Karthik Kodandaram completed his B.Com (Hons) and has a Masters in Business Administration. He has over 6 years experience in various capacities.   He completed the TWB Fundamental Certification Program successfully in August 2008.  He is currently working as a technical writer at IBM India Private Limited in the ITD-Global Delivery department. Read on to know more about Karthik…

What are the challenges in your current role?

• To receive inputs on time from respective SME’s
• To work on multiple projects simultaneously
• To create documents that can be used by new joinees from complex inputs received from technical experts in the related domains

Is there any particular style you follow in your writing?

IBM specific Global Q&C guidelines

What do you prefer: Microsoft, Adobe, or Open Office authoring tools?

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Visio

What is your favorite color?

Blue and Black



Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

To be an Instructional Designer or a Documentation Specialist in the Automobile Industry



What, for you personally, are the pros and cons of being a technical writer?

Pros –

• Improve domain knowledge
• You get to do what you love and make a career for yourself
• Have an opportunity to build a successful portfolio

Cons –

• Meeting deadlines
• Highly competitive, need to be thorough and upgraded on the tools always

How did, doing a course in Technical Writing help you?

• Helped me restructure my career
• Had a flair for documentation, a course in Technical Writing has helped me make a career in documentation now

Prashanth Augustine completed the TWB Associate Certification Program in September 2006. He completed his graduation in Biological Sciences and worked in Biocon India Ltd. as a Microbiologist. Post TWB he joined IBM and is leading a team. Following is an excerpt of a chat, team TWB had with Prashanth.

According to you, what is the biggest challenge of working in a team?

Working in a team can be an exhilarating experience or a nightmare depending on inter-personal skills of the team members, including you. One of the biggest challenges in working with virtual teams is coordination across different geographies and effective communication. The latter is chiefly due to cultural barriers, writing skills and accent related issues.

What are the different kinds of documents that you worked with so far?

I have worked on User Guides, Process Documents and Case Studies

Have you ever had to learn a new tool while working on a project?

I have learnt the following tools:

• Camtasia
• Centra
• Elluminate

How successful are you in bridging the gap between technology and the end-user?

Highly successful, since I experiment with the tool/application and then present it to the end-user. A Technical Writer has to master the tool before creating a good User Guide.

Describe your typical day at office.

Typical day at office begins with work allocation, responding to queries on the tools, process, research new tools. Apart from this, preparing various Resource Utilization Documents, Metrics and Weekly Status Reports for the different projects under my supervision

How do you respond to negative feedback on your documents?

I implement the constructive feedback provided to me and it automatically becomes a learning activity for me.

Do you agree that Technical Writing has got to do with understanding and implementing the fundamentals of writing than learning tools? State your reasons if you agree or disagree?

These two activities are like synonyms, A Technical Writer is supposed to have good writing skills. If the writer does not master a Tool or Application, the document fails the purpose of providing quality assistance to the end user.

What was the toughest deadline that you have had to meet? How did you manage it?

The toughest deadline was to prepare a user guide and a process manual in a short span of 3 months. The application was new in the organization and the entire process documents had to be modified around the new application. This was managed by understanding the tool by having regular meetings with the development, requirements and testing team. Needless to say, hard work and extended work hours.

What were the challenges you faced when you started your career as a Technical Writer?

The challenges I faced as a Technical Writer was to implement my creativity, ideas and modify an existing template.

Preeth Nazareth, completed her Masters in Bio Science and worked as a lecturer for 4 years. After completing the TWB Fundamental Certification Program successfully in May 2006 she worked in Alcatel-Lucent as a technical writer. In April 2007 she joined Sasken Networks Engineering Limited as a technical writer. She is working with the Knowledge Solutions Centre team. Team TWB chatted with Preeth and following is an excerpt of the same:How would your friends describe you?

Organized, hard working, witty, and sometimes moody!

What are your views on social networking?

Social networking is very important. It gives you an opportunity to meet people and connect with them. You share and gain knowledge by meeting different people from different industries.

What influenced your choice of career?

