The Profession

From Technical Writer to Technical Communicator: Guide to STC Content

Recent content in News & Notes and Intercom and on STC’s Web site has detailed STC’s efforts to change how the U.S. government defines our profession in the Standard Occupational Classifications (SOC). The SOC are used by all state and federal publications when occupational data are provided.

The following list summarizes each resource and provides a link to where it can be found.

• “The Case for ‘Technical Communicator.’” Prepared by STC Director of Communication and Marketing Maurice Martin and Economist Richard O’Sullivan of Change Management Solutions, this informative paper offers historical facts, statistical data, and observations by STC leaders (including President Linda Oestreich and Strategic Planning Committee Chair Larry Kunz) to support the change.

• February 2007 News & Notes, “From Writer to Communicator.” This introductory article highlights STC’s efforts to change the SOC description for our profession from “technical writer” to “technical communicator” and includes the proposed new job description.

• March/April 2007 News & Notes, "From Writer to Communicator: University of Central Florida Changes Its Program Name." STC Director Mike Murray discusses the decision of the University of Central Florida's technical writing program faculty to change the title of its BA and MA programs to "technical communication."

• April 2007 Intercom, “‘Technical Communicator,’ Your Time Has Come.” Executive Director Susan Burton explains why the old SOC definition for “technical writer” has become outdated and inaccurate and how it affects your salary.

• June 2007 Intercom, “You May Already Be a Technical Communicator!” Use Burton’s checklist to determine whether you are already a technical communicator. If you have “technical communicator” as your job title, learn how to let STC know so that this information can be compiled.

• July 2007 News & Notes, "Roadmap from Writer to Communicator." STC Director Mike Murray discusses his career experience moving from technical writer to technical communicator.