Jennifer Kaefer

Cal Poly - B.A. English, 2006

Other degrees/certificates:

Technical Writing Certificate, 2006

Current city/state:

Santa Clara, CA

Employer:

Synaptics

Job Title:

Technical Writer

How Long in Current Position:

3 years

Brief description of position duties/responsibilities:

I am responisble for writing and editing documents related to our products and internal business processes. This includes manuals, help text, product specifications, ISO process documents, training slides, and application notes.

What specific qualities/abilities, skills are necessary for this position:

The ability to write precisely and concisely. Strong editing skills. Effective interviewing skills. The ability to understand technical subjects. A visual eye for creating and editing diagrams and layouts. Knowledge of specific computer applications (including: advanced Word features, FrameMaker, Illustrator, DreamWeaver, html/xml language, PhotoShop). Good organization and time management skills.

While at Cal Poly, what resources did you take advantage of that have helped you in your current position:

Technical Communications program. Student chapter of the Society for Technical Communication. Access to expensive computer programs on the school's computers.

What advice would you give to someone interested in your profession?

Hone your writing and editing skills (offer to read your friends' papers--this will also allow you to practice offering diplomatic criticism). 

Practice your interviewing skills by asking questions in class. 

Learn as much about technology as possible now while you have cheap or free access. One of your assets as a young writer is that you know 'new' technology. 

Network!  Meet as many people as possible in any technical field (make friends with engineering students, join the STC). Many technical writing jobs are not advertised, so a good network is key to finding a job.

Is there anything you'd like to personally add about how you found your way to your current career since graduating from Cal Poly as an English major?  Any memorable epiphanies that marked major turning points on which path you chose?

I was looking for a minor to help shape the direction I would to go with my English major. For awhile worked towards an art minor, but, while I loved it, it was hard to get classes, and I wasn't quite sure what direction I would go with it. So, I looked for something else that included some sort of visual design element. A fellow English major in the Technical Communications program showed me a project she was working on for her Document Design class and it seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. I loved the program and I felt that it prepared me very effectively for my career.

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