Human Factors

By Kathryn Poe, Associate Fellow

Welcome to the inaugural version of the Human Factors column.  My intent is to talk to some of our senior members and officers so you can get to know them and they can share with you.  LSC has a plethora of folks who have been in technical communications for some time. We have seen major changes in technology, expectations, and direction since we started and here is our chance to communicate some of that to you. As I like to tell the newbies I meet, if I can keep you from stepping in a few of the potholes I have found, it is worth the effort.

By way of exposition, I will ask a different person the same questions each month, and their answers will appear right here. Please feel free to send your ideas and comments to make this info more useful to you. Let’s start with me…

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Name: Kathryn Poe

Job Title:
I’ve had lots of titles—from Word Weasel to Special Ops and Keeper of Words. I am currently a Documentation Specialist.

What do you actually do?
I write and maintain a suite of software docs including help, release notes, and training. This entails gathering information from requirements and interviews with tech staff.

What hard skills have you found most useful and how do you continue to cultivate those skills?
I use both hard and soft skills every day. This can mean using software such as RoboHelp, Word, FrameMaker, or SQL Query Analyzer, to knowing how to ask the right questions. The key is to not fall behind and keep up with changes in technology so you have the skills you’ll need to stay sharp. It is easy to lose your relevance if you don’t keep up and you end up being treated like a glorified secretary.

Do you consider yourself a Guru at any particular subject?
I am a good public speaker because I have a big mouth and I’m not afraid to speak in front of groups. I have also developed excellent ways of interviewing geeks by practice and living with one for nearly 20 years. For most situations where you are not getting the info you need from a techie, there is a logical reason for it. Remember that these folks are very literal just like the code they write. They answer exactly what you ask—no more or less. Once you get that, it gets easier.

How long have you been in STC?
About to be 11 years. Time flies when you are having fun!

What is the greatest benefit of being an STC member?
There are many for me—from jobs to good friends and a never-ending network of people I can ask almost anything.  It is practically a living database made up of people who have varied backgrounds and ideas—so cool. It is also nice to be recognized for you efforts. Awards and accolades are great and can occasionally get the attention of your employer in interesting ways.

Why have you stuck around so long? What's kept you here?
It is so nice to have folks around you who understand what you do and share your frustrations and triumphs. I stay because I continue to learn and meet new people who do what I do and more.

What positions in LSC and STC have you held?
I started out as the advertising manager for Technically Write a while ago. I wrote for the newsletter as well then did PR a few years. I moved into 1st VP, the President and Past President of the LSC. I also ran the International PR competition for several years and now participate in the Leadership Resource Committee (LCR) and the PR Committee at the international level. I am still active in LSC as well as running the competitions and community service this year. I can't imagine not being active locally since that is where my heart belongs.

What are you up to this year?
I am managing the local competitions this year and still doing the community service thing. I now serve on the International PR committee and the LRC.

How can a person get involved and what’s in it for them if they do?
It is so easy. Talk to Mel Haughton, our volunteer wrangler or almost anybody from the admin counsel. Don’t know who they are? Just ask someone or look for the ribbons on their badges at meetings. You can also email any of us. There are tons of things to do that take little time—up to the big jobs.

How have you benefited from volunteering?
Again, I have met some great people and learned so much. My first writing samples were done on a volunteer basis while I looked for a job. At least one of these grew into a great contract position later. I never felt as useful as on the days we worked for the Salvation Army Angel Tree Warehouse. STC is like life&m—the more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. I encourage folks to dive on in.

Can STC really help me find a job?
Absolutely, it can. I have found both contract and permanent gigs through people I met in STC. I have also been able to help fellow LSCers get jobs in places I worked. When it comes to hiring a technical communicator, the first thing I look for on a resume is STC membership.