Student Profile
Erin Rothman , 2001
In December 2001, I received a Bachelor’s degree in Technical and Scientific Communication with an emphasis in Environmental Science. Probably one of the most practical majors at Miami University, BATSC courses taught me how to write and communicate my ideas clearly. I also had a lot of fun meeting new people and studying a subject I liked. Because of my major, I was offered a fantastic job, and I get paid to do something I really enjoy!
Following a short technical editing position at Weston Solutions, an environmental consulting company, I received a position as a proposal writer at Battelle’s headquarters, located in Columbus, Ohio. My department, Proposal Operations, represents the team of people at Battelle who can effectively incorporate the necessary content into a successful proposal. Writing and assembling a winning proposal involves several steps. Some of the more general stages include analyzing the RFP, creating the outline, determining the best people to work with the contract, working with authors, generating a draft, pulling together all necessary information for a final draft, and compiling the efforts of everyone involved into one cohesive, persuasive document.
Our customers include both government organizations and private industries; some of our primary clients include governmental agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases. We generally receive (Requests for Proposal) RFPs involving contracts dealing with national defense, especially in regards to chemical and biological warfare. We also do a lot of work with the EPA, including growth cohort studies and environmental clean-up activities. Much of what we do is confidential or business sensitive. In reality, Battelle works with almost every facet of government and industry.
It’s hard to narrow our client needs down to a few defining features. However, I really enjoy the work because it’s a great opportunity to gain knowledge about multiple, often complex, subjects. Unlike most other professions, I have the chance to branch out beyond my own expertise in English to various aspects of scientific fields. This diversity allows me to use my science background as well.