Featured TWC Graduate: Abigail
Abigail is one of the wonderful Technical Writing and Communication majors who completed her undergraduate degree this past spring semester. Get to know more about Abigail and her experiences as a TWC student below!
Why did you decide to major in TWC?
I wanted a major that would create a jumping off point for my larger career aspirations as well as a major that isn't super stuck on one single topic and creates critical problem solving skills. I loved reading and writing as a kid so it only made sense to look into majors that still allow me to use that creative outlet.
What was your favorite part of the TWC program?
My favorite thing was the books we read and the variety of topics that were part of the core curriculum. You could be learning about the ideologies of MLK then go to a coding class the next. Both count for your major!
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite classes within the TWC major were definitely Writing on Issues of Science and Technology and Writing on Issues of Land and the Environment. The formatting and type of assignments done in those classes is much more aligned with the type of work I want to do. You can follow your own interests as long as they are within the theme of the class. The material we reviewed and worked with was also much more current and done in a way that made things really engaging. Also I minored in sustainability so learning how to talk about environmental issues without sounding overly technical has been extremely useful.
What is one project that you particularly enjoyed and supported your professional development?
A project that I really got a lot out of was in my User Experience class! We got the chance to work with real-world clients to create a UX guide based on our findings. The group I worked with was amazing, and the finished product is something I have added to my portfolio.
What do you enjoy most about the technical writing and communication fields?
The variety of things you can use your TWC degree for, if you're interested in healthcare, the environment, law, IT or basically anything, there is space for you. It's also a type of major where you can really apply it to any field- plus the people in the major usually have their own interests that they incorporate the TWC content into and you can tell everyone is very passionate about the reason why they chose the TWC major.
What are your plans for the future?
I aspire to work in the environmental field, ideally in the communication/public-facing side of things. Where exactly I land– that remains to be seen! But I have been looking around at sustainable development, DNR, EPA, or even working for a non-profit.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue an undergraduate degree in technical writing and communication?
Don't be scared off! Not many folks go to college knowing that they want to pursue a degree in TWC, but once you're in the program you can really make it what you want. The program allows for much more flexibility based on what you're interested in then other programs the U offers– use that to the full extent! People are willing to work with you if you just ask.
What is one fun fact about you?
I have been able to study abroad 4 times in my college career– and all of them had credits that counted towards my degree. Another incentive to join up with the TWC crew!
