Major: Technical Communication
Class: 1999
Home town: Caledonia, Mich.
What have you been up to since you graduated?
For 10 years, I was a technical writer primarily in the medical device and printed circuit board industries. I lived in Texas, Colorado, and Minnesota, and just moved back to Wisconsin (near Madison). In 2003, I received a master's in technical communications from Colorado State University. In Minnesota, I started a personal blog after the birth of my third child and have been blogging for about two years as a way to connect with other moms and keep current with technology. At the moment, I’m an editor for a travel website called Road Trips for Families and I manage social media for a handful of clients from the comforts of home.
You recently created an iPhone application for families. Tell us about how you came up with the idea and how you made it a reality.
In February, a friend of mine sent me a link with several travel-based applications for the iPhone. The applications are written by freelance authors and published by a company called Sutro Media. Because I lived in Milwaukee in the late '90s and am constantly on the lookout for family-friendly activities, I pitched the idea of the Milwaukee ❤ Kids iPhone app to Sutro Media. The project was accepted, authored, tested, and published within two months. The app provides pictures, information and an interactive map of family-friendly activities in Milwaukee.
How has your MSOE education helped you in your career?
At MSOE, I always had a part-time job in addition to playing sports and keeping up with classes and homework. Now working, raising a family and maintaining professional integrity utilizes the same type of organization, discipline and focus. I think students who attend MSOE have goals and specific career ideas even before their freshman year. MSOE taught me the importance of networking and staying current in your field.
What advice would you have for MSOE students who are nearing graduation?
If you think you’re done learning after tossing your graduation cap, you may be surprised to find that technology and careers are evolving faster than most people can keep up. Be creative in your job search and don’t be afraid to ask for references, recommendations and informational interviews. During the dot com years jobs were plentiful, but even today you’ll find plenty of opportunity if you know where and how to look.
What would you tell someone who is considering going to MSOE?
No matter where you go, people hold MSOE in high regard. “Wow, that’s a really good school,” is something people say to me all the time. Milwaukee is a fun place to live and the students and faculty are friendly and genuinely care about your education. Even if you were an average athlete (like me), consider playing a sport. You’ll benefit from the exercise and playing on a team; not to mention student athletes have a higher-overall GPA and can eat more bratwurst without consequence of extra calories.
Anything else you’d like to add?
All who wander are not lost!