Newsletter of the East Bay Chapter of STC
November/December 2003

What Do I Get for Belonging to STC?

by Suzanna Laurent
Associate Fellow, Oklahoma Chapter

These are some “brainstorming ideas” about what STC members "get for their money" besides the award-winning web site and publications:

Get Ahead

STC can give you a definite career edge. When selecting promotion candidates for new positions, companies see the leadership experience you gain from an active professional association. STC helps you stay abreast of the changing industry and all that entails.

Develop New Skills

Discover hidden talents and test them in a supportive, noncompetitive environment. Hundreds of STC members have started their own businesses. Thousands have enhanced their careers thanks to the negotiating, planning, organizing, and public speaking skills learned through participating in STC chapter activities.

Learn to Lead

Through STC you can learn, practice, and perfect your leadership skills, preparing yourself to achieve your long-term leadership and career goals. Managing committees and serving as an officer allows you to learn so many other things too, like working with people who have diverse personalities, time management, creative decision making, and the list goes on.

Build a Support Group

A corporate marketing coordinator once told me, "I enjoy my profession, but STC gives me an opportunity to associate with other technical communicators in a wide variety of fields. I really enjoy the diversity." Friendship and networking are a very important part of STC. With members employed in every field, the opportunities to network and establish contacts throughout your community and around the world are invaluable. In times like these when the economy is uncertain, that support group becomes even more important if you are seeking employment.

Make a Contribution to Technical Communication

Take the opportunity to contribute wholeheartedly to STC's efforts to create new opportunities for technical communicators, design the future of technical communication, and make a difference in our field. STC is 50 years old, and it is through the efforts of many dedicated members that we have been able to improve the profession for all technical communicators. Our chapters provide scholarships, community participation, education, friendship, a friendly support group, and just plain fun!

Now when someone asks you, “What do I get for belonging to STC?” I hope this article gives you some new ideas to give them.

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