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2007 STC Alumni Night
Carol Jones & Edell Fiedler
Two alumni of Minnesota State's technical communication
program spoke to students on Tuesday, April 24. Both Carol
Jones and Edell Fiedler graduated with their master's in 2004
and are now working successfully in the area.
Jones originally received her BA in Recreation, Parks, and
Leisure Services. For a few years she worked in disability
services but later decided she was ready for a change. During
her MA program, Jones worked as a graduate assistant for Tech
Trends magazine. Following graduation she performed many
jobs including magazine editor, editorial services director in
children's publishing, and freelance technical
writer/editor/trainer. Currently Carol works with MSU and does
some freelance work and other technical communication related
jobs. If you would ask her about her career, Carol would tell you
that she is "busier than I want to be, but that’s okay!"
Fiedler attended college for a year before she decided it
wasn't the right time. After four years of work, she returned to
school and received her BA in mass communications with an
emphasis in news editorial and public relations. Based on her
advisor's recommendation, Edell continued at Minnesota State
and received her master’s degree in technical communication.
She currently works as public information assistant for the City
of Mankato. There she provides guidance and mentorship for
assigned programs of the City of Mankato and Mankato Area
Public Schools' public information programs.
When discussing their education, both Jones and Fiedler
agree that their time in the MA program has had great impact
on their success. "I think my degrees were very valuable, and
they helped set me apart from other candidates." said Fiedler.
Not only were their technical communication courses helpful in
building their skills, but their other experiences at MSU were
just as relevant. Fiedler managed four part time jobs—including
time with the Reporter and the Good Thunder Reading Series—
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while attending classes. Carol's assistantship gave her real world
experience, and the core skills she learned at MSU were
invaluable.
Experience was also a big part of the ladies’ advice to
students. Carol encouraged everyone to "scramble around and
find experience, even if you edit student papers." She said that
volunteer work is experience, and it is worth noting. "Industry is
the value of tech comm." Jones said, and experience for
technical communication careers finds itself in all areas. Fiedler
indicated that even the Reporter and her secretary work were
valuable job experiences.
Carol also likes to see evidence of leadership, independent
work skills, and motivation. Getting involved with the STC and
some form of leadership will easily help in getting a foot in the
door. Fiedler encouraged students to "go where the people are,"
and to learn about their business. If you can bring your
knowledge of the company to them, they may realize that they
do need a technical communicator in the company.
Students had the opportunity to ask the alumni questions,
and one discussion point focused on résumés. Jones and Fiedler
both stressed that the length of a résumé is not as important as
its content. If the skills and experiences listed cater to the
company's ideals and goals, the candidate should not be
concerned about the size of the document.
Other questions focused on specific careers in technical
communication. The ladies explained that most technical
communication skills are important for careers other than just
technical communication careers. The important thing is to go
where the people are, form a network, and bring all relevant
skills and experiences.