General

Category: General

Technical Writing

Jonathan Hogan

Technical writing is perhaps one of the most lucrative options for those Lawrentians that wish to write for a living. Broadly speaking, technical writing is the act of taking complex technical information and simplifying it so that a broad audience can quickly comprehend the information. In this sense, technical writing is akin to bridgebuilding, in which the technical writer works to connect the layperson to the expert by allowing the layperson to effortlessly navigate a chasm that would otherwise take years of education or experience to cross. To learn more about technical writing, click this link!

Kinds of Technical Writing

Technical writing, as the name perhaps implies, is found primarily in industries that are technical in nature. Yet in practice, this broad definition assumes many different forms. Here are some common examples of jobs that one can expect a technical writer to be doing:

  • User Experience: User experience technical writing typically sees the technical writer writing answers to common questions about a given software either within the software platform itself, or on a messaging board typically managed by the company. A good example of user experience technical writing can be found in Microsoft Word when one clicks “help.” All answers in the “help” tab are written by a technical writer.
  • Academic Writing: Academia is one of the most jargon-rich industries in the world. Because of this, technical writers can often be found collaborating with researchers to explain research methodologies and results in a manner that can be understood by the regular public.
  • Instructions: When purchasing a new dishwasher, or car, or really any other product, they tend to come with written instructions on how one can use/maintain/repair the given product. It is the technical writer that is responsible for creating this content, which ideally conveys all relevant information to the user in as efficient a manner as possible.

The list of jobs that a technical writer can be found doing seems to be nearly endless, so if you’re interested in technical writing but not interested in one of the three iterations of technical writing, I would recommend following this link to a blog post by freelance writer Elna Cain, who does a wonderful job highlighting the variety of jobs that technical writers can be found doing (Cain).

Requirements for Technical Writing

Technical writers, as the name implies, must have strong writing skills. Additionally, however, it is important for technical writers to have a deep understanding of the subject about which they are writing. Without an understanding of how an airplane functions, for example, it would be impossible for a writer to write documentation that will help the pilot better fly and land their plane (M.). Thus, many technical writers have an academic background in the subject they are writing about, or at least considerable experience working with the product.  It is not expected that a technical writer has as much knowledge as the individual responsible for creating whatever the technical writer is writing about, however, the writer must be able to work well with others to gain a deeper understanding of the subject of their work. Finally, it is typically expected that technical writers have a college degree of some sort. Although it is certainly better if that degree is in a writing-intensive major or a major that pertains to the industry/subject for which they are writing.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the technical writing field is expected to grow by 12% in the coming decade (“Technical Writers”). Technical writers often work for companies; however, many also work as freelancers for smaller businesses that don’t have the need for a full-time writer. The median pay for technical writers in 2020 was $74,650 per year, making it one of the most well-paying writing jobs.

Jonathan is a Third Year German and Government major. He works as a Peer Educator to assist students in the CJW and GLI career communities. In addition to professional development, Jonathan is interested in the cultural construction of the modern nation-state, normative constraints on rational behavior, and all things German. You can schedule an appointment with him here to improve your resume, learn more about the CJW and GLI career opportunities, and work on anything else professional development-related.

Works Cited 

Cain, Elna. “27 Technical Writing Jobs for Beginners.” Elna Cain, 4 May 2020, https://elnacain.com/blog/technical-writing-jobs/.

M., Saad. “What Is Technical Writing?” ContentWriters Blog, 30 June 2020, https://contentwriters.com/blog/what-is-technical-writing/.

“Technical Writers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Media-and-Communication/Technical-writers.htm. Accessed 6 Oct. 2021.

Career Highlight: Physicist

Interested in becoming a physicist? Read on to know more about what this career looks like! 

Job Duties:

Physicists write and publish scientific papers about the results of their research. This research can vary from developing theoretical models that describe properties of the natural world like the force of gravity or the formation of sub-atomic particles to more practical things like examining how materials change their structure when undergoing different processes or looking at how microtubules pull chromosomes apart. Physicists also need to write proposals to receive funding for their research and present their findings at scientific conferences and lectures. For this reason, physicists will occasionally need to travel locally or internationally to go to conferences to present and discuss their research with other scientists (the costs for these trips are typically covered by the institution they are researching for). If working in academia, they may also teach courses or give lectures at universities in addition to research. Mentoring and advising students (both graduate and undergraduate) may also be part of their job duties. 

