Featured TWC Student: Q&A with Michelle Nguyen
Michelle Nguyen is one of our terrific students in the Technical Writing and Communication (TWC) major and is a peer advisor for the TWC degree program. Michelle is focusing on the information technology and design sub-plan, and is also double majoring in Math and minoring in User Experience (UX). Get to know more about Michelle and the TWC program below.
Why did you decide to major in TWC?
Leading up to going to the University of Minnesota, I had been under the impression that I had to choose: writing or STEM. I have held onto a love for both my writing and math classes because I saw them as systems of rules and style. What others saw as opposites, I found complimentary, and the TWC major combines these interests. I get to study technology and sciences while getting to show my findings through documentation.
What is your favorite part of the TWC program?
My favorite part of the TWC program is the flexibility. The sub-plans let students study TWC within their field of interest, and it shows how technical writing and communication is crucial in every field. It also makes pursuing second majors or minors easier because there is overlap between TWC sub-plan electives and other degree programs!
What has been your favorite class so far and why?
My favorite class has been WRIT 3441: Editing, Critique, and Style with Barb Horvath. I really enjoyed learning more about the grammar and foundational rules of writing. The class structure and assignments were well-planned, and I enjoyed applying our learnings to edit documents.
What is one project that you've particularly enjoyed and has supported your professional development?
The papers I wrote in WRIT 3152: Writing on Issues of Science and Technology with Capper Nichols stand out as some of my favorite projects. This class was my first course within the major. The two big papers we did were research-heavy but also let students weave in a narrative. It strengthened my writing voice and was the first class I took that directly appealed to my interests in writing and science.
What do you enjoy most about the technical writing and communication field?
I like how technical writing and communication can be found in any field. Good communication creates the foundations for any successful project no matter the subject.
How do you hope to use your TWC degree in the future?
I don't have any specific paths in mind, but I see myself using my degree to pursue a career as a technical writer or exploring UX work!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue an undergraduate degree in technical writing and communication?
Ask questions! TWC is lesser-known, so it may seem intimidating jumping into the major. The best way to combat the fear of the unknown is to learn! The professors in the TWC program are great resources and always open to helping out. Your peers will also help you feel more welcomed. I work as the Peer Advisor for the Writing Studies Department, so feel free to reach out and chat with me!
What is one fun fact about you?
I have been a scaredy cat all my life, but this semester, I started watching horror movies. My roommates get a kick from me being absolutely terrified, but it has been really fun watching something new! Two of my favorites right now are Hereditary and Incantation.
