Mary Dohrmann

I was reading “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” by John Berendt and ran across this line from a song written by Johnny Mercer, “When an early autumn walks the land / and chills the breeze and touches with her hand the summer trees / perhaps you’ll understand what memories I own.” I love that line! It seems to summarize perfectly the feeling of fall.

Along with that poignant, end-of-summer feeling, I have been feeling busy, busy, busy with schoolwork. Taking classes exclusively online has been an interesting experience. I have found myself becoming more self-reliant as a student, since I am using a mixture of input to learn. When I have a project to complete, and I don’t exactly know how to do it, I use books, online searches, help menus, and other students’ input in discussion board. If none of these answer my question, I send an email to my instructor for help.

This learning scenario is very different than the first class, called “Online Documentation” that I took at Gateway. It’s encouraging to remember that experience and to see how much I have learned since then. For that class, I sat in the lab, clueless, needing prompts from the instructor to complete each assignment. I still use the skills learned in that class all the time!

I am glad that I am working at my own pace, and that I am able to problem solve most of my issues on my own so far. I know that this has come about because of a climate of learning where questions were answered with patience and promptness. So far, though it has been busy, taking classes online has been a good experience.

Adobe announced the release of the Technical Communications Suite 2, which is a simply dreamy assortment. There is even a live demo of the product so that one can comfortably be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude and opportunity provided by this tool. A single person able to operate these products could produce material more sleek and structured than early computer operators and typists could dream! In fact, the use of typists is as outdated by as many years as I am old! What’s important to publications in the current business world is speed, adaptability, and the ability to reuse chunks of information. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

I recently spoke to people in the industry who remembered a time when the work of putting together a technical publication was done differently than now. Typists, illustrator, technical writers, etc., all worked mostly independantly of one another, whereas now a single person with the ability to operate the products could singlehandedly produce this work. That’s not the way it happens, since a good publication needs collaborative work to make it most effective for the end-user. Yet it is possible. How interesting that such a short amount of time could change an industry so drastically! I have heard people talk about adaptability to technology being a key to success in technical communication. To me, adaptability seems absolutely crucial seeing as how in four semesters of study, the available tools have changed noticeably! I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

I love the back to school season, while simultaneously dreading the demise of summer. My summer has been very lovely with time for vacation, job-hunting, networking, working with STC , exercise, reading, cooking, and family visits. Since my husband is a teacher, we get ready for school a little early. My first class starts September 9th but I have already started planning how to manage it all. I have to admit it’s a little daunting to juggle everything. The pieces always fall into place but if definitely takes some work!

I always loved shopping for school supplies as a kid. Things have changed a little, but the differences just reflect the Age of Information! How so? Glad you asked because I’ve been thinking about it a lot…..

New school supplies = New Software.  But I still love the feeling of a new paper notebook for a fresh start. Who cares if I keep my notes on on my laptop, it’s the new slate that counts! New pens and pencils….it’s classic fall! Next thing you know, I’ll be posing for a catalog on GTC campus with leaves falling all around!

Class-time = Online Time. I am taking all my classes online this fall since I recently moved. This will be different for me, but I don’t want to leave Gateway since I am close to being finished with my certificate. I will lack “face time” with instructors and students but I am so glad that participation in Blackboard is part of the grade. It makes up for the loss of being there in person. The communication is almost the same anyway: a little chit-chat, a lot of shop talk, and the give and take of asking other students (and instructor) about the current assignment. Reviewing other students’ work is simple with Adobe tools (and others).

Coursework = Reality. I chose Gateway because of its promise to make coursework approximate the real world. I am taking some really great classes this Fall, ones that I know will help me get a more complete “big picture” of my chosen profession, but will also help me complete my other assignments with a more informed and intelligent approach. At my first job, someone told me “always find ways to work smarter, not harder.” It sounds cheesy, but it reflects an approach to work that has never let me down!

I look forward to meeting new classmates this fall. Wishing everyone a productive semester!

Like many people, I have been spending time the last few months looking for a job. On June 29, I attended a talk at Gateway by career coach Chris Czarnik. I have never heard such a sensible, enthusiastic, and helpful treatment on career searches. As an experienced human resources manager, Chris was able to shed some light on what happens on the other side of desk. This was extremely helpful and encouraging to me and others in the room. He explained a different approach to crafting a cover letter, which I actually began incorporating into my applications, which resulted in two call-backs so far.

