1. TechComm: The state of theTechComm: The state of the
professionprofession
29 July 200829 July 2008
Linda Oestreich, Doc Manager, HPLinda Oestreich, Doc Manager, HP
Past President, STCPast President, STC
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

2. Today’s topics

3. Body of Knowledge
 Knowledge PortalKnowledge Portal
 C:Documents and SettingsoestreicMy DocumentsILCEPC:Documents and SettingsoestreicMy DocumentsILCEP
2008knowledge_portal_handout.doc2008knowledge_portal_handout.doc
 Areas of ExpertiseAreas of Expertise
 Site map: » See document: C:Documents andSite map: » See document: C:Documents and
SettingsoestreicMy DocumentsILCEP 2008Copy ofSettingsoestreicMy DocumentsILCEP 2008Copy of
sitemap_with_STC2008_stickies.xlssitemap_with_STC2008_stickies.xls

4. Technical writer vs technical
communicator
BLS definition: technical writer vs technical communicator
STC has hired economist Rick O’Sullivan to produce a comprehensive salary database for technical
writers based on data gathered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). STC will now provide
STC members with salary data according to industry as well as geography.
And, because it has been reported often, you probably know that STC is working to influence the U.S.
Department of Labor (DOL) to replace the outdated definition for technical writer in the Standard
Occupational Classification System (SOC) with a new definition for technical communicator. The new
definition will help raise the status of our profession around the world.
On July 19 we were informed officially that the BLS has determined that they will keep the technical
writer definition and will not recommend that technical communicator be added to the Standard
Occupational Classifications at this time.
The good news is that the BLS will consider adding technical communicator to a separate list of
emerging professions in both the Occupational Handbook and O*NET, BLS’s on-line occupation and
career data source. If the BLS adds this, they will start collecting separate data on technical
communicators. After a period of time, they will review the data to determine if the growth in the
profession meets its criteria for “emerging” and, in turn, whether the official Standard Occupational
Classification should be amended and all government statistics including those published by BLS, the
IRS, and state employment agencies should be changed to recognize the new profession.

5. Salary surveys
 Link to salary surveyLink to salary survey

6. Academic database
http://stc.org/academic/index.aspxhttp://stc.org/academic/index.aspx

7. Globalization
 ChinaChina
 Partnering with L10N organizationsPartnering with L10N organizations
 INTECOMINTECOM

8. China trip
 » See document:» See document:
http://www.citizenambassadors.org/upcomingprohttp://www.citizenambassadors.org/upcomingpro
grams/science_tech/oestreich-linda_10-2008.aspgrams/science_tech/oestreich-linda_10-2008.asp
 The People to People Ambassador Programs,The People to People Ambassador Programs,
initiated in the 1950s by President Dwightinitiated in the 1950s by President Dwight
Eisenhower, have asked me to lead a delegationEisenhower, have asked me to lead a delegation
of technical communicators to China in Octoberof technical communicators to China in October
2008. STC members will be offered the chance to2008. STC members will be offered the chance to
join this delegation. Invitation letters will be sentjoin this delegation. Invitation letters will be sent
out to those who allow STC mailings in earlyout to those who allow STC mailings in early
spring. In the meantime, if you have questionsspring. In the meantime, if you have questions
about this trip, you are welcome to contact me atabout this trip, you are welcome to contact me at
linda.oestreich@hp.com. In the past, STClinda.oestreich@hp.com. In the past, STC
members have been part of other professionalmembers have been part of other professional
exchanges to China, most recently in 2002 whenexchanges to China, most recently in 2002 when
George Hayhoe led a delegation as aGeorge Hayhoe led a delegation as a
representative from IEEE-PCS.representative from IEEE-PCS.
 http://www.citizenambassadors.org/upcomingprohttp://www.citizenambassadors.org/upcomingpro
grams/science_tech/oestreich-linda_10-2008.aspgrams/science_tech/oestreich-linda_10-2008.asp

9. INTECOM
 Recent AGM in MontrealRecent AGM in Montreal

10. Partners and perks of STC
 Partner listPartner list
 MS/Madcap discountsMS/Madcap discounts
 Etc.Etc.

11. Standards
 List of standardsList of standards

12. Wrap up and questions