SUMMARY

Technical Writer with more than 10 years in the writing field. Most recently, four years in technical documentation in programming software, including developer tools for object-oriented programming. Excellent research, problem-solving, and written and interpersonal communication skills. Enjoy working in a team environment or as an individual contributor.

Extensive and varied knowledge and experience, including:

EXPERIENCE

Symantec Corporation Fremont, CA
Senior Technical Writer

• Developed administrator's and user's guides for enterprise network security software. The software ensures that endpoints running Windows XP Embedded, Linux, and Mac OS X are protected and compliant with security policies.

• Wrote new material based on functional specifications, marketing requirements, and interviews with subject matter experts.

• Provided feedback to engineering on the user interface to improve product usability.

• Prepared technical manuals in various formats, including HTML and PDF.

• Produced and presented product demonstrations to train other writers in group.

2004-present

KnowledgeTree Systems, Inc., Santa Cruz, CA
Technical Writer

• Rewrote conference presentations into technical articles for IBM Rational software development tools to help customers use the tools more efficiently.

• Researched and wrote positioning articles for the Apple Developer Connection Web site to market Apple development tools.

2004

Borland Software Corporation, Scotts Valley, CA
Technical Writer

• Maintained and wrote new sections of the tutorial, getting started guide, and developer's guide for the C++ and Delphi programming languages. The content was targeted for several product lines across multiple platforms.

• Researched background material, collaborated with product team, and documented a Java-based IDE and core features of a new cross-platform product for C++ developers. topics included overviews, procedures, and dialog Help for developing, building, and deploying applications.

• Revised editorial style guide to ensure consistency between writers and between products.

• Collaborated with publications team to convert print and online documentation to an XML-based Help system, allowing for multiple output formats and improving API maintainability. Researched and recommended an XML editor and helped design XML schemas.

• Suggested changes when the user interface was confusing or needed rewording. Programmers incorporated these changes.

• Investigated, reproduced, and reported product bugs. Discussed possible causes with testers and programmers. Commonly found bugs in infrequently tested areas.

2000-2003

START Amadeus GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
Technical Writing Instructor

• Developed and taught technical writing course for German programmers, describing how to plan, organize, and write technical documentation in English. Resulted in improved product communication between German and Irish programmers.

• Created and taught business writing course for program managers and marketers, increasing communication between internal and external customers.

1998-1999

Microsoft Corporation, S&T OnSite, Redmond, WA
Technical Writer and Editor

• Drafted first version of Microsoft Windows 98 Tour, helping users to get started on the operating system immediately.

• Designed and wrote online Help for the MSN OnParenting Web site, providing quick navigation through parenting articles.

• Edited the Learning Visual Basic 5.0 Now course, updating materials for a new release of the application.

1992-1997

Technical Writer, Microsoft Soccer

• Authored online procedures and context-sensitive Help, providing how-to and gaming tips.

• Teamed with program managers, developers, and testers to develop product features, resulting in a successful launch of the first version of product.

• Managed the translation of files into six languages so that all languages shipped simultaneously on one CD-ROM.

Content Researcher, Microsoft CarPoint

• Designed and wrote online Help for first Web-based car-buying guide, explaining how to select and purchase a car online.

• Researched editorial content and features for the Web site to educate the consumer on the car-buying process.

• Researched car-buying data for a three-year marketing plan that successfully set the overall direction of the product.

International Specialist

• Partnered with internal creative team that developed worldwide packaging and marketing materials to increase overseas revenue.

• Managed translation and development of international cartons with subsidiary in Ireland, preparing for the release of the international versions of server products.

• Provided subsidiaries with marketing materials and graphics to successfully launch products.

EDUCATION

MASTER OF INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT
American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird), Phoenix, AZ

1988

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN HISTORY
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA

1985

LANGUAGES

Conversational German, basic French and Spanish.

NONFICTION WRITING

• "Kleingartens," German Life, August/September 2001

• "Ten Ways to Prepare for an Overseas Move," Transitions Abroad, June/July 2000

• "Harvesting" chapter, Places to Go With Children Around Puget Sound, Elton Welke, 1994