• 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
    • 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

Dianne Weber

'91 BSTC
Lead Technical Writer
Waukesha Engine
Waukesha, Wisconsin

 

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

Dianne: I am the Lead Technical Writer at Waukesha Engine, and I have been employed at Waukesha Engine since 1994. Waukesha Engine manufactures spark-ignited, natural gas engines for gas compression and power generation applications.

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

Dianne: My key responsibility at Waukesha Engine is to research, write, and layout all technical publications (including installation, operation, and maintenance instructions) for Waukesha Engine's Custom Engine Control (CEC) products and CFR Fuel Rating Systems. In addition, I am responsible to ensure that all our publications follow department standards by providing direction for the other technical writers.

During a typical day, I spend a majority of my time working on the computer writing and "fine-tuning" the manuals I am responsible for developing. I also find myself interviewing employees or "subject matter experts" from various departments and spending time in the Engineering lab researching new products.

Question: Does your job involve travel?

Dianne: Although travel for my job is limited, there are occasions where I have visited engine sites to witness Waukesha engines in operation.

Question: What do you like most about your job?

Dianne: The aspect I enjoy most about my job is the variety of projects I work on. Although my top priority is writing technical manuals, I also write/edit advertising copy for various marketing brochures and newsletters, train fellow employees on computer software, and prepare PowerPoint presentations. Recently, I started developing online help files for our electronic controls. The mix of projects keeps me challenged and satisfied with my job.

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

Dianne: The least favorite part of my job is waiting for information. Since I am writing manuals for new products, I often must write a manual for a product that doesn't physically exist, so I have to wait for information because the answer is not yet known or is not final. It is not unusual to receive a piece of information on the day a manual is sent to print.

Question: How did you become interested in Technical Communications?

Dianne: In high school I was focused on becoming a journalist, but the more I investigated the career of journalism, I found that it was very difficult to specialize in an area. To find a niche in journalism, there seemed to be a great deal of luck involved. I heard about MSOE's Technical Communications program from graduates of MSOE that worked with my mom. The career fit with my interests and need for a focused career.

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?

Dianne: Yes, I am a Technical Communicator. In fact, I believe my job is the exact definition of what a typical technical communicator would do: write documentation supporting a product that is useable to the end user. To meet that challenge, every communication skill is used: interpersonal, oral, written, and electronic.