Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 2014

New Perspectives on the Technical Communication Internship: Professionalism in the Workplace

Tiffany Bourelle University of New Mexico

Abstract

This article argues for developing linked courses in technical communication where the instructor facilitates a service-learning curriculum and then serves as faculty advisor within subsequent internships. In these linked courses, students write technical documents before moving into internships where they write similar documents. Specifically, the article examines the results from one such class and offers both theoretical and practical advice for collaborating with nonprofit and creating internships that are beneficial for both the students and the nonprofit. In addition, the discussion highlights students' preparedness to enter the field of technical communication, as evidenced through their internship work and their final reflections. Through careful consideration of the nonprofit' responses, I suggest making changes to professional and technical communication curricula for linked courses and internships, including the addition of an objective of professionalism that teaches students to not only write in a professional manner, but to also consider their actions and responsibilities within the context of an organizational culture.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2014-04-01
DOI
10.2190/tw.44.2.d
Open Access
Closed
Topics
service learning technical communication multilingual writers

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (7)

  1. Bennett (2024)
    (Dis)ability Deconditioning: Challenging Ableist Articulations of Professionali…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. Batova (2021)
    An Approach for Incorporating Community-Engaged Learning in Intensive Online Cl…
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  3. Pickering (2019)
    Emotion, Social Action, and Agency: A Case Study of an Intercultural, Technical…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  4. Pickering (2018)
    Navigating Discourses of Power Through Relationships
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. Kramer-Simpson (2018)
    Feedback From Internship Mentors in Technical Communication Internships
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Show all 7 →
  1. Kramer-Simpson (2018)
    Moving From Student to Professional: Industry Mentors and Academic Internship C…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Hirst (2016)
    Bonding With the Nuclear Industry
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (9)

  1. Bourelle (2012)
    Bridging the Gap between the Technical Communication Classroom and the Internsh…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Savage et al. (2010)
    Technical Communication Internship Requirements in the Academic Economy: How We…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. White (2005)
    The Scoring of Writing Portfolios: Phase 2
    College Composition and Communication
  4. Amant (2003)
    Expanding Internships to Enhance Academic-Industry Relations: A Perspective in …
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. Carter et al. (2003)
    Assessing Technical Writing in Institutional Contexts: Using Outcomes-Based Ass…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
Show all 9 →
  1. Tovey (2001)
    Building Connections between Industry and University: Implementing an Internshi…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. McEachern (2001)
    Problems in Service Learning and Technical/Professional Writing: Incorporating …
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  3. Savage (1997)
    Doing Unto Others through Technical Communication Internship Programs
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  4. ANSON et al. (1990)
    Moving Beyond the Academic Community
    Written Communication
Also cites 6 works outside this index ↓
  1. 10.1177/108056990006300109
     ↗
  2. 10.1177/1080569909336450
     ↗
  3. 10.2307/375964
     ↗
  4. 10.2307/j.ctt46nwgv.19
     ↗
  5. 10.1080/87567559709596221
     ↗
  6. 10.1177/1080569912460400
     ↗
CrossRef global citation count: 14 View in citation network →

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