Human Factors
By Kathryn Poe, Associate Fellow
Welcome to the Human Factors column. My intent is to talk with 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.
Getting to Know Kristin Kirkham
Job Title: Marketing and Technical Writer
What do you actually do?
I am the lone writer for BearCom, a wireless solutions company. My duties include creating white papers, product overviews, crafting Request for Proposal (RFP) responses, writing and editing for the company magazine, creating marketing copy for the Web site, crafting success stories and news releases, as well as maintaining the writing standards and branding guidelines for the company.
What hard skills have you found most useful and how do you continue to cultivate those skills?
We are a Microsoft company, so my current skill set is centered on the Office Suite although I also have experience with many of the Adobe products. You will hear many technical communication professionals using FrameMaker, but you would be surprised by how many companies predominately use Word.
Do you consider yourself a guru at any particular subject?
With over 200 responses to RFP/RFI/RFQs, and over $5 million won in the last two years, I feel that I can now be considered a subject matter guru. [Ed. – RFI (Request for Information), RFQ (Request for Quote)]
What is the greatest benefit of being an STC member?
The people! It is nice to have a group of people who know what it feels like when your computer crashes and corrupts a 200-page document. (Yeah, yeah—save early and save often…) The networking alone is the most beneficial. It is also nice to have community meetings that touch on the hot topics in our field.
Why have you stuck around so long? What's kept you here?
I started out as a student member, and I haven’t looked back! I come back every year to keep my skills on track with my peers and to stay up-to-date on the current trends in technology and software.
What positions in LSC and STC have you held?
I currently serve as the 2008-2009 LSC 1st VP and Programs Manager. Duties include researching speakers for monthly program meetings, arranging hotel and catering reservations for each meeting, mentoring new members, educating members on trends and topics in technical communication, and assisting with member retention.
I served as the 2007-2008 LSC Secretary. Duties included attending administrative council meetings, collecting council member monthly reports, compiling meeting minutes, and delivering monthly reports to the council.
How have you benefited from volunteering?
Volunteering lets you keep a pulse on the technical communications profession. A wealth of knowledge is available if you talk to the right people! You can see which industries are hiring or laying off, what software many of your peers are using, and what software to avoid! By volunteering, I am more involved in decisions that impact our chapter. You are also more informed about what is happening at an international level.
Advice/Thoughts on STC for Newbies
How can I get involved and if I do, what’s in it for me?
There are ALWAYS volunteer opportunities. Simply tell anyone on the administrative council that you would like to lend a helping hand, and let them know your availability. We have something for everyone whether it is a minute or an hour!
How do I meet/recognize senior members?
Start asking questions as soon as you sit down at your table at the meeting. You are likely to find someone there who has something to share.
Do senior members/council members really want to talk to me?
YES! Just as a newbie looks for a mentor, the senior members look at newbies to see what is being taught in school now that they were not taught way back when. As for council members, I feel comfortable enough to answer for everyone—please talk with us! Your ideas and your comments are much appreciated and any information is good information. And don’t forget about the Help Desk on the Web site!
Can STC really help me find a job?
Yep! The Lone Star Community’s Job Bank and STC’s Career Center Web sites are there as a bonus to your membership. But don’t forget about the value of attending the monthly meetings. By speaking with your peers, you can see which companies are hiring, the skill set they desire, and what is needed to get an interview. If you don’t feel comfortable asking these questions, attend SIN SIG (for Shy, Inactive, or New members). SIN SIG will give you the opportunity to learn some new names and faces, and help to better acclimate you to the STC world.