Nothing in particular. Technical writing happened just like that. Perhaps I took the road less traveled.

What is the best thing that happened to you in the last one year?

I spear-headed and established the Knowledge Solutions Centre (KSC) library. Every time I pass by the library, I feel proud of myself!

What are your professional achievements?

I won the spot award and Team of the Quarter award.

What do you like most about your current position?

Mentoring responsibilities and the tight deadlines. Mentoring is quite challenging. It is molding a crazy teenager to a mature adult (wonder what my mentor was thinking when she was mentoring me!)

What are the different kinds of documents you worked on?

I have worked on Configuration Guide; Installation Guide; CLI Reference Guide; Commissioning Guide; and User Manual.

What kind of challenges is the industry currently facing?

Currently the IT industry is going through a slowdown. But more than the slow down, I personally feel that currently there is a dearth for good technical writers. It is very difficult to find a technical writer with a blend of good communication and writing skills.

Describe a day in your life as a technical writer.

I leave home at 8.00 am. I log in at 9.00 am and change my calendar date and read the thought for the day (I read it religiously. But never follow!). Check and reply to mails. I write down the to-do list on my white board. I then sit with my mentee and help her/him with queries or work. I then start either analyzing a feature, authoring a book, incorporate review comments, or generate online help. In between I take two short 10 mint coffee breaks. I have lunch at my desk. Then attend meetings and trainings and continue working after that. I log off at 6.15 pm. This is just a gist of what I do on a day-to-day basis. But sometimes the routine changes and I work for long hours depending on the deadlines and last minute changes.

Do you use a checklist/to-do list while working? If yes, does it help?

Yes I do. Every day I write down checklist/to-do list on my board. It helps me meet my day-to-day milestones. This is one of the few steps towards being organized and successful. I even color code my checklist. I wish I could show it to you. J

Sanjunath Sannesi began his career as a technical writer in August 2007 and is now working as a Senior Technical Writer at Integra Micro Software Services Pvt. Ltd. He is assigned to the Motorola Offshore Documentation Center.

Sanjunath graduated as a Bachelor of Fisheries Sciences from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore and worked as a Project Manager in a Project Management Consultancy. He successfully completed the TWB Fundamental Certification Program in July 2006. Read on to know more about Sanjunath…

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Enthusiastic, Enterprising, Efficient

Does the company promote or encourage continuing education?

No

Describe some situations in which you have worked under pressure or met deadlines?

A team of three including me completed a 400 page report (5 volumes). It included editing, formatting, printing, binding, and couriering – by working continuously for two days. The package was sent by Air Cargo at 1 am in the night. The client had to present the report to a large Government organization the next day.

What advice would you give to someone just entering this career track?

One should have a flair for writing, be willing to learn, and practice time management; with patience, sincerity and dedication. Time will bear fruits.

What are the different kinds of documents you have worked on?

I have worked on User Manuals for online and print media using Epic Editor and RoboHelp. These were Hardware and Software manuals for Wireless Network Systems.

What are your professional achievements?

I was promoted as Senior Technical within one year of my employment. I received appreciation for the Management Procedures created by me for a client.

What kind of impact has this position had on your lifestyle?

It is definitely better, however it is too early to comment.

What kind of tasks do you complete during a typical day or week?

Check for assigned updates on existing documents. Analyze SFS, Application, and write new content for the updates. For Documents under Development, document the application by walking through the application and send it out for SME review and follow up for approval/sign-offs. I also prepare for and hold weekly calls with Lead Authors, SME and Managers. Most important, I organize and present data/metrics.

Hyacinth Augustine, a TWB Alumni is a graduate from the science discipline. After her graduation she worked at Progeon as a Senior Process Executive. Simultaneously she enrolled for the TWB Fundamental Certification Program and completed it successfully in October 2006. While completing the course she got selected to work at IBM as Technical Editor. She then moved on to being an Information Developer and was assigned to various projects. After completing her stint at IBM for 1.5 years, Hyacinth today works at Alcatel-Lucent as Information Developer in the IDCC department. Read on to know more about