Because physics is such a broad field with many applications, there are many branches. Astronomy or astrophysics focuses on the physics of the universe and space while particle and nuclear physicists examine properties of atomic and subatomic particles and the forces responsible for their interactions. Atomic, molecular, and optical physicists study atoms, molecules, light, and the interactions among them. They may also research ways to control states of individual atoms because this can help develop better semi-conductors and transistors. Materials physicists examine physical properties of matter in molecules, nanostructures, and novel compounds. Plasma physicists study plasmas, which occur naturally in stars and are found in neon signs and plasma screen televisions. They also study ways to create fusion reactors, a potential future source of energy. Some branches of physics are more inter-disciplinary, like medical physics, which involves using physics to develop new medical technologies and radiation-based treatments. Biophysics is also another example which applies physics theories and methods to understand how biological systems work.

Where They Work:

Physicists generally work in offices and research labs. Around 31% of physicists work in scientific research and development services (which includes privately and federally funded labs). Examples of labs include the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, the Goddard Institute in Maryland and the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in California. Some of the biggest employers of physicists within the federal government are the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Department of Defense according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Something to note: U.S. citizenship is required for most research opportunities in the Department of Defense, Department of Energy and NASA). 

Some physicists choose to take alternative pathways beyond academia and research and go on to work in private industries. This includes a variety of industries such as those engaged with engineering, computer science, and companies who work for government contractors. The research or work done for private industries might be a little different from doing research in a government funded lab; for example, in a government funded lab you might be working with a high energy particle-accelerator because you are researching high-energy particle physics but for a private tech company, you might be researching ways to create better semiconductors and lasers which might have practical applications in electronics or medical imaging. 

Education and Training:

Most roles as a physicist will require advanced academic training. While many believe that getting a Ph.D. is necessary to getting a job in research, that is not always the case. There are other ways to working in research without getting a master’s degree or Ph.D. For example, if you already have research experience, you might be eligible to apply for entry-level positions like research assistant positions (especially within a school of medicine of health sciences), lab managers, or lab technicians. The American Physical Society also has a helpful guide to pursuing bachelor’s degree-level physics research roles in government-funded laboratories. For these roles, it is important to pursue physics research as an undergraduate (e.g., summer research programs, REUs, etc.). 

Pay and Job Outlook:

The average projected employment growth for physicists is around 8%, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in May 2020 is around $129,850 with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $67,450, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $208,000. However, these numbers start to change when looking at specific industries. For a more detailed look at median wages by industry in the United States, you can visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook website.  

A Career as a City Planner

by Jonathan Hogan

If you have ever looked at the city of Appleton, wondering why it’s dominated by one road, or why it possesses high-rises, a career as an urban planner might be worth exploring. In this article, we’ll do just that by diving into the responsibilities of an urban planner, their typical career paths, as well as the job outlook and salary for future urban planners. 

Responsibilities

Urban planners, most basically, can be understood as architects of entire cities, and are broadly responsible for the layout of the built environment. Outside of this broad definition, it is quite hard to define the responsibilities of an urban planner. Some urban planners, for example, work to optimize public transportation infrastructure by proposing sweeping plans. Some specialize in zoning laws and work with developers and other government departments to regulate private development. And others become experts on managing a shrinking city in an environmentally responsible manner. A good demonstration of the diversity of tasks that urban planners complete comes in the form of Elicia Elliot, and urban planner in Toronto, who goes from meetings with “engineers, lawyers, communications people, architects, urban designers, landscape architects, finance and risk people” one day, to commissioning a train “in the field” the next (Nath). Despite the desperate nature of the profession, however, urban planning tends to be united by a common interest in improving the quality of life for individuals interacting with a built environment. To learn more about the specifics of urban planning, I would recommend this interview with the aforementioned Elicia Elliot.

Career Path

Just as the responsibilities of Career Planners vary dramatically within the field, the career path to becoming a Career Planner can be quite diverse. Generally speaking, an undergraduate degree in Government, Engineering, or Environmental Studies is desirable (McKay). There was no mention of Global Studies on any career websites; however, it seems highly likely that a Global Studies major, especially one focusing on cities, would be well-positioned for a career as an urban planner. After receiving a bachelor’s, it is typical and often required to pursue a two-year master’s degree in urban planning from a University accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board. While pursuing a master’s degree, it is typical that students take internships as urban planners to strengthen their resumes and gain real-world experience (“How to Become a City Planner // Archareer.”).

Job Outlook

After earning a Master’s degree in urban planning, one is finally qualified to be employed as an urban planner. After landing that first job, it is typical for new planners to work under the supervision of their more experienced co-workers. In their description of the job outlook, the Princeton Review states that after roughly five years in the industry, urban planners typically become more specialized and adept at handling the often complex bureaucratic and political environment of planning. After ten years, the Princeton Review argues that it is expected that urban planners assume leadership positions within their agency or company and assume mentorship roles for newer planners.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median income for urban planners to be $75,950, and the industry is expected to grow by 7% by 2030 (“Urban and Regional Planners: Occupational Outlook Handbook.”). Urban planning placed #2 for Canadian Business’s 100 Best Jobs of 2016 (Nath).

Jonathan is a Third Year German and Government major. He works aas a Peer Educator to assist students in the CJW and GLI career communities. In addition to professional development, Jonathan is interested in the cultural construction of the modern nation-state, normative constraints on rational behavior, and all things German. You can schedule an appointment with him here to improve your resume, learn more about the CJW and GLI career opportunities, and work on anything else professional development-related.

Works Cited

“City Planner.” City Planner Careers | The Princeton Review, Princeton Review, https://www.princetonreview.com/careers/162/city-planner.

“How to Become a City Planner // Archareer.” The #1 Free Architecture Job Board //Archareer, https://archareer.com/how-to-become-a-city-planner/.

McKay, Dawn Rosenberg. “Urban Planner Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More.” The Balance Careers, https://www.thebalancecareers.com/urban-planner-or-regional-planner-526078.

Nath September 18, Ishani. “What It’s Really like to Be an Urban Planner.” FLARE, 18 Sept. 2018, https://www.flare.com/work/what-its-really-like-to-be-an-urban-planner/.

“Urban and Regional Planners: Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8 Sept. 2021, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/urban-and-regional-planners.htm.

Career Spotlight: Mental Health Counselor

If there’s one thing pandemic isolation has taught us, it is the importance of mental health professionals in today’s world. With the rates of mental illnesses skyrocketing in the U.S. (particularly among young adults and underrepresented populations), mental health counselors are providing vital resources to our communities [read CDC statistics on U.S. mental health and the pandemic here]. Are you interested in exploring a career as a mental health counselor? Read on to learn what this career could look like! 

What do mental health counselors do? 

Mental health counselors meet with individuals one-on-one or in groups to help clients improve their mental and emotional health. Often, mental health counselors work with clients who have diagnosable mental disorders, but counselors may also work with individuals experiencing emotional distress as part of daily life and expected transitions. This job often requires completing an initial psychological assessment with a client, developing a treatment plan with the client, and meeting regularly for some length of time. It may also include communication with people besides the client, such as parents, schools, and doctors. If you enjoy listening, empathizing, and problem-solving, this might be a good career for you! 

Where do they work? 

Some mental health counselors are self-employed and work in private practice, while others are employed by agencies such as nonprofits, schools, and companies. Some may work as part of a treatment team in intensive outpatient and hospital settings as well. 

Who do they work with? 

Mental health counselors can see clients of any age. Many counselors specialize in certain populations, such as an age group or a particular mental health issue. Some counselors also specialize in a certain method of counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, or psychoanalysis. Each specialization will involve slightly different duties, and there are many opportunities for further training after becoming licensed. 

What training do they need? 

Practicing as a mental health counselor requires a license, such as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) or LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) – the name varies by state. To get licensed, a counselor must complete a training program, usually a two-year master’s program in counseling or mental health counseling. Browse a list of CACREP-accredited masters programs here. The licensing requirements vary by state, and usually include some hours of internship and work experience after completing the master’s program. 

What is their pay and job outlook? 

Demand for mental health counselors is very high, and is growing. This may be due to an increased need of counseling services, and is likely also influenced by the fact that health insurances are covering increasingly more mental health services. The mental health counseling occupation is projected to grow 23% in the next 10 years, compared to the average of 8%. While salaries vary widely depending on experience, location, and employer, the median salary for mental health counselors was around $47,660 per year in 2020. Counselors in urban areas tend to earn more (although the cost of living is also typically higher), while counselors in more rural areas tend to earn less. 

Where can I go to find out more? Professional organizations and resources: 

Connecting with mental health organizations is a great way to meet people in the field and stay informed of upcoming events and resources. Here are some organizations you might like to take a look at:

Lawrence Connections: Alumni in the mental health counseling field!  

Do you think you might be interested, but still have some questions? Or are you sure this is the job for you, and want some guidance along the winding path that leads there? At any stage of the process, no one can tell you the lay of the land better than a mental health counselor themselves. And one with a Lawrence background will understand where you are coming from as well as where you might be headed. Here are a few alumni in the mental health counseling field: Cynthia Stocum, Ariana Thelen, Sally Burns. Check out Lawrence’s alumni platform, Viking Connect, to find more alumni! 

Whether your journey ends in mental health counseling or somewhere else, thanks for taking a few minutes to learn more about this career track that’s meeting a critical need in our communities! 

Developing Technical Skills While at School

Aside from your CS coursework, where you’ll learn principles of programming and how to think like a developer, there are different ways to gain, expand, or deepen your technical skills while at school. Below, let’s consider three options:

  • Securing a campus job with Technology Services
  • Getting started with Git
  • Playing with game development

Work for LU’s Technology Services

LU’s Technical Services often hires student workers to work at the Helpdesk, serve as a Computer Technician Assistant, or act as a Student Web Developer. At the Helpdesk, you’ll be using problem-solving and communication skills as you help people from around campus resolve software problems. As a Computer Technician Assistant, you’ll primarily be fixing computer and printer problems. Student Web Developers develop web applications and web scripting components using a variety of languages, technologies, and techniques. Technology Services often hires a few positions in Fall Term, but keep an eye on Handshake in case they post additional positions in the middle of the school year.

Get started with Git

As you probably know, Git is a free and open-source version control system. Git allows you to create git repositories – these repositories record the change history of your project and are local to your device in the root directory of your project. You can also synchronize your local repository with remote repositories. GitHub is a hosting site for remote repositories. If you’d like to start learning more about Git, check out Git and GitHub Crash Course. At just over half an hour, this video breaks down the basics. OpenSource’s step-by-step guide to getting started on Git is another great place to start. Want to get visual? Learn Git Branching is a visual and interactive way to learn Git on the web using demonstrations of features.

Play with Game Development

Because game development can include skills in networking, I/O, graphics, even AI and data science, it can be a fulfilling and fun way to learn software engineering principles. Starting with a game framework like the Lightweight Java Game Library (LWJGL) will give you quite a bit of control over your game. For reference, Minecraft Java Edition uses LWJGL. Prefer C#? MonoGame (think Stardew Valley and Terraria) allows you to use C# and other .NET languages. All the code is available to you so you’ll have the ability to make changes when you need to or port to new platforms.

There’s also the option to start building your game on a game engine. You’ve probably encountered Godot (Sonic Colors: Ultimate), Unity (Cuphead, Stranded Deep, Hearthstone, and Hollow Knight), or Epic Games’ Unreal Engine (Fortnite, Borderlands 3, Ark), CryEngine (Far Cry, Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2), OpenAge (Age of Empires). Engines like these are especially great if you want to actually release a game.

These are just three ideas for starting to build out your technical skills, but there are plenty of other strategies out there, like participating in Hackathons or securing summer internships.

10 Questions that you might have about the Career Center but are too embarrassed to ask

  1. What is Handshake? Handshake is a platform used by colleges, students, alumni, and employers from around the world to share jobs, internships, and career related events. You can use Handshake to make appointments, explore jobs and internships, and learn about ongoing campus events.
  2. How do I set up my Handshake account? Every students has a Handshake account. You can log in using you Lawrence credentials, the same ones that you use for Moodle, Voyager, VikingConnect, and Givepulse. Once you log into Handshake, you can start personalizing your profile.
  3. If I am a junior or senior and have never been to the Career Center, is it too late? Nope, it is never too late. You can reach out to staff at any point. Even as an alumni!
  4. Do I need to have a resume in order to come in? No, you don’t need to bring a resume unless you want to. If you don’t have one, our staff will be happy to help you make one.
  5. How do I make an appointment? Go to this link and log into Handshake.
  6. Why should I sign up for a Career Community? Because once you do, you will start receiving newsletters twice a month targeted to your specific interests. Each newsletter highlights a handful of jobs and internships relevant to your community. We’ll also feature a resource, some tips, alumni, or an employer to keep you informed about what’s happening in the world of work. And you’ll be the first to know about on-campus events related to your career interests.
  7. How do I sign up for a Career Community? It is super easy. Fill this form.
  8. How are Handshake and LinkedIn different? And do I really need to use both? Yes, they are different. And we recommend that you use both. Handshake and LinkedIn have many different features. Handshake is targeted only for students and employers. LinkedIn is open for everyone, and it is a good way to connect with people on your field.
  9. I just made an appointment, should I be stressed? Nope, you really shouldn’t. And you don’t even need to have a specific question ready for your appointment. Our advisors and Career Peer Educators are here to help you at whatever stage you’re at in your career exploration.
  10. Do I need to dress up for my appointment? No, you don’t have to; you can wear casual clothes for your appointment, (but if you want to dress up, you’re welcome to).

By Barbara Espinosa ’20, I created this article from questions that my friends had about the Career Center.