Posts filed in ‘second career’
Summer interns
A few months back I commented on the parts of technical writing I enjoy–the nuance of language, a collegial atmosphere. This month I’m adding another aspect, summer interns.
international interns, chapter advisors, and competition manager
I have been fortunate to work with a group of international students on a not-for-profit project. They have taken on planning an event for the Fall. Short of registering their friends and family back home, they are promoting the event in every way possible. They’ve created a plan, designed a logo, multiplied the database, and learned a bit about technical writing too. The students became organized as any product team might except that their buzz was about learning English, not launching a product.
International students find internships to practice speaking and listening, reading and writing in English. Passing those skills on a proficiency exam is a key to their future.
‘Wordie’
It’s been a month of celebrations–Obama’s inauguration, Chinese New Year and reason to hope for economic improvement.
After taking a time out after summer 2008 I started a program to become a Canadian immigration consultant. My own immigration experience was straightforward and so I thought I could help others wanting to move here.
Facing the Fork
I am a baby-boomer so I don’t have a long timeline to do over a career. My biggest asset is my ability to make a living but the 2008 economic downturn affected me.
What I know about occupations in general is that they fall into three categories: people, things, and ideas. They’re all in the mix for technical communicators. Immigration consulting is knowing about policies, procedures, and intercultural communication.
What about technical communication? I still want to continue doing technical writing. It’s been my occupation for 20 years and my passion. I figured out the parts of technical writing I like. While I’m not that geeky, I do like the ‘wordie’ aspect.
It all comes together in a program called Immigration Law Policies and Procedures offered through the Intercultural Communications department at University of British Columbia. I’m fascinated to hear about others’ journey to Canada–not just for a better job or for family reunification but also for a safe destination. Of my 60 classmates everyone appears motivated to learn the rules and regulations in order to help loved ones land safely.
My experience with immigration is only first-hand and it was a smooth transition thanks to a great lawyer and a patient husband. We’re eligible to apply for citizenship this year so for anyone still wondering whether we’re moving back to the US, nope.
"Gung Hay Fat Choy!"