Information Architect

[Jim Barrow]

Lauren <lauren at writeco.net> wrote:
> Jim Barrow <vrfour at verizon.net> wrote:
>>
>> Seriously, I don't think I had ever heard of [Information 
>> Architect] outside of being creative on my business card.  But, >> lo and behold, it's a real job category.
>>
> One thread discussed whether the role of technical writer was a 
> part of a larger role of information architect, although most
>jobs require education or experience in addition to technical 
>writing.

Yes, and not necessarily.  Most of the threads posted here have dealt with calling oneself a technical writer, which may lead some people to think that we are nothing more than data entry clerks, rather than skilled writers, analysts, GUI experts, etc.  In trying to create a job title that encompasses the depth and breadth of what we do, Technical Communicator or Information Architect was suggested.  In this thread I'm pointing out that IA has seemed to gain traction as someone who does the things we have been quietly doing all these years.

>My theory, as a contractor, is that recruiters may have a BA, IA, >or project support position that could warrant the hiring of a >person with a specialized role for those positions.

Take a look at these Dice.com IA job descriptions.  I'm not sure how this link will translate, so sort by Job Title, then go to page 39.  The particular job that I was contacted about is from Aquent.  See how many of the job descriptions match your skill set:

http://seeker.dice.com/jobsearch/servlet/JobSearch?SORTDIR=3&Ntx=mode+matchall&Ns=p_JobTitle|0&FRMT=0&QUICK=1&SORTSPEC=0&SEARCH.y=6&SEARCH.x=46&N=0&Hf=0&Ntk=JobSearchRanking&NUM_PER_PAGE=30&op=300&LOCATION_OPTION=2&RADIUS=64.37376&DAYSBACK=30&FREE_TEXT=Information+Architect&No=1140

- Jim