Sure, attending professional events is a good way to expand your network, but who has the time? But I would argue that we should only make exceptions for worthwhile events. And STC San Diego events are the ones you should make time for.
STC- San Diego is a Tech Comm Institution.
Just getting started in the field? After I was laid off from a former position, attending STC events was a great way for me to dip my toe in the techcomm water. I learned about CPTC certification at a chapter meeting and shared planning and study notes with other candidates. By participating I was able to chat with people who have experience across the spectrum of techcomm roles in San Diego. Ready to start your job search? STC events often begin with attendees sharing information about open positions. You might learn about an opportunity before it hits the general market. And remember, you don’t have to be an STC member to participate.
Cross-Disciplinary Skill-building
Even if you’re not currently working in Tech Comm, you’ll find useful tips and takeaways at STC events. The excellent UX writing panel? Helped me organize a work project to simplify screen messaging for improved accessibility. The hands-on WordPress workshop? Helped me solve a sticky problem on a freelance project. The presentation on getting started with video production? Provided valuable ideas on motivating my team to try something new. I always come away from STC events with practical insights and tools.
But I’m too [busy, broke, shy]
All reasonable excuses, but consider this. You can attend many of the presentations remotely via video, at a lower cost and from your conveniently located device. Pub Socials, focused on networking and building community, are free. Don’t worry if you’re an introvert—this is a really open and welcoming group (I speak from experience). There are lots of ways to participate, so you can pick one that fits your schedule/budget/personality.
A chance to pay it forward
STC San Diego events are a great way to support community members just beginning their careers. Maybe you answer questions about your field, or set up a time for a future informational interview. At one event, I was able to share an extra SAN Dollar (free access to a future event) with a young attendee who was trying to break into tech comm. We all need help at some point in our careers, and here’s a way you can give back.
Who Doesn’t Like Free Stuff?
That SAN Dollar? I won it in a raffle. That’s right, there’s a raffle following most events, and you can win cool stuff just for showing up. A mug, a copy of the speaker’s book, and at the last event—entrance to the LavaCon conference. Not bad!
What are you waiting for?
Join the mailing list to stay informed, check out career-boosting volunteer opportunities and join the next event. You’ll be glad you did.
Kimi Sugeno is a Project Analyst and Scrum Master at SAGE Publications. She has been an accidental technical communicator working on online platforms in the course of a career in the publishing industry.
More Resources for Tech-Comm Professionals:
STC-San Diego Job Boards: https://www.stc-sd.org/index.php/job-resources/job-boards/
Job Resources: https://www.stc-sd.org/index.php/job-resources/
Visit us at Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknncMtNB_vNzOMh9BVHbrw
