One of the tasks that I commonly perform in my role as chair of a department of technical communication is advising students who are considering tech comm or who are considering next steps in tech comm. Such advising conversations can have a number of challenges as the student and I face a common goal of student success. For example,
- Tech comm is a hugely diverse and ubiquitous field. How do I find the words to make sense of it to a student who is just beginning to express interest?
- How do I find the words that resonate best with that student?
- How do I help the student remember options in the field that most interest them? And how to pursue those options?
- How do I help students understand the value of the degree and their value in a room?
As you might guess, I have many slides, posters, and videos to provide this information, but they lack the immediacy of conversation and don’t fit well in a one-on-one advising session.
Recently, I have found that chatting with AI and the student simultaneously may have some advantages. In other words, AI becomes one of the participants in the conversation. Though I haven’t begun to study this topic empirically, I am intrigued by how this three-way conversation (me, the student, and an AI agent) can provide immediacy, responsiveness, another “perspective,” and concrete examples, not all of which are present in a common two-way conversation. I remain the facilitator of this conversation and the expert in the room. I do not give over control to AI, so I can also mediate for the AI tool, adding nuance and fact. The AI responses seem to help the student and me to refine and frame ideas.
In the remainder of this article, I present four common questions I receive during advising, the AI agent’s response, and a few reactions from myself and the student.
Discussing Tech Comm with the Family
Students sometimes mention that they enjoy our program and classes, but sometimes struggle to explain what Tech Comm is to others. I turned to ChatGPT with one such student, and we agreed that ChatGPT offered a reasonably effective description of tech comm for non-experts.
I’m majoring in tech comm but still can’t get my family to understand what it really is.
Explaining technical communication (tech comm) to family members who may not be familiar with the field can be challenging, but breaking it down into simple terms can help. Here’s a straightforward way to explain tech comm to your family:
“Technical communication is like being a translator between technology experts and regular people. Imagine you have a friend who’s really good at fixing computers or creating software, but they speak a language that’s hard for most people to understand. That’s where I come in as a technical communicator. I bridge the gap between the tech experts and the rest of the world.
My job is to take complex technical information and make it easy for anyone to understand. This could involve writing manuals, creating user guides, designing websites, or making instructional videos. Essentially, I help ensure that the amazing things people create in the tech world can be used and understood by everyone, not just the experts.”
Feel free to adapt this explanation based on your specific focus within technical communication, as the field can encompass a variety of tasks such as writing, editing, designing, and more. Using relatable examples and avoiding jargon can make it easier for your family to grasp the essence of tech comm and its importance in making technology accessible to a broader audience.
Pairing a Minor with a Major
Students often want to consider the value that a minor in Tech Comm would add as they pursue their other studies and think about life after graduation. This response provides several starting points that can then branch into topics like the evolution of virtual teaming, conversations of international standards and what they offer for biomed and tech comm, the need for proposal skills when seeking research and funding opportunities, opportunities to specialize within tech comm, accessibility, and the advantage of being able to present complex information at conferences and in other settings.
Why would technical communication make a good minor for a student who is majoring in biomedical engineering?
A minor in technical communication can be a valuable addition for a student majoring in biomedical engineering for several reasons:
- Effective Communication Skills
Biomedical engineers often work in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with professionals from various backgrounds. Strong communication skills are crucial for effectively conveying complex technical information to team members, stakeholders, and the broader community.
- Documentation and Reports
Biomedical engineers frequently engage in research, design, and development projects. A solid understanding of technical communication can help in documenting research findings, creating clear and concise reports, and maintaining thorough project documentation.
- Regulatory Compliance
Biomedical engineering projects are subject to regulatory standards and guidelines. Technical communicators are trained to navigate and interpret complex regulations, ensuring that documentation and communication align with compliance requirements.
- Grant Proposals and Funding Requests
Biomedical engineering often involves securing funding for research and development projects. Technical communication skills can be beneficial when drafting grant proposals, effectively conveying project goals, methodologies, and potential impact to attract funding.
- User Manuals and Instructions
In the biomedical field, the development of medical devices and technologies requires clear and user-friendly documentation. Technical communication expertise can aid in creating comprehensive user manuals, instructions, and educational materials for end-users, healthcare professionals, or other stakeholders.
- Public Communication and Outreach
Biomedical engineers may need to communicate their work to the public, patients, or healthcare professionals. Technical communication skills can help in crafting accessible and informative materials for a broader audience, contributing to public understanding and support.
- Presentations and Conferences
Biomedical engineers often present their work at conferences, meetings, or seminars. Technical communication skills are essential for creating engaging presentations, posters, and materials to effectively communicate research findings and innovations.
- Career Advancement
A minor in technical communication can differentiate a biomedical engineering graduate in the job market. Employers value individuals who can not only excel in technical aspects but also communicate their work effectively within the organization and with external partners.
Double Majoring
The same strategy works well with students considering a double major. This response helps bring to the table several topics that we can then explore in our discussion, such as the skills that open career paths and the advantages of flexibility in career development. It also highlights several discussion points that I have not attempted before, like item five in the response below.
I’m an English major. Why should I consider double majoring in English and Technical Communication?
Double majoring in English and Technical Communication can offer you a well-rounded and versatile skill set that is highly valuable in today’s professional landscape. Here are several reasons why you might consider pursuing a double major in these fields:
- Diversified Skill Set
English majors typically develop strong critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. Adding a technical communication major can provide you with a more specialized skill set, including the ability to communicate complex technical information effectively.
- Professional Writing Proficiency
Technical communication focuses on writing for specific purposes, such as creating user manuals, reports, and instructional materials. This can enhance your proficiency in professional writing, a skill highly sought after in many industries.
- Adaptability in the Job Market
A combination of English and technical communication makes you adaptable to various professional settings. You can pursue careers in traditional writing and editing roles, as well as roles that require technical writing, content creation, and communication in technology-driven fields.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Many industries require professionals who can bridge the gap between technical experts and non-experts. A double major in English and Technical Communication equips you with the ability to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams, facilitating communication between different departments.
- Technical Expertise and a Humanistic Approach
The technical communication major provides a bridge between the humanities and technology. This combination allows you to approach technical subjects with a humanistic perspective, making your communication more accessible and engaging.
- Versatility in Career Options
With a double major, you have a broader range of career options. You could pursue roles in technical writing, editing, content creation, marketing, communications, public relations, or even work in industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, and more.
- Preparation for Emerging Fields
As technology continues to advance, the demand for individuals who can communicate technical information to diverse audiences is growing. Your combination of English and technical communication can position you well for emerging fields where effective communication of complex concepts is crucial.
- Enhanced Problem-Solving Abilities
Both English and technical communication majors emphasize problem-solving skills, but from different perspectives. Combining these majors can enhance your ability to approach problems from multiple angles, making you a more well-rounded problem solver.
- Increased Marketability
A double major in English and Technical Communication enhances your marketability to employers. It demonstrates not only your proficiency in traditional literary and communication skills but also your ability to navigate and communicate effectively in technical and professional settings.
- Personal and Professional Growth
Pursuing a double major can be intellectually enriching, providing you with a holistic education that combines the depth of literary and cultural studies with the practical skills needed in the professional world. It can contribute to your personal and professional growth.
Changing Majors
Another challenging part of advising is helping students at a moment of change that can be anxiety-inducing. Working with a student to quickly consider several angles at once can be empowering to the student. One of my students responded well to item 2 below, but several of the items helped productively structure our discussion. We were able to seamlessly discuss recent developments in technology (AI), salaries for communicators, the success of recent alumni, and the internship support process that is a cornerstone of our program.
My parents want me to major in engineering. Everyone knows that engineers make good money and are respected. But I think that majoring in technical communication in an engineering company might be something I’d like more. How can I convince my parents that making the switch from an engineering degree to a technical communication degree makes sense for me?
Convincing your parents to support a switch from an engineering major to a technical communication major can be a delicate conversation. Here are some points you can consider emphasizing to convey the benefits of pursuing technical communication within an engineering context:
- Career Satisfaction
Emphasize that job satisfaction is crucial for long-term success and happiness. Express your passion for effective communication and your belief that a career in technical communication aligns better with your interests and strengths.
- Combining Strengths
Highlight how combining your engineering knowledge with technical communication skills can make you a unique asset in the workforce. Explain that you see the value in being able to bridge the gap between technical experts and non-experts, contributing to clearer communication within engineering teams.
- Adaptability and Versatility
Stress the versatility of technical communication skills. Mention that these skills are not limited to a specific industry and can be applied across various sectors, making you adaptable to different job markets and career opportunities.
- Changing Landscape of Work
Discuss the changing nature of work and the increasing importance of effective communication in professional settings. With technology advancing rapidly, the ability to communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences is becoming increasingly valuable.
- Demonstrating a Plan
Present a well-thought-out plan for your career path. Explain how a technical communication degree can lead to fulfilling roles within engineering companies, such as technical writing, documentation, and communication positions that are crucial for project success.
- Industry Demand
Research and share information about the demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between technical expertise and effective communication. Many industries, including engineering, highly value individuals who can communicate technical information clearly and concisely.
- Success Stories
Provide examples of successful professionals who have combined technical communication skills with an understanding of engineering. Share stories of individuals who have excelled in roles that involve both technical expertise and effective communication within engineering firms.
- Internship Opportunities
Look for internship opportunities that blend engineering and technical communication. Explain how gaining practical experience in such roles during your education can strengthen your resume and make you a more competitive candidate in the job market
- Networking and Industry Connections
Emphasize the importance of networking and industry connections. Point out that having a unique skill set can make you stand out in networking events and job interviews, potentially opening doors to exciting opportunities.
In Conclusion
Research is needed into how AI agents might play useful roles as 3rd parties in facilitated conversations–not only in advising contexts. This exploratory case study indicates that AI might serve a useful purpose in facilitated advising conversations, providing new perspectives, frameworks, and audience-focused language.
Even while I, as an expert in tech comm, can evaluate and refine AI’s answers, the presence of this third entity in the conversation adds a compelling element of “third person” and tech-savvy credibility.