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By Jonah Schwartz, STC Carolina Student Member
If you’re considering becoming a member of STC and are unsure if it’s worth your investment, lend me your ear, because I’d like to tell you about the benefit it’s given me and what I’ve achieved so far. I was once ambivalent about joining, but I wish I had pulled the trigger sooner. For just $75 (annual student membership), the price of a 55-gallon drum of coffee, within one semester, I have already gained many skills, experiences and built relationships I would not have otherwise.
I returned to school to study Technical and Professional Communication at ECU after ten years of working in retail. This move assisted me in fulfilling a dream of entering the technical communication field. I’m doing well in school, but what I lacked were professional opportunities. Many people go back to school to earn an advanced degree to supplement a comfortable job; I was not one of those people.
Not only have I met some really awesome and wonderful individuals who have an infectious passion for their work, but they are eager to help others succeed as well. I have been to several events hosted by STC-Carolina that gave one-on-one advice, such as how to break into the industry and resume workshops—something necessary to overwrite my retail experience. Even if you don’t need assistance there, you meet the same people over and over, developing a rapport. As you know, connections are everything. This has led me to consider a position as the Student Liaison with STC-Carolina. And if you’re reading this wishing you could write an entry for this blog to get your name out there, you can—right now.
Becoming a member is an investment, but it is one which exposes you to exciting opportunities. I entered a business card design contest and infographic design contest believing that, best case scenario, I would have some nice portfolio pieces. However, it turns out that I was the co-winner of the infographic design contest. I will talk about that more in a forthcoming article. Had I not been a member, not only would I not be able to participate in these affairs, but I wouldn't even know about them. In other words, if I hadn't joined STC, I would not have these experiences and would be waiting for some proverbial second shoe to drop. My only regret is not joining sooner. I encourage you to become a member and see what opportunities that might lead to.
JONAH SCHWARTZ can be reached at 4JONAH at GMAIL dot COM. Read more articles by JONAH SCHWARTZ.
Jonah Schwartz
I returned to school to study Technical and Professional Communication at ECU after ten years of working in retail. This move assisted me in fulfilling a dream of entering the technical communication field. I’m doing well in school, but what I lacked were professional opportunities. Many people go back to school to earn an advanced degree to supplement a comfortable job; I was not one of those people.
Not only have I met some really awesome and wonderful individuals who have an infectious passion for their work, but they are eager to help others succeed as well. I have been to several events hosted by STC-Carolina that gave one-on-one advice, such as how to break into the industry and resume workshops—something necessary to overwrite my retail experience. Even if you don’t need assistance there, you meet the same people over and over, developing a rapport. As you know, connections are everything. This has led me to consider a position as the Student Liaison with STC-Carolina. And if you’re reading this wishing you could write an entry for this blog to get your name out there, you can—right now.
Becoming a member is an investment, but it is one which exposes you to exciting opportunities. I entered a business card design contest and infographic design contest believing that, best case scenario, I would have some nice portfolio pieces. However, it turns out that I was the co-winner of the infographic design contest. I will talk about that more in a forthcoming article. Had I not been a member, not only would I not be able to participate in these affairs, but I wouldn't even know about them. In other words, if I hadn't joined STC, I would not have these experiences and would be waiting for some proverbial second shoe to drop. My only regret is not joining sooner. I encourage you to become a member and see what opportunities that might lead to.
JONAH SCHWARTZ can be reached at 4JONAH at GMAIL dot COM. Read more articles by JONAH SCHWARTZ.
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