TechComm: The state of the TechComm: The state of the professionprofession

29 July 200829 July 2008Linda Oestreich, Doc Manager, HPLinda Oestreich, Doc Manager, HP

Past President, STCPast President, STCApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Today’s topics

Body of Knowledge

Knowledge PortalKnowledge Portal

C:\Documents and Settings\C:\Documents and Settings\oestreicoestreic\My Documents\ILCEP 2008\knowledge_portal_handout.doc\My Documents\ILCEP 2008\knowledge_portal_handout.doc

Areas of ExpertiseAreas of Expertise

Site map: » See document: Site map: » See document: C:\Documents and Settings\C:\Documents and Settings\oestreicoestreic\My Documents\ILCEP 2008\Copy of sitemap_with_STC2008_\My Documents\ILCEP 2008\Copy of sitemap_with_STC2008_stickies.xlsstickies.xls

Technical writer vs technical communicator

BLS definition: technical writer vs technical communicatorSTC has hired economist Rick O’Sullivan to produce a comprehensive salary database for technical writers based on data gathered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). STC will now provide STC members with salary data according to industry as well as geography.And, because it has been reported often, you probably know that STC is working to influence the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to replace the outdated definition for technical writer in the Standard Occupational Classification System (SOC) with a new definition for technical communicator. The new definition will help raise the status of our profession around the world.On July 19 we were informed officially that the BLS has determined that they will keep the technical writer definition and will not recommend that technical communicator be added to the Standard Occupational Classifications at this time. The good news is that the BLS will consider adding technical communicator to a separate list of emerging professions in both the Occupational Handbook and O*NET, BLS’s on-line occupation and career data source. If the BLS adds this, they will start collecting separate data on technical communicators. After a period of time, they will review the data to determine if the growth in the profession meets its criteria for “emerging” and, in turn, whether the official Standard Occupational Classification should be amended and all government statistics including those published by BLS, the IRS, and state employment agencies should be changed to recognize the new profession.

Salary surveys

Link to salary surveyLink to salary survey

Academic database

http://http://stc.org/academic/index.aspxstc.org/academic/index.aspx

Globalization

ChinaChina

Partnering with L10N organizationsPartnering with L10N organizations

INTECOMINTECOM

China trip

» See document: » See document: http://www.citizenambassadors.org/upcomingprohttp://www.citizenambassadors.org/upcomingprograms/science_tech/oestreich-linda_10-2008.aspgrams/science_tech/oestreich-linda_10-2008.asp

The People to People Ambassador Programs, The People to People Ambassador Programs, initiated in the 1950s by President Dwight initiated in the 1950s by President Dwight Eisenhower, have asked me to lead a delegation Eisenhower, have asked me to lead a delegation of technical communicators to China in October of technical communicators to China in October 2008. STC members will be offered the chance to 2008. STC members will be offered the chance to join this delegation. Invitation letters will be sent join this delegation. Invitation letters will be sent out to those who allow STC mailings in early out to those who allow STC mailings in early spring. In the meantime, if you have questions spring. In the meantime, if you have questions about this trip, you are welcome to contact me at about this trip, you are welcome to contact me at linda.oestreich@hp.com. In the past, STC linda.oestreich@hp.com. In the past, STC members have been part of other professional members have been part of other professional exchanges to China, most recently in 2002 when exchanges to China, most recently in 2002 when George Hayhoe led a delegation as a George Hayhoe led a delegation as a representative from IEEE-PCS.representative from IEEE-PCS.

http://www.citizenambassadors.org/http://www.citizenambassadors.org/upcomingprograms/science_tech/oestreich-upcomingprograms/science_tech/oestreich-linda_10-2008.asplinda_10-2008.asp

INTECOM

Recent AGM in MontrealRecent AGM in Montreal

Partners and perks of STC

Partner listPartner list

MS/Madcap discountsMS/Madcap discounts

Etc.Etc.

Standards

List of standardsList of standards

Wrap up and questions