The world’s largest organization serving technical communicators has maintained a thriving chapter in Des Moines for 44 years.

As the newly elected president, Iowa State faculty member Marie Mayer is now the guiding force of the Des Moines Chapter for the Society of Technical Communication (STC).

Mayer, a Publications Editor and Communications Specialist for the Computation Center at ISU, said that her main duties as STC president include overseeing the chapter and “making sure we stay on track with our goals of outreach and recruitment, as well as making sure reports are filed on time.”

A rapidly growing field over the past few years, Mayer said that the field of technical communication is not showing signs of slowing anytime soon.

“I don’t have any numbers,” she said, “but it’s definitely a hot field right now. “

The areas of business documenting and recording are growing, Mayer said, as are positions that deal with designing for the web.

“Web designing is an incredibly fast-growing field. People working in this area need to have both the background knowledge in technology and the knowledge of the content – they need to understand the way that people read,” she said.

Mayer feels the reason STC is the largest organization of its kind has to do with the long history and broad focus of the group.

Founded in 1953, STC “focuses on technological communication in a very broad way.

We aren’t divided into special interest groups like marketing or science writing – we cover the whole spectrum,” she said.

Mayer said she was drawn to the field of technical communication as an undergraduate majoring in computer science.

“I knew that I didn’t want to be a computer programmer; I liked working with words.”

Though technical communication has often been thought of as a career best suited to the introverted, Mayer dispelled the idea that the career is one of isolation.

“Sometimes the job will be drudge work that you do all on your own, but people very often work in teams and are called upon to really be the motivators of a team effort,” she said.

Mayer said that students considering a career in technical communication must above all be curious and enjoy learning new things.

“You cannot be afraid of technology in this business, because even if what you’re writing doesn’t deal with computers, you’ll definitely be utilizing them in your work.”

Though the main purpose of STC is to foster continuing professional development, Mayer said the organization also serves as a network and support group for its members.

“The programs and meetings help give members a hot edge that really helps to keep them marketable,” Mayer said. “With all of the downsizing occurring among companies currently, the networking that goes on here can help members with the job they currently have and with getting their next job.”

Mayer said she is excited to be president of what she considers a very dynamic group.

“We really have fun here. The members are a really vibrant group of people who contribute a great deal to one another,” she said. “Things are really clicking – I honestly couldn’t think of any better group to be working with.”

Mayer also considers STC members to have a definite “quirky” side to them, making sure the organization is not just about careers.

“Where else can you sit around at dinner and ask the person next to you about their comma usage?” Mayer questioned. “Well, we think we’re having fun.”

For her goals as STC president, Mayer said she plans to make improvements in group budgeting and strategic planning to keep the list of members growing.

“I want to take a good group and make it better,” Mayer said. “I’ve gotten a great deal out of the group over the past five years, and I want to give a little back.”

Mayer said technical communicators are encouraged to join the current 104 members of STC by simply filling out an application and attending a meeting.

Students preparing for a career in technical communication can also become members.