Aarhus University: Technical communication – now and in the future

The event, jointly organized by tekom Danmark and Aarhus University, brought together students, professionals, and industry representatives to explore current developments and career paths within the field of technical communication. The afternoon provided both insights into industry trends and opportunities for networking between students and companies.

Host: Erik Fuglsang, External lecturer, Aarhus University

Speakers:
Per Harbo Sørensen, Board Member of tekom Danmark
Thomas Biering-Nielsen, Technical Communication and Data Solutions, Etteplan
Mads Holmsgaard Eriksen, Content Designer, Technical Communication and Localization, Milestone Systems

The event began with a short welcome from Erik Fuglsang and Per Harbo Sørensen, who highlighted the importance of connecting academia with industry and fostering interest in technical communication as a growing and evolving profession.

Per Harbo Sørensen gave an introduction to tekom. He provided an overview of the organization’s mission, services, and member benefits, while also explaining how tekom supports the development of professional standards, education, and networking opportunities within the field.

Also, he gave a brief overview of the information development process in technical communication – a competence framework developed by tekom.

Thomas Biering-Nielsen shared his insights on current and emerging trends in the technical communication industry. Drawing on his 25+ years of experience across various industries, Thomas discussed topics such as:

• TechCom as a Service – exploring why service-based models are gaining importance
• AI: Revolution or Evolution? – examining how artificial intelligence is transforming documentation workflows
• Emerging and Potential Future Trends – looking at where the field may be heading in the coming years

His talk provided valuable context for how digitalization, automation, and data-driven approaches are reshaping the role of technical communicators.

Mads Holmsgaard Eriksen shared his career journey from interpreter and translator to technical writer and content designer in the software industry. With 14 years of experience at Milestone Systems, Mads discussed:

• How he entered the field of technical writing
• His professional experiences and current work
• The evolution of technical communication, including differences between traditional documentation and UX/content design in software development
• Key skills and competencies essential for success in the profession

His talk provided practical insights for students interested in pursuing a career in technical communication.

The afternoon concluded with a company dating session, where students and company representatives had the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and discuss potential collaborations. The session fostered valuable networking opportunities and helped connect future professionals with potential employers or internship hosts.

The event wrapped up with a thank-you note to all speakers, participants, and organizers. Attendees left with new insights, professional connections, and an enhanced understanding of the diverse career paths within technical communication.

The event successfully combined knowledge sharing, career inspiration, and networking, illustrating the growing importance of technical communication in modern industries. Both students and professionals benefited from engaging talks and the chance to connect across academia and business.