Determining Potential Career Paths

By Lynda Baxter

On May 10, 2012, we had the privilege of listening to the combined wisdom of Mandy Lam, a product marketing specialist, Cathy Disbrow, graphic designer, Kate Wilhelm and Mark Connolly, user experience designers, and Debbie Kerr, business analyst.  The panelists talked about their current roles, their previous roles, and the skills they developed along their career paths that enabled them to move from one role to another.

While technical writing has played a significant role in their career paths, it has also been a springboard to learning and getting involved in more specialized areas of user advocacy.

Here are my takeaways:

•          Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. For example, you may have technical writing expertise that can morph into marketing or user experience roles.
•          Be aware of possibilities not just to advance your career or move it in a new direction, but also to help your company solve problems or be more efficient.
•          Be willing to develop new skills. For example, become proficient in HTML or at least understand how it works.
•          Network and join or start! professional groups with like-minded people.
•          Stimulate your thinking by reading and doing. 
•          Become a respected advocate for excellence within your company.

All in all I was very impressed with the passion the panelists have for their jobs, their flexibility, and their willingness to share their time and experience with others.

Follow them on Twitter: 

@CathyDisbrow

@uxMark

@katewilhelm

@Kerr_Debbie

@imandylam

 Photo from Free Digital Photos