Finding Your Path: Navigating Freelance, Contract, and Permanent Technical Communication Roles
The Society for Technical Communication (STC) Florida chapter, in partnership with the Future Technical Communicators (FTC) club at the University of Central Florida (UCF), invites you to the annual STC-FTC meeting tomorrow!
- Date: January 25, 2024
- Time: Networking at 6:30 PM Eastern Standard Time
- Location: UCF campus (in-person) or Zoom (virtual)
This year, we’re diving deep into the world of technical communication roles with a panel of experts who have navigated freelance, contract, and permanent positions successfully.
Secure your spot for this enriching experience by RSVPing today. This event is free and allows you to connect with like-minded professionals and expand your knowledge of technical communication roles.
Join us for an evening of learning, collaboration, and networking as we explore the ever-changing landscape of technical communication roles together. It’s a chance to gain valuable insights, ask your burning questions, and chart your path to success.
Whether you’re a seasoned technical communicator or just starting in the field, this event promises something for everyone. You can participate in person at the UCF campus (Nicholson School of Communication, Room 0116) or join us virtually via Zoom using this link: Zoom Link.
Meet Our Panelists
Kelly Schrank
Editor at Aquent Studios
Kelly Schrank, MA, ELS, has been a technical writer and editor for almost 30 years, and she has been a medical editor for 14 years. She is currently a permanent full-time employee for Aquent Studios, editing and proofreading promotional advertising materials for a large pharmaceutical company. In the past, she has been a contract technical writer, working in cybersecurity and IT; held full-time permanent positions in technical and medical editing, and freelanced through her company, Bookworm Editing Services. She started her business in 2017; initially, she worked part-time in it for 2 years, then took it full-time for 3 years, and then brought it back down to part-time again when she took on her current full-time job. Kelly has a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s degree in Technical Communication. She is an STC Associate Fellow and a BELS-certified Editor in the Life Sciences.
Rachael Swertfeger
Technical Writer III, Sagent
Rachael currently works as a technical writer at Sagent. Her current role has her focusing on Release Notes and supporting the MadCap software and team templates. Previous positions have included contract and permanent work for Lockheed Martin as a technical writer, knowledge base administration and technical writing work at Optum in the healthcare industry, and even a brief stint in education at a local non-profit providing after-school programs for students. After graduating from UCF in 2011, she went right into her career with a jump start at Lockheed Martin, first as a contractor and then being hired full-time. Her volunteerism has included helping in the after-school programs, prior to being permanently hired, and being a mentor for students through STC and FTC. She lives in Ocoee with her husband, toddler, and her newest addition, Maeve the chocolate lab puppy.
Mirhonda Studevant
Mirhonda Studevant works as a Knowledge Manager at LinkedIn, teaching adults ways to share what they’ve learned. She has spent over 25 years pursuing content strategy, information design, customer experience, and decision sciences. An active member of the Society for Technical Communication (www.stc.org), Mirhonda earned the first TCOM bachelor’s degree awarded by Southern Polytechnic State University. She also holds an MBA with a Knowledge and Learning Management concentration from Walden University. In addition to contributing to STC and CIDM publications and speaking at industry events, Mirhonda also contributed the “Inviting Collaboration with Customers” chapter to the Virtual Collaborative Writing in the Workplace: Computer-Mediated Communication Technologies and Processes textbook. Outside of work, Mirhonda is passionate about cooking/food, nature and crossing the digital divide. She is a member of the Florida Tail Association and volunteers with organizations that focus on demystifying technology, increasing accessibility, and empowering people of color to pursue STEM careers.
Jessica Kreger
Communications & Content Strategy Leader
Jessica Kreger has led technical communications and marketing communications teams that educate and empower customers across the world. With over 20 of experience in diverse industries, she has worked for universities, global businesses, and start-up companies. Jessica is passionate about developing optimal user experiences and creating content that improves people’s lives. She earned an M.A. in Professional Writing from Carnegie Mellon and a B.A. in English from Penn State. She is a Senior Member of the STC and a Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC).
Good luck 🙂