An employee review of podcast "Navigating AI, Creativity, and Community in Technical Communication, (S5 ep 2) " with Liz Herman: the unlikely connection between Philosophy, AI and Technical Communication.
In the latest episode of Lifelong Learning podcast series, “Implementing Best Practice in Business,” CEO of APMG International, Richard Pharro speaks to Vice President of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), Liz Herman.
Not only does Liz have a PhD from Walden University Applied Management & Decision Sciences (Knowledge Management Focus,) she is also a Senior Manager, Knowledge Content Trainer with Accenture Federal Services, has received the Service to the Citizen Award for her work with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and will assume presidency for The Society for Technical Communication next year.
With an impressive professional and academic background, it is clear to see why Liz is the ideal candidate to occupy the presidency for STC. However, what struck me the most whilst listening to this podcast was Liz’s tangible passion for human connection, and her unwavering commitment to the members of STC. Listening to Liz speak, it became clear her members’ needs are a constant priority for STC and remain at the forefront of the organization’s objectives; the Society for Technical Communication continue to help members understand and adapt their role as Technical Communicator in order to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.
The episode begins by addressing how the rise of AI has impacted the members of STC. What is likely to be a reassuring response for many, Liz uses an analogy to compare the relationship between Technical Communicators and AI tools as “co-pilots” to one another, evidencing the now widely shared belief that AI used exclusively is ineffective without a human to manage the output, and as such, Liz is sure to highlight that the need for human interface is indispensable.
What I particularly loved in this episode was Liz’s emphasis on the fact that those with creative skills are especially valuable in the world of Technical Communication, and in this instance, when managing AI tools. She explains that the English and Philosophy graduates among us are well in hand with the AI revolution, turning the output from AI tools into something genuinely interesting and readable. Perhaps slightly biased due being a Philosophy graduate myself, I found this resonated with me, as incidentally, the career path for a Philosophy graduate is not always as straightforward as your job-specific degree. This comment from Liz prompted me to reflect upon the skills gained during my Philosophy degree. I soon realized many of the skills mirrored the requirements of a Technical Communicator (think the ability to write clearly and persuasively, critical thinking skills, research skills and communication skills.) Many of these skills are also valuable when undertaking the CPTC course, so if you happen to be a Philosophy or English graduate unsure which career path to venture into, or someone passionate about writing, this puts you in good stead to excel in the CPTC course, and I would strongly encourage you to listen to this episode. You might just find your niche!
Fittingly, a prime example of a career shift into technical communication can be found on our website in testimonial from CPTC candidate and senior technical writer, Meg Nelson, who spent six years running a charity before realizing her interests truly laid in writing about financial services, which happened to already a core part of her job role.
Liz explains that a large proportion of STC members do, in fact, come from a whole range of different careers into the technical communication field. Because of this, she explains that the Foundation skills for Technical Communicators are always going to be a central focus for the organization, which she expands on in more detail in this episode.
Liz’s rawness and transparency regarding the lasting effects of the pandemic, and the impact it had on The Society for Technical Communication is something many will be able to relate to. She also discusses the road to recovery and her plans for the future. Her attitude, passion and commitment to her members is truly infectious and makes for an inspiring episode. Don’t miss it! Listen to Season 5 Episode 2 now.