For every important concept he introduced, he also provided a practical and possible way to apply it. This included things like networking, understanding how hiring managers process applicants, and the importance of “practicing” for interviews. He even included an assignment in the handout, which I promptly began when I returned home from the event. I appreciated this speaker’s enthusiasm and commitment to helping people understand steps they can take to increase their contacts, thus broadening their search field.

Overall, it was a helpful presentation. Afterwards, I was able to follow up on several pieces of advice that he provided. I am still a student, but I have been able to make connections that have helped me understand my field much better than before. I will share about those connections at a later date. Until then, I hope that it’s helpful for readers to know that there is support, information, and steps available to work toward your dream, even if it seems a long way off right now.

I’ve spent the last few weeks in a transition (moving, packing, unpacking, etc.). It’s always fun to try to navigate a new grocery store and figure out where the closest gas station is! I’ve been enjoying the adjustment. I’ve also spent some time planning for the fall. I’m planning to take all my classes online since the travel-time is just too far now. I really prefer taking classes in person, but using Blackboard is the next best thing. I will be a virtual student! Yet since I have met the instructors and many of the other students in person in the past, I think it will be a comfortable fit.

I’m taking a break from school this summer. I was planning to take a few classes but the Technical Communications classes offered in the summer either don’t apply to my certification, or I’ve already taken them! I’m just going to spend the time job-hunting, organizing, and maybe even having fun! I love hiking and being outside, so I hope to get out and explore this summer. I hope to update the blog with some thoughts about the future of Technical Communications.

I’ll keep working with the Society for Technical Communications this summer and try to persuade some of my fellow Gateway students to attend some events with me!

Today I have the pleasure of introducing Katie Taylor! Katie will be part of a student exchange between Gateway Technical College and Kaufmännische Schulenn. In March 2010, she will be heading to Hanau, Germany. A group of German students will travel to Gateway this fall for academic study.

Katie is pursuing the Associates Degree in Technical Communications.  This is her second year at Gateway; she plans to do freelance work in technical communications when she graduates. I asked her a few questions to find out how she is preparing for this new opportunity! Katie, thanks for taking the time to tell me all about your trip!

MD: What are you most excited about regarding your study abroad trip?
KT: I am most excited to experience a different culture first hand. To be totally immersed in the German culture is definitely going to be an exciting and unique experience. I am also excited about being part of the project. I like working with a team and am fortunate to be a part of this.

MD: How were you selected as a participant?
KT: I went through the application process. It included submitting a written application, then going to an interview, and doing a presentation on my Gateway experience. It wasn’t difficult, but I was very nervous during the presentation!

MD: How are you preparing academically?
KT: There are two specific classes we must take. One is a German culture and language class. The other is a business internship class where we will actually begin working on the project in the Fall and into the Spring. I am also taking as many technical writing classes that I can to prepare.

MD: What are some of the challenges you will face because of the trip?
KT: The biggest challenge I will face will be being away from my family so long. I have three children and at the time of the trip, my youngest will only be 10 months old. It’s the longest I will ever be away from them. Another challenge will of course be the language barrier and cultural differences.

MD: Have you ever studied, lived, or traveled abroad before?
KT: The only experience I have had abroad is a trip to Mexico I took 4 years ago. I stayed in a resort where most of the staff spoke English, so it wasn’t difficult not speaking the language. I didn’t experience too much true Mexican culture since it was a resort setting. I did take a day trip to Chichen Itza and got to see some of the culture, but not the way I will be on this trip.

MD: What kind of work will you be doing?

KT: We will be working on a website for a business. I don’t know the specific details yet, but I will be working on documentation and the writing portion of the website. There are graphic design and web development students that will be working on the web portion.

MD: How will you overcome the language obstacles?

KT: The German culture and language course will give me some preparation for the language barrier. I will also be using a computer based program on my own to learn some basic German before I go. Hopefully, I will have a patient host family that will also help me learn the language.

MD: Anything else?

KT: I am very thankful that I was chosen for this trip. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am so lucky to be experiencing it. I am looking forward to every minute of it, even the ones that may be difficult!

Perhaps I spoke too soon earlier about my portfolio; I won’t be graded for it again until Fall, which has turned out to be a huge bonus for me. Now I have time to turn my paper portfolio digital. I’ve been job hunting lately; it seems like one of the most desirable qualities to employers is web adaptability. For technical communication, the myriad of choices when it comes to picking software can be overwhelming!

People working the field avoid being outpaced by technology by attending lectures and conferences and following tech news.  At Gateway, I’ve learned a variety of new skills and refreshed some of my old ones. One of the great things about Technical Communication is the potential to do it remotely especially since communication software becomes more sophisticated and designed to the needs of the users.

Some students from my program will be traveling to Germany next year to study abroad and do some work on a project there. I am hoping to get some feedback from one or both of them soon on how they are preparing for that experience. I know they will be studying conversational German. But buying train tickets and ordering sauerbraten will be the least of their adventures, I would think!

I will be taking a light load this summer but hope to take on some great classes in the fall. This summer will find me job-hunting and working with the Milwaukee chapter of the Society for Technical Communications. For academics, I’ll be working on some fun design projects of my own for a friend’s small business and also giving my paper portfolio a digital makeover.

Last time, I talked about how busy things have been. With portfolio reviews this week, as well as the prospect of moving in a few weeks, I don’t expect that part of life to change. Thinking about the future helps motivate me to complete my work. Since the goal of the Technical Communications program is to create a working portfolio, I try to develop my assignments with that in mind. Presumably, a prospective employer will see the portfolio as evidence that I can do all the things Technical Writers should do. I can show them the proof!

This summer, I’m excited about attending WriteCamp in Milwaukee; I’m trying to get my finger on the pulse of what is happening in the world of writing and editing by volunteering some time on the program committee of the Society for Technical Communications (STC) in Milwaukee.  I am also taking a few classes over the summer and look forward to those also. It’s amazing how much development can take place by focusing on a goal and sticking with it. I have seen many examples of that lately in my classes as people manage to balance it all: work, life, family, and school!

It couldn’t be a busier last few weeks for me! It seems like spring brings a burst of extra activity, like final projects, sports events, playing outside and oh so many birthdays. All of which are fun and productive things to do. Altogether, it is enough to keep me busy. Today is a great day also because my husband has been released from the hospital after a surgery and a prolonged stay. I am so glad to have him home and a return to normalcy!

I spent the last week trying to do homework from my laptop by his hospital bed. This proved to be a challenging feat but I finished one project on time. My other project deadline was kindly extended by my instructor. I know I will find the time to finish it tomorrow now that my husband is home and I won’t be speeding to the hospital after work every day! Plus, this project involves some of my favorite tasks: layout, writing, and editing!

I know that we will bounce back to our normal routine. Illness can be disruptive and scary, but it also can bring perspective. For example, we will never take our good health or our wonderful friends and family for granted!

In other news, I continued to work on my personal goals for the month by attending a career fair in Milwaukee. The perfect job for me was there and the recruiter liked my resume, but when she asked me if I was ready to relocate to Puerto Rico, I had to say, “not this year!” I told her that I am adventurous and would love to do it—maybe a few years ago! For now, I’ll just keep looking in Wisconsin.

Thanks for reading! I’m excited about chronicling my Gateway experiences. I’m studying Technical Communications and loving it. It’s exciting to have finally found a way to combine and focus so many of my interests in one field of study. Right now, I am designing an eight-page newsletter layout and working on logo development.

Going back to school was on my mind for a long time before I actually did it. The first time I went to school, being a student was my job. The academic world swallowed me and I loved it. I just hoped that once I graduated, I could find a job the same way I liked to pick engaging classes out of the course catalog—“that looks interesting! I’ll take that one!” Of course it doesn’t work like that. I studied English but I couldn’t decide what direction to take with it. I vacillated between pursuing a teaching degree or some kind of professional writing. Meanwhile, I worked at various jobs to pay the bills, all the while wondering how I could use my love of writing in a long-term career path.

I used personal research and the Technical Communications website at Gateway to determine that the Technical Communications program at Gateway fit well with my goals and my personality. I found a way to build on the foundation I already had. Right now, I am studying at Gateway to build real-life skills that will give me a chance to be competitive in today’s economy. I prefer taking campus classes but my schedule doesn’t always allow it. When I take online classes, I benefit from interacting with the instructor and other students on discussion boards and other interactive learning situations.

So far, I have met many other students of diverse age, background, and academic training. Many possess a degree of motivation that gets them past some significant life challenges. It’s inspiring to be around and motivation is contagious! It’s encouraging to collaborate with other students whose attitude suggests that if it is possible to learn and master something new, we can do it together.

I hope these posts will show what it’s like to learn here!