Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a degree in Technical Communication to become a technical communicator?
- What kind of salary can I expect as a Junior / Intermediate / Senior technical communicator?
- What should I put in my portfolio?
- Why should I join the STC?
- How much does a membership cost and what membership levels are available?
- How do I become a member of the STC?
- How do I get my address or contact information updated?
- When and where do local STC members meet and what are the meeting topics about?
- What are Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and is there a listing of available SIGs?
- How can I get information on other chapters in other geographical areas?
- I'm moving - can I transfer to another STC chapter?
- I would like more information about academic opportunities for the Technical Communication profession - where can I go?
Do I need a degree in Technical Communication to become a technical communicator?
While a technical communication degree or certificate can provide you with a strong theoretical base for the profession, it is not a prerequisite for the job. Many writers arrive at the job "through the back door". If you do not have relevant post secondary education, perhaps you can enhance your application (and skill set) by:
- Volunteering your writing services. We have a Volunteer Manager who can give you some good advice.
- Enrolling in other continuing education programs. Contact your local colleges and universities to discover what great courses they offer. Or, contact me for some ideas.
- Drafting documents for your portfolio. If you don't have any "real world" writing examples, why not demonstrate your creative and technical abilities by creating some from scratch?
- Familiarizing yourself with industry-standard tools. The web offers a wealth of information about the tools of the trade. You can even download some demos to try out.
- Networking at STC meetings. If you haven't already attended a general meeting, there's no better time than the present.
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What kind of salary can I expect as a Junior / Intermediate / Senior technical communicator?
The STC publishes a salary survey every year. STC Members can login at the society web site at http://www.stc.org/salary.asp for the latest figures.
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What should I put in my portfolio?
Your resume should be the first document in your portfolio. As a technical communicator, your resume is the first evidence of your writing and desktop publishing skills.
Other portfolio documents should cover a large spectrum of styles, types, and lengths. Consider these items.
- Work on which you were the primary writer
- Examples of documents that are a result of a team effort
- Documents you edited
- Technical manuals: User guides, Operations guides, Installation guides, and Technical copy
- API documentation
- Web copy
- Advertisements and marketing pieces
- Instructional guides of a non-technical nature
- Letters, newsletters, and articles
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Why should I join the STC?
Download the 10 Reasons to Join the STC PDF file and find out!
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How much does a membership cost and what membership levels are available?
| Membership | Publications | Communities | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic |
Printed copies of Intercom and Technical Communication. |
one chapter, one SIG OR two SIGs OR two chapters |
$150 Dues + $15 Enrollment Fee* + |
| Limited |
Printed copies of Intercom and Technical Communication. |
None |
$130 + $15 Enrollment Fee* + $15 postage |
E-membership |
Online access to Intercom and Technical Communication. |
one chapter, one SIG OR two SIGs OR two chapters |
$140 + $15 Enrollment Fee* |
| Student |
Online access to Intercom and Technical Communication. |
Unlimited number of SIGs and two chapters (one professional chapter and one student chapter). |
$55 |
*Note: Enrollment fee is a one-time charge, and is not included if you renew you membership by the end of February. STC membership rates are set by head office and posted at www.stc.org/membership.
Student Member
To be eligible for student membership, an applicant must be:
- Enrolled in an accredited university, college, community college, or technical school; and
- Taking at least two courses or their equivalent each term; and
- Preparing for a career in technical communication.
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How do I become a member of the STC?
Visit the membership section of the STC web site at: www.stc.org/membership and complete the secure, online membership form, or download the pdf membership application form and mail your completed form, along with payment to:
STC/Membership Department 901 North Stuart Street Suite 904 Arlington, Virginia 22203-1822
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How do I get my address or contact information updated?
Go to the Head Office STC website at: www.stc.org and visit the STC Members > Member Services area to fill out a web form or email membership@stc.org.
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When and where do local STC members meet and what are the meeting topics about?
Go to the Calendar for up-to-date information on local STC monthly meetings, topics, special presentations, workshops and so on.
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What are Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and is there a listing of available SIGs?
STC members may join special interest groups that serve several professional interests. Membership may be worldwide, providing a diversity of views, information, and support.
STC currently has 20 SIGs. A definition of each SIG and registration forms are available online at www.stc.org/membership/sigInfo01.asp. The cost for SIG membership is $5 US annually.
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How can I get information on other chapters in other geographical areas?
The STC maintains a Chapter Database that lists chapter presidents, their phone numbers, and chapter websites. Go to: www.stc.org/membership/chapterSearch01.asp and fill in search requirements.
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I'm moving - can I transfer to another STC chapter?
Absolutely! By default, you are assigned to the closest chapter to your residence (or mailing address). So, when you inform head office of a change of address, you would be automatically reassigned to a chapter in that new region. However, if you wish to remain with your present chapter (in order to receive that chapter's newsletter, mailings, and correspondence), you can do so - just let head office know which chapter you'd prefer.
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I would like more information about academic opportunities for the Technical Communication profession - where can I go?
STC maintains a database of academic programs available. You can search by a number of parameters, including geographical area and type of program. I recommend you visit the head office STC website: www.stc.org/edu/academic01.asp
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