Career-Related Study for
Technical Communication Courses

Career-Related Study

Some of you know that I am currently pursuing a research agenda that emphasizes technology as a social product--Science, Technology, and Society studies (STS). I'm also researching pedagogical issues related to Technical Communication. I have gotten approval from UNC Charlotte's institutional Review board (IRB) to conduct a study "to understand the ways in which students in a technical communication class articulate their understanding about the potential career paths they may pursue after graduation." Because technical communication courses fall under the category of "professional writing" (even here at UNCC), many inside and outside of academia see the courses as job-related. However, I want to ask "related to what job?" Most undergraduates enrolled in technical writing/communication courses do not become "technical writers." Most do some form of technical writing (and that's another topic), but few of you aspire to be professional technical writers. In fact, according to the BLS, there are only 1,000 technical writers in North Carolina.

The study I'm doing asks students to provide the field with information about how they perceive what their career options are--present and future. In order to get this information and discuss it in an article, a conference presentation, or another public venue, I will need student voices. I am asking you to contribute to this study on a voluntary basis by consenting to allow me to analyze your work for this study. I will have printed-out consent forms for you next week, but I wanted to bring the study up today, so there's plenty of time to ask any questions you might have. As I said above, I will have printed copies of a consent form for you next week, so don't feel you have to print out the consent form; I'll provide you with one. However, the online form explains the study in more detail.

Highlights of the Study's Consent

Of course, since this is a technical communication course, I have a brief overview, and FAQ of sorts:

• 100% Confidential--no one (except me) will know your identity.
• No Extra Work--the career-related assignments and discussions are integrated into the course goals, so there's no extra work.
• Voluntary study--you decide.
• Technical Communication Benefits--the goal of the study is to see what we're doing well and/or not-so-well; this will help identify ways to improve technical communication courses/education.
• Risks Associated with the Study--None that I'm aware of.
• Contribute--you have a chance to show us what you think of regarding career prospects and assumptions, and it's confidential.

I have done this study in a few courses in order to get a variety of student voices. I appreciate your volunteering. Remember, your consent doesn't add work to you--all assignments that I'll use for the study are part of the course requirements.