MA/MS in Writing: Professional and Technical Writing Portland State University

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1 MA/MS in Writing: Professional and Technical Writing Portland State University Dr. Kendall Leon, Director Pro and Tech Writing Assistant Prof, Dept. of English

2 Introductions Dr. Kendall Leon PhD, Rhetoric and Writing, Michigan State (2010) Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Composition, Dept of English (third year) Director of Pro & Tech writing (first year) Courses taught: research methods for Tech/Pro; research writing, Gender, Rhetoric and the Body, Intro to Rhetoric Research interests: writing research and administration Two kids: ages 3 and 6 Introduce yourself: Name, background, employment, interest in pro/tech, something interesting about yourself?

3 History of P&TW at PSU 1990 s: Former Journalism professors create a minor in Technical and Professional Writing after Journalism at Portland State dismantled First director hired in Grad Tech/Pro program began in 2000 Since its inception: The program has has effectively and successfully prepared grads for tech pro jobs, or academic careers

4 P&TW at PSU Provides students taking P&TW classes in our department with the critical and rhetorical skills for producing ethical and effective multimedia texts that communicate complex information to a wide range of audiences. An interdisciplinary program: the ability to write technical information effectively requires both a broad and specialized knowledge base (28/48 units in writing) Supports PSU s mission as an engaged university as it provides students with service learning and internship opportunities in the community and local industry.

5 About Professional and Technical Writing or, what did I get myself into? Quick Facts: Technical Writers 2012 Median Pay: $65,500 per year, $31.49 per hour Number of Jobs, 2012: 49,500 Job Outlook, : 15% (Faster than average) Employment Change, : 7,400 (from the BLS Occupational Outlook for Technical Writers) Tech writing has not faced the bleak job market outlook as other humanities related occupations

6 About Professional and Technical Writing Where are the jobs? (from TechWhirl) Computer-related: Software, hardware, webrelated, social media-related, cyber security. Science, engineering, health care related: health care industry in particular Government: policy analysts, media relations specialists Industrial Design/Education: designing materials for training and education Business, Finance, and Project Management

7 About Professional and Technical Writing Where are the jobs? (from TechWhirl & BLS)

8 What makes this program unique? Able to complete with full time work schedule (classes online or in the evening) Develop your own specialization track in your own interests Connected to local industry: internship and career opportunities Alumni working in local industries Courses taught by either full time faculty or working professionals offering courses to prepare students for current work environments

9 P&TW grad instructors Professor Tracy Dillon First program director Advisor to many of you Teaches core courses (Document Design and Advanced Tech Writing) Research interests: Technical Writing, Cross- Cultural Communication, History of Business and Technical Writing, British Romanticism

10 P&TW grad instructors Maralee Sautter Content developer-technical writer Intel corporation Society for Technical Communication (STC) Sr. Member; Web content developer and former past President Teaches two courses regularly: WR 327: Technical Report Writing Adobe Framemaker

11 P&TW Grad instructors Garrett Romaine Degree in Geology and Geography Written books on rocks, gems and minerals Managed several technical writing teams in the Portland area Taught in the T&PW program since 1997 Regularly teaches undergrad courses (WR 227: Intro to Tech Writing) and the Tech Editing course (has internship component)

12 P&TW grad instructors Arlene Krasner Instructor at PSU for over ten years (English & Engineering Management) Worked over twenty years in the high-technology industry and engineering management. Former President of the Willamette Valley chapter of the Society for Technical Communication (STC). Currently teaches WR 327

13 P&TW grad instructors Bryan Schnabel Sr. Manager Web Projects Operation, Demand, Tektronix Musician, songwriter Currently teaches: A Practical Application of XML and DITA (Winter 2016), Emerging Trends in Translation Technology (Spring 2016)

14 P&TW grad instructors Sarah Berry Instructional Designer Clarity Innovations Previously a PSU Instructional Designer, Information architect, User interface designer Teaching: Visual Storytelling (Fall 2015)

15 P&TW grad instructors Jeff Gunderson Full-time professional writer Over 10 years of experience writing for industry trade Publications serving the water quality, water treatment, stormwater, engineering and construction, & building industries. Experience in the environmental consulting field, specializing in environmental impact assessment. Teaching Intro to Trade Publications

16 Tips for Success Your instructors are working professionals in the local area who can be a reference, potential employer, provide internships, or serve on your graduate committee. Operate as a professional with your instructors and colleagues. Sign up for Society for Technical Communication, Willamette chapter. If you haven t already, make sure you are signed up for the grad student department list serv. Internship and job opportunities are posted weekly. Check your pdx .

17 Tips for success Know that the MS/MA in writing is its own program in the English Department. You are not enrolled in the MA in English. Requirements are different (portfolio versus thesis, exams and reading lists) Your exam (written and oral) will be based on your portfolio Know options (and limitations) for the 9 unit conundrum

18 Tips for Success Be proactive about your education and professional development. Explore a specialization and courses outside of English Read the handbook thoroughly Stay up to date on the timeline outlined in the handbook Network: with instructors in and outside of the department, with other students, and in the technical writing community join STC!

19 Projected grad course offerings: 2016 Winter 2016: Advanced Tech Writing (Dillon, online) DITA/Information Architecture/XML (Schnabel, Hybrid, Tuesday nights) Spring 2016: Madcap Flare; Emerging Trends in Translation Technology Fall 2016: Document Design (Dillon, online) Framemaker (Sautter, TBA) Other course offerings TBA

20 Future happenings: professional development Workshop series Guest speakers If there is any particular topic you would like covered, please let me know!:

21 Any other questions or concerns? Thank you for attending orientation! I look forward to working with each of you this year!