Human Factors

By Kathryn Poe, Associate Fellow

Welcome to 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.

y way of exposition, I will ask a person the same questions each month and their answers will appear right here. Feel free to send your ideas and comments to me at kpoe@ursaminorservices.com to make this information more useful to you.

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Name: Dale Erickson

Job Title: Senior Technical Writer

What do you actually do?

Write online help for supply chain software.

What hard skills have you found most useful and how do you continue to cultivate those skills?

For me, the best skills have been organizing source material and writing clearly and consistently. To maintain and add to my skills, I attend LSC monthly meetings and the STC Annual Conference. I read STC publications to monitor trends in technical communication. I read trade publications to track new hardware and software tools.

Do you consider yourself a Guru at any particular subject?

I consider myself a generalist.

What is the greatest benefit of being an STC member?

The network of professionals who are willing to share information about employment opportunities and solutions to documentation challenges.

Why have you stuck around so long? What's kept you here?

During my contractor years, I enjoyed my exposure to various industries and technologies. Each job was almost like a career change considering the range of documentation deliverables. During my career, I made the transition from pencil and paper to computer-generated documentation. Now that I can see retirement in a few more years, I plan to finish my professional career in technical documentation.

What positions in LSC and STC have you held?

• LSC: Second vice president, Treasurer, Membership manager, Internet SIG co-manager, Web Page Competition co-manager, and Webmaster.
• STC: Membership committee member, Financial manager of STC 40 th Annual Conference, SIG Advisory committee member, New Media Delivery Systems manager, Community Achievement Award Evaluation committee manager.

How can a person get involved, and what’s in it for them if they do?

Ask the Volunteer Wrangler or an LSC Admin Council member. You will become better known in the technical communication community. You will gain leadership and organizational skills that should carry over to professional activities.

How have you benefited from volunteering?

I became recognized as an experienced technical communication professional outside LSC activities. When I interviewed for contract assignments, many of my interviewers already knew me from LSC/STC activities or knew me by reputation from their colleagues. I also was able to give back to the organization that has been so generous to me with employment leads and recommendations and tips for being a better technical communicator.

How do I meet/recognize senior members?

You can meet senior members at monthly meetings and other sponsored events.

Do senior members/council members really want to talk to me?

Senior LSC members want to share their knowledge just as others have done for them over the years. LSC leadership cares about the opinions and concerns of its members. They are easy to approach and are willing to engage in conversation about community activities.

Can STC really help me find a job?

The STC Job Bank and the word-of-mouth from my LSC colleagues have helped keep me employed for over 25 years. And, I have been able to share job leads with scores of colleagues during the same period.