Photo Credit Erin Rodgers
It all started with an internship. In Summer 2021, Writing Major, Erin Rogers began an internship at TekSouth. Erin was the second intern that TekSouth hired within the areas of partnerships and proposals. Under the management of Strategic Partnerships and Proposal Director, Michelle Labde, Erin began assisting in compiling database information, proposal writing, and attending weekly Business Development Team (BDT) meetings. Each of these areas allowed Erin insight into the expansive world of technical writing, and provided opportunities for Erin to work in several areas.
Erin stated that the practical experience at TekSouth made her feel like she was helpful to the company and helped her step into the world of technical writing in a manageable way. Erin gained experience not only in technical writing, but also in research and editing. She also pointed to the weekly BDT meetings that introduced her to higher leadership within the company, a connection that Michelle also emphasized. She stated,
“At TekSouth the higher leadership and members of the board are open with spending time and sharing their experience with interns.”
After her internship in 2021, TekSouth did not have any current openings, so Erin began working for a local company doing social media marketing. When a job did open up for Fall 2022, Michelle and TekSouth immediately thought of Erin. After going through the application and hiring process, Erin felt well prepared to start her job as a Proposal Coordinator in October 2022. She notes, “Thank you to UAH for requiring an internship! I wouldn’t have done it otherwise. Having that connection with the company that had worked with you before and could see your potential [was important]. You can’t see potential on a piece of paper.”
TekSouth is an employee-owned company headquartered in Gardendale, Alabama with career locations across the United States. To find out more about their company go to www.teksouth.com. The writing major prepares students for careers in writing-related fields, such as technical writing, publishing, social media consulting, and public relations. Its curriculum comprises a combination of courses offered by both the English Department and the Communication Arts Department.