• 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

Katie McCarthy

'99, CE & BSTC
Information Services Quality/Validation Analyst
The Blood Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

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

Katie: The Blood Center of Southeastern Wisconsin was founded in 1947 and its headquarters is in Downtown Milwaukee. Its operation consists of four main components: blood services, medical services, diagnostic laboratory testing, and research.

I am the first person to hold the title of Quality/Validation Analyst in the Information Services Quality (ISQ) Department. This quality department was recently established specifically to support the information services of The Blood Center.

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

Katie: The Information Services (IS) department supports the computer systems for The Blood Center. We install PCs, develop software, and perform maintenance on the computers and the software. The ISQ department ensures that we produce, service, and maintain quality computer systems that meet and exceed all regulatory requirements.

My job offers something new and interesting every day. My main tasks include writing quality procedures, editing and reviewing project deliverables and user documentation, testing software, and training IS personnel on quality procedures.

Question: Does your job involve travel?

Katie: This position does not involve extensive travel.

Question: What do you like most about your job?

Katie: The most interesting part of this job is the variety in communication. I work with people of varied backgrounds, and each person provides a unique perspective on what we do everyday.

Question: How did you become interested in Technical Communications?

Katie: When I first began looking at colleges and degrees, I came up with two options that interested me. One option was to go to school for psychology and journalism. The other option was to go to school for engineering. When I came to MSOE, I was interested in the Computer Engineering program and then they told me about the dual degree program in engineering and Technical Communication. When I realized that I could have both engineering and writing, I decided that MSOE was the perfect choice for me. My second term at MSOE, I declared my dual major of Computer Engineering and Technical Communication.

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?

Katie: I definitely consider myself to be a technical communicator. However, a person with a technical communication degree may have a difficult time doing my job because of the computer and software development knowledge and experience that is needed to perform my duties. I think MSOE does offer an extensive and well-rounded education in technical communication, especially when students take full advantage of technical electives and dual degree options.

Someone with my job title needs background in computers and/or quality including computer engineering, computer science, or software engineering. In addition, experience in the technical communication field is a great asset; communicating with people is an essential component of my job.