Content Management – Advice from a Professional Content Manager | Technical Communication
November 20, 2020

Content Management – Advice from a Professional Content Manager

By: Nischal Kelwadkar & Ciara Donley-Burnham

Ebony Carrington is a content manager with a 13-year professional career. Since starting out as a proofreader at a small ad agency, she has worked as a communications coordinator for the Boy Scouts of America, a marketing associate for TXU Energy, a senior marketing associate for American Airlines, and a marketing manager for McAfee. Since her latest position was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, she now works as a freelancer. Throughout her career, she has learned many important lessons about marketing and content management.

What is a Content Manager?

A content manager plays an important part in any company. Their main role is to work with people from across the company to plan and create marketing content that will help the business grow. The job can involve a lot of responsibility, but Carrington says it is satisfying work that allows for growth in many areas, including "relationship nurturing, customer-journey mapping," and, notably, "brainstorming sessions," where teams conceive of ideas to drive the company forward.

Adaptability

Carrington's professional experience allows her to offer valuable insight for technical communication students. Over her many years at international companies, she has learned how important it is for employees to keep an open mind, be ready to absorb information, and draw inspiration from wherever it may come, whether it be the "person sitting next to you, teaching you, or even that person you've been following on Instagram."

Being able to quickly adapt to new tools and technologies is also a critical skill for technical communicators to learn in order to be successful in the workplace. "Digital transformation is a constantly moving entity and for as long as we have technology, it will always transform. Therefore, we must adapt," Carrington said.

Networking

Carrington has seen the world change dramatically since she first entered the workforce 13 years ago, but one thing has remained constant: the importance of forming connections. Relationships with coworkers and upper management can define an employee's experience in the workplace. The "invaluable skill set" of the "ability to network and build relationships" is something that Carrington believes students should learn during their time in college and something they should continue to practice in a professional environment.

"I can't state enough how the relationships a person keeps or makes is what will make or break them down the road," she said.

Final Takeaways

Adaptability and networking are just two skills Carrington has been able to master during her time in various roles in the workforce. She hopes to continue to draw on her professional experience working with some of the top brands in America to give technical communication students a glimpse into the corporate world where they will one day succeed.

To get in touch with Ebony Carrington, visit her LinkedIn Page here. For updates on the department, follow the Technical Communication Facebook and Twitter.