Most students in the TECO program have previously earned bachelors or advanced degrees. These students have widely ranging backgrounds in journalism, engineering, nursing, teaching, computer science and other disciplines. Often, Technical Communications students are changing careers. To become a successful technical writer, a student needs to acquire a technical background or build on a technical background previously acquired. The Technical Communications Industry Advisory Board is a group of professionals representing various industry and academic backgrounds, specialties, and interests.
Board members meet quarterly to discuss curriculum, program policies, and industry trends.
The IAB strives to establish guidelines so that De Anza TECO classes include a curriculum which meets or exceeds industry requirements. Invited guests frequently attend and participate in Board meetings, providing suggestions for enhancing the overall Technical Communications program. As a result, exciting programs are emerging, including internships with local companies, guest speaker engagements with classes, and student attendance at some monthly STC meetings. Helps you train others how to complete a task. Some individual must have an extensive technical background and expertise if they write highly technical material based on engineering specifications or schematics.