Benjamin Pigg ’23 Breaks Into the Tech Industry

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Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, Benjamin sought to transition into the tech industry but found himself at a crossroads.

“The turning point in my career that made me decide to pursue a Master’s degree in Professional Communication was when I decided I wanted to pursue a career in the tech industry,” Benjamin shares. “My Bachelor’s degree wasn’t helping me break into the tech industry, so I thought pursuing a MAPC degree would help.” Today, as a Content Designer at Atlassian, Benjamin’s story is a testament to the transformative power of graduate education and determination.

The MAPC program at USF stood out to Benjamin among other graduate options. “What attracted me to MAPC was the fact that they had alumni who got jobs in the tech industry after they graduated,” he explains. The program’s prime location in San Francisco—the heart of the tech world—further reinforced his decision, offering unparalleled proximity to leading companies like Salesforce, Google, and Workday.

Benjamin’s concentration in Technical Communication proved instrumental in aligning his academic journey with his professional aspirations. “I chose Technical Communication because it related directly to skills I could use to break into the tech industry,” he says. At Atlassian, a company renowned for products like Jira, Confluence, and Trello, Benjamin applies his expertise in UX writing, content strategy, and technical documentation. “I’m proficient in UX writing and technical writing, skills I developed during my time at MAPC, and thanks to this background, I am now a professional in information architecture and collaborative tools like Confluence, Jira, and Figma,” he adds.

The MAPC program played a crucial role in helping Benjamin build a portfolio of practical work that proved instrumental in securing internship interviews, including one at DocuSign that ultimately led to his current position. Throughout the program, Benjamin developed a diverse collection of professional work products, UX studies, and other classwork that directly showcased his skills in technical communication and UX writing. These projects allowed him to demonstrate his proficiency in creating user-centered content, conducting usability research, and developing information architecture – all valuable assets in the tech industry. The hands-on nature of the MAPC coursework enabled Benjamin to tackle real-world challenges, producing deliverables that closely mirrored those he would encounter in professional settings. This portfolio of work not only strengthened his resume but also provided tangible examples of his capabilities during interviews, setting him apart from other candidates.

Reflecting on his time at USF, Benjamin fondly recalls the camaraderie and support among classmates and faculty. “My most memorable experience was a MAPC picnic at Golden Gate Park, followed by a beach bonfire,” he says. Professors, too, left a lasting impression. “They were flexible and understood that students have different learning styles and needs,” he notes, highlighting their dedication to continuous improvement.

Beyond academics, the relationships Benjamin forged during the program continue to enrich his life. “Paige Pichette, my best friend from MAPC, is a friendship I’ll be forever grateful for,” he shares. Even now, he stays in touch with former classmates, celebrating their shared successes.

For those considering the MAPC program, Benjamin offers this advice: “Invest in yourself and allow MAPC to help shape your future.” His journey from aspiring tech professional to accomplished Content Designer demonstrates the impact of tailored education, strategic networking, and personal resilience.