• Full-Time Programs
• Continuing Studies and Outreach Programs
• All Academic Programs
• Academic Departments
  • Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management
  • Rader School of Business
  • Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
  • General Studies
    • B.A. and B.S. in Technical Communication
      • Alumni Interviews
      • 2 Plus 2 Technical Communication Transfer Program
      • Minor in Technical Communication
      • Internships
      • Careers in Technical Communication
      • Technical Communication Student Projects
      • Program Goals
      • Professional Organizations
    • Mission and Goals
    • Department Faculty
    • Minor in German Studies
    • HU and SS Elective Offerings
    • Minor in Psychology
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • School of Nursing
  • Physics and Chemistry
• Outstanding Facilities
• Academic Minors
• Study Abroad
• Research Centers
• Student Projects
• Other Academic Resources
• MSOE's Accreditations
• The MSOE Guarantee

Amanda Kralj

'01 BSTC
Web Designer/Information Designer
Northwestern Mutual
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

Question: Tell us about your job: Where do you work? What is your job title? How long have you had this position?

Amanda: I work in Northwestern Mutual's Information Systems department. I work on the Knowledge Sharing team as a web designer / information designer. I was an intern in this position for two years, and I am now starting my third year as a full-time employee.

Question: What are your key duties at work? What is a typical day like?

Amanda: Our team supports the Information Systems department's knowledge resources. We are in charge of the department Intranet site and communicating any and all pertinent information to people in the best way. Some of the tasks include web design, information design, graphic design, and creating standards for the IS Intranet site, as well as documentation standards for different areas. I support technology information and I am an internal consultant for web design and online help tools and techniques.

Question: Does your job involve travel?

Amanda: The only travel currently involved with my job is for conferences and seminars. My employer allows me to take the time to attend and present at conferences. I will be presenting at the InfoProducer conference for the second time.

Question: What do you like most about your job?

Amanda: I really enjoy the consulting part of my job. It allows me to interact with a wide variety of people in various parts of the company. This role has given me the opportunity to work on some very interesting projects and has given me an area of expertise. It also forces me to keep learning about new and emerging technologies.

Question: What is the least favorite part of the job?

Amanda: Sometimes, I have to wait for people to obtain the necessary information to do my job. You have to adjust around people's communication styles, as well as their schedules.

Question: How did you become interested in Technical Communications?

Amanda: I started out at MSOE in Industrial Engineering. I liked the engineering, but I wanted to be more involved with people. I wanted a career that would combine my technical knowledge with my communication skills. The TC program was the answer.

Question: Do you consider yourself to be a Technical Communicator? How do you feel your job is suited for a TC? Do people with other backgrounds also perform your type of job?

Amanda: Yes, I do consider myself to be a Technical Communicator. My job involves communicating information in a variety of formats to suit the needs of the audience. I think that a TC is the ideal person for this job. We have the communication knowledge, as well as the technical abilities to make it happen. People with a computer science background also do similar things, but they usually do not have the required communications background to be an effective information designer.