Recent Grads talk about landing their first tech comm jobs | Technical Communication
February 26, 2018

Recent Grads talk about landing their first tech comm jobs

By Bailey Herring

Several recent graduates reached out to let current tech comm students know what helped them land their first job after graduation.

Danielle Montemayor, a 2016 graduate with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Technical and Professional Communication, works as a business systems analyst for MGM Benefits Group, a company that provides employee benefit solutions like medical insurance to other companies.

During her job search, Danielle applied for a user experience/user interface position with MGM Benefits Group. Though she didn't land that particular job, she cites her project-based coursework in UNT's Tech Comm department as part of the reason she was offered her position as a business systems analyst.

"My current employer was impressed at the fact that I not only had examples of my work, but that I also had a fully functioning web portfolio to present my work on," Danielle said.

With the Tech Comm department, Danielle was exposed to real-world work experience in her web design, proposal writing, and advanced technical writing courses.

During these courses, Danielle created professional-quality materials for web design and advanced technical writing courses, something she said helped reassure her she made the correct career choice.

"Observing and learning more about the day-to-day activities of professionals in different fields really helped me validate that I was making the right choice in my career path," Danielle said.

Another alumnus, James Muniz, also highlighted his project experience in UNT Tech Comm as a major reason for getting his current position.

"My resume outlined all of the major projects I completed, and I was able to talk about what we did in certain classes in interviews, which always impressed interviewers," James said.

James graduated from UNT twice: once in 2014 with his BA, and again in 2017 with his MA. Both degrees were in Professional and Technical Communication.

He works as a technical writer for Southwest Airlines, where he and his team work to revise and edit sections of manuals for ground operations employees. Sometimes, he even hands out new copies of the manuals himself at Southwest airports.

James was able to intern with Southwest before he started his full-time position.

"I got to do the same work many of the regular employees did," James said.

He felt he was able to get the most out of his internship partly because of his experience as a tech comm major.

A third alumnus, Jessica Gray, works as a technical writer for WideOrbit, a leader in premium broadcast technology and the largest sell-side processor of premium advertising. Jessica earned her BA in 2016.

Her daily duties include a tech comm specialty: working with experts to convey complex material to support teams and customers alike. She cites her experience with UNT's Tech Comm department as a factor in landing her position.

"Because of my major in TECM and my extensive education, WideOrbit accepted the role of training me once I landed the job," Jessica said.

As a student, Jessica also worked as a lab tutor for the TECM Lab, which supports all students enrolled in the department's courses.

"That job helped my presentation skills, my software skills, and made me feel confident in my TECM abilities," Jessica said.

When speaking about how students can prepare for the transition into the workforce, all three alums agreed that networking at the university is key to a great job offer.

"Simply following the [tech comm] trends is important," Jessica said.

"Don't procrastinate. Pay attention to the job ads and event flyers posted around the department," James said.

"Joining the community can help with career advancement opportunities in your future," Danielle said.