions.
Date: Wednesday, October 16
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Location: Online via Zoom
Agenda
- Introductions. Take 60 seconds to introduce yourself, your background, current activities. A good chance to try out that new elevator speech.
- Announcements and job leads. If you know of an interesting event or a job opening, or you’re looking for work, share it with the group.
- Brainstorming Q&A. Ask about a work-related problem and discuss potential solutions.
- Speed networking. Make new contacts and discuss your professional backgrounds and goals.
Tessa Chandler is a Post-Degree Diploma Student in Professional Communications following her passion for writing. She loves to travel, read, practice ballet, and explore all of the natural beauty that British Columbia has to offer.