Fw: breaking out in technical communications

["Melody Akins" <melodyakins -at- hotmail -dot- com>]

(This is a re-send; forgot about the 'no HTML formatting on this list' rule
:)  Hope the info is useful.)

<<Joan Wagner is asking about ways to gain job experience>>
--------------------->

Hi Joan...

Here are some things you can do (you may have already done some of these)
while you're still in school, to help you clarify your own interests and
aptitudes (necessary so you don't end up where you don't want to be!)  While
there are no guarantees, doing some of the following will probably help you
narrow your search for experience--and will definitely develop and mature
your writing skills so that you'll impress the whey out of potential
employers <widest possible grin>:

*  Visit your college career counseling office ask the same question you've
asked of this list.

*  Sign up to take an interest survey, an aptitude test, and a test to
determine your learning style. (There may be other tests.  If so, take them
now while they're free; they're expen$ive out there in the world :)

*  Once you've narrowed your search-for-experience by exploring with your
career counselor the results of your testing, call to arrange 'information
interviews' with the companies whose business model/focus interest or
inspire you. (If you'd like more info on what to ask/look for in an info
interview, e-mail me off list).

*  During your info interview, if you anticipate a 'fit,' ask about
internship possibilities/requirements.

*  Take advantage of every opportunity to write.  There are 'processes and
procedures' all around you--describe them in detail.

*  If you have access to younger minds (and mouths--for feedback), write for
them; translate difficult subjects into kidspeak.

*  Keep a journal, and develop the discipline of writing in it every
day--even if you just say, "NOT TODAY!)

*  Learn to work as part of a team; if you don't already belong to a study
group, start one.

*  Ask people you respect to critique your writing; perhaps someone here on
the list might have time (not me--I'm new, too!!)

I'm not a therapist, but I believe that (no comma fault :) because you have
done some specific things to prepare yourself to look for work, your
'subconscious' will grab everything 'career-experience-related,' and
generate for you a list of career-related questions--which you can then take
with you to various career days, job fairs, and such as you continue your
college studies.

Persevere!  The world needs more good writers!

Warmly,
Melody
"Take the Shoes Off Your Mind!"(c)

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