Introduction

My name is Krista, and I am a dedicated lifelong learner with a background in Technical Communication and Design. After exploring the University of New Mexico's course catalog, I discovered their Graduate Certificate in Technical and Professional Communication (GCERT in TPC). The program's diverse and relevant coursework immediately caught my attention, and I recognized it as an excellent opportunity to further enhance my skills and knowledge in a rapidly evolving professional landscape. This inspired me to embark on a new educational journey.

A Transformative Journey Through the GCERT in TPC Program

During my enrollment in the GCERT program at The University of New Mexico, I have experienced a truly transformative journey. The coursework has equipped me with a deep understanding of real-world applications, frameworks, strategies, and emerging issues within the field of technical and professional communication. My academic experience throughout the certificate has significantly broadened my perspective on the role of ethical technical communicators and their impact on society. In this memorandum, I will summarize my learnings, reflecting on key aspects of the curriculum that have helped shape my professional identity as a communicator in today’s digital media landscape.

Foundations of Technical Communication

The foundation of my learning was laid in the course ENGL 502: Technical and Professional Communication, taught by Dr. Tiffany Bourelle. This course provided me with a comprehensive understanding of technical communication, including defining the roles of technical communicators and the challenges they face. I learned that the essence of technical communication lies in simplifying complex information and conveying it clearly to specific audiences. A core principle of this process is using plain language to ensure that the message is accessible and comprehensible. As I progressed through the course, I realized that technical communication requires a strategic and empathetic approach to understanding the needs of diverse audiences.

The Role of Ethics in Technical Communication

A technical communicator must not only focus on clarity but also be aware of rhetorical appeals such as ethos, pathos, and logos, all while being mindful of personal and societal biases. This became particularly apparent when I studied the ethical dimensions of communication, especially regarding marginalized communities. I learned that, as a technical communicator, it is crucial to consider how my work impacts different groups and to ensure that my messaging is inclusive and equitable. This aligns with the growing importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all forms of communication, where the communicator must strive to understand the audience’s background and experiences, allowing for a more effective and empathetic delivery of information.

Technical Communication as a Dynamic and Iterative Process

Another key concept that transformed my thinking was the idea that technical communication is a dynamic, iterative process. In this field, communication artifacts are not one-time creations; they are constantly refined and improved. The process includes multiple non-linear stages such as writing, feedback, revision, editing, and research. I gained practical experience in user-centered design (UCD), which emphasizes creating products and services based on users’ needs, behaviors, and goals. As part of my coursework, I created empathy maps that helped me understand users' perspectives by identifying what they say, think, do, and feel. We also learned about the use of journey mapping and storyboarding, which are powerful tools for visualizing user experiences and iterating on design solutions.

User-Centered Design and Usability Testing

The course highlighted the significance of usability testing and how feedback from real users can guide the refinement of a product or service. The knowledge I gained from ENGL 502 on user-centered design has proved invaluable, as it not only changed my approach to content creation but also introduced me to new tools and methods for enhancing user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.

Universal Design Principles

In addition to the technical aspects of communication, the course placed a strong emphasis on universal design principles. These principles advocate designs that are accessible and usable by people with varying abilities and needs. The seven principles of universal design—equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, and size and space for approach—were central to my understanding of how to create inclusive and user-friendly content.

Social Justice in Technical Communication

One of the most impactful topics of ENGL 502 was examining technical communication through a social justice lens. We explored key design elements like consistency, contrast, typography, and accessibility, focusing on how they contribute to more inclusive and equitable designs. A key aspect was decentering whiteness in primary research, which encouraged me to critically assess biases in design and communication. We also discussed systems of oppression—classism, ethnocentrism, capitalism, and ableism—and their influence on technical documentation. These topics challenged me to move beyond traditional frameworks and consider how these issues shape technical documents. The discussions were transformative, deepening my understanding of the social responsibility technical communicators hold in fostering a more just and inclusive world.

Key Projects from ENGL 502

Throughout this course, I developed several projects that showcased my learning, including a User-Centered Website Audit with Recommendations. In this project, I analyzed a real-world website, defined user personas, and conducted usability tests. Based on these findings, I provided recommendations for redesigning the website to improve user experience. Additionally, I created a reflective synthesis on the importance of conducting research through an anti-racist lens, which involved reading and discussing scholarly articles on the topic.

Ethics in Technical and Professional Communication

The following course, ENGL 535: Ethics in Technical and Professional Communication, also taught by Dr. Bourelle, further deepened my understanding of the ethical challenges faced by technical communicators. This course helped me develop a framework for analyzing the ethical dimensions of communication in various contexts, including the role of technology, social justice, and AI.

I explored how ethical issues in technical communication can have far-reaching consequences, from historical injustices to modern-day ethical dilemmas in the digital age. Topics such as feminist theory, the ethics of AI, and the unethical practices within industries like agriculture and technology were discussed in depth. These discussions were not only academically enriching but also deeply personal, as they challenged me to think critically about how my work as a communicator could contribute to or challenge broader societal issues.

Final Project in Ethics

A particularly significant project in ENGL 535 was my final presentation, where I synthesized my research on environmental advocacy through a feminist perspective. I focused on how women from diverse backgrounds use various forms of multimodal content—writing, images, poetry, film, and activism—to communicate and drive social change. This project was a culmination of my learning, as it connected my interests in social justice, communication, and environmental advocacy, and allowed me to apply ethical frameworks to real-world issues.

Conclusion

Overall, my experience in the GCERT program has been a transformative and enlightening journey. It has provided me with not only technical skills and knowledge but also a deeper understanding of the ethical and social responsibilities of a technical communicator. I look forward to applying these insights in both my personal and professional life, where I hope to contribute to more inclusive, ethical, and effective communication practices. The GCERT program has undoubtedly shaped my professional identity, and I am excited to continue developing my skills in the field of technical and professional communication.