Staying competitive with continuing education

by Martha Sippel

I had a continuing education discussion with a friend who works in a small company last night. I asked him, "If others in your company are receiving training, why aren't you?" He answered, "I'm too busy at work and have too much to do to search for courses." I pointed out that the work would still be there when he got back, and asked why he didn't look for continuing education in new topics that would help his career. Again, basically the same response, "I've got too many deadlines before the end of the year and people are counting on me to be here."

This response sounds familiar. At the last company I worked for, we were responsible for charting our own training development. With a limited training budget, it was first come, first served. Some people did not or would not take the initiative to find courses or conferences. Others tried to take as many courses in as many different topics as they could. Some people just do not realize that there are worthwhile things they can learn to help them in their current job or career. What a mistake!

I can't think of a course or conference I attended where I didn't learn anything. Of course, some are better than others, and some I left thinking, "I knew most of the material" or "I could teach that." To me, continuing my education helps to keep me competitive. And, like many others I know, I spend personal time reading technical articles, journals, magazines and novels. I also spend time searching for conferences, courses, seminars, and other events where I might learn new tools and new tricks or tips, or be inspired by new ideas. It takes some time, but don't you believe that you are worth the time and effort?

Two years ago, I was asked to manage a major project in addition to my responsibilities managing people, an intranet, and a department. I seriously considered the consequences and agreed. However, first we negotiated training that would enable me to become a better people manager and time manager so I could successfully add something else to my plate. Relearning how to manage projects effectively and efficiently was extremely important. That training included learning Microsoft Project and attending internal and external time management and project management courses.

I don't pretend to be an expert in either of these subjects (or many others, for that matter), but I learned interesting and valuable things to apply to my everyday work and personal life. I was still able to attend the STC international conference that year, and I gained a lot of education while increasing my responsibilities. Managing that project was a worthwhile experience.

As the October meeting panelists said, technical communicators must be versatile, flexible, and adaptable. They must possess these skills and be more innovative to be employed in this market. To me, that entails continually learning, reading, and discussing issues and challenges with others. STC provides these things for a reasonable price. Membership fees are low, meetings are incredibly cheap (where else can one find continuing education for $5.00?), and seminar and conference fees are reasonable. If you investigate what other professional organizations charge for dues and meetings, you'll find that STC is one of the most reasonably priced. No, I have not been asked or paid to say this—I truly believe in STC's value for the money.

I also found a mentor to help me along the twisted path to becoming an independent contractor/consultant. Believe me, I tap her knowledge at least once a week! I don't think a week goes by that I don't have at least one or two questions for Linda Gallagher, and she is always willing to help. You simply cannot put a price on receiving good, solid advice from a professional. More on mentoring in a future article.

I can always find something interesting in Intercom, Technical Communication, Tieline, Hyperviews (the Online SIG newsletter), Writer's Digest, and even on the Internet or in the newspaper. I gain even more knowledge by simply talking to other technical communicators, especially STC members. They are a wealth of information. I learn something at every meeting. You don't have the time? Make the time. It is an important step to furthering your knowledge and career.

Here are my seven tips for staying competitive in today's technical communications market:

• Take time to set some new goals each year.
• Make those goals reasonable, measurable, and attainable.
• Seek educational opportunities to help you meet those goals.
• Continue your education in as many topics and ways as possible.
• Invest in yourself by paying for some or all of your continuing education.
• Find a mentor you can work with who has knowledge to share that you desire to learn.
• Take advantage of the resources STC has to offer.

For example, the RMC is sponsoring an XML Seminar on December 6, 2002. For only $100 (member's cost), you can spend a day learning the basics of XML. This year and next, STC has several telephone seminars that provide training on diverse topics. (By the way, if you or your company is willing to host any of these for the fee of $145, and charge a nominal fee for STC members to attend, please email me.) This is another inexpensive way to gain knowledge.

The moral of this story is the importance of spending the time and money to invest in your future. This includes investing in your continuing education and your career. It will help you keep your skills current and add to your resume and portfolio—not to mention your self-esteem! Happy learning!