My Experience as Vice President
of Programs

by Helen Cheung
EBSTC President-Elect

A few months after I transitioned into the technical communication industry in January of 2005, I became a member of STC. I was excited about my new career and I wanted to make the most of my STC membership. I joined the East Bay chapter because I heard it was the “friendly” group. My goal was to network with fellow writers and exchange ideas, but most importantly I wanted to learn how to become a better technical communicator.

My very first EBSTC chapter meeting was in March of 2005. I recognized three familiar faces, and was looking forward to getting to know other members. My first meeting was a positive experience. I knew I had joined the right chapter. So I went to my second meeting, and then my third. A few days after that, I received an e-mail and then a phone call from an EBSTC member whom I respect and admire. She suggested that I consider running for chapter office, specifically Vice President (V.P.) of Programs. I had never considered such a role. I was hesitant and nervous. After attending only three meetings, I was not sure I was ready for a “leadership” post. But she encouraged me to think about what I could learn and gain from this experience. So I threw my hat in the ring.

I served in office from September, 2005 through June, 2006, and enjoyed every minute of it. I learned a lot from that experience.

Here are ten things I learned about being V.P. of Programs at EBSTC, or any other STC chapter.

1. You meet interesting leaders in our profession

The opportunity provides you with a great way to network. As V.P. of Programs you get to interface with well known leaders in our profession. You interact with them from the initial contact and work with them throughout the process. During a few months or weeks you build a rapport with them, and may even become friends. I have been keeping in contact with one program presenter in particular who has been giving me career tips and ideas. The networking opportunity is invaluable.

2. You learn a lot

You learn both from interacting with the speaker and from the recruiting process itself. This experience can help you develop your organizational and scheduling skills through tracking the speakers and whatever information you need as the program date approaches. Announcing future speakers and their topics is helping me practice public speaking; EBSTC provides a safe and comfortable environment in which to do this.

3. It's fun and rewarding

The experience is fun and rewarding. I received an e-mail from a member
with feedback about one of our programs. It was a great feeling to get such
a positive reaction. It’s nice to know that I was able to bring in an enthusiastic speaker that engaged the audience and got members to think about the program topic. And part of the fun is meeting the speaker and just hitting it off.

4. You can bring in topics that interest you

As V.P. of Programs you get the opportunity to find topics and speakers
that interest you. This is one of the great aspects of the role. If there is a
trend or something you want to learn about, you can bring in a speaker that specializes in that topic. If it interests you, it’s likely that other members
will also be interested in the subject.

5. You are playing an active role in the chapter

By volunteering to be V.P. of Programs, you help contribute to and support
the chapter. You play an important role because you bring in exciting and interesting programs. What better way to add value to and get involved with
the chapter?

6. It looks good on your resume

Chapter involvement (especially in a leadership role) demonstrates your dedication to the technical communication industry. It also shows your
desire to continue to grow and learn. This can really help in an employment interview. When I sought my recent job, the hiring manager was impressed that I was V.P. of Programs after such a short period of time in the business. My leadership role with EBSTC showed the hiring manager my dedication
to both my career and the profession.

7. It can be challenging at times

You have so many ideas but so few months in the year to bring in all of the speakers. The hard part is picking which ones you want to schedule. Those you do not select, however, you can always recommend to the next V.P. of Programs.

8. There is a great support structure within EBSTC

The great support structure within the chapter makes the work worthwhile. Interacting with the leadership team is a wonderful experience. We're a great team, and communication is key to our success. Everyone is dedicated to making EBSTC successful. Whenever I need help or have a question, I know
I can count on other members for answers and advice.

9. You cannot fail

You simply cannot fail. Chapter members support your efforts and really provide encouragement. When I first started my role, I was not sure where to begin, but I got great ideas from other members and my predecessor so that the task did not seem so daunting.

10. EBSTC really is the friendly chapter

As V.P. of Programs you cannot go wrong. EBSTC is the friendly chapter
and everyone makes you feel welcome and part of the group. We get together once a month and have fun and learn. As the sole writer at my job, it is nice
to connect with other fellow technical communicators.

Summary

V.P. of Programs can be a lot of work, but the benefits are substantial.
You get to network with industry leaders, and you can learn a lot from your experience. It is not just fun and rewarding, you are playing an active role in the chapter. With a strong support system and with a friendly chapter like EBSTC you simply cannot fail. This leadership role looks good on your resume, and it demonstrates your dedication to our industry.

So consider running for one of the chapter leadership positions. You won’t regret it. I certainly didn't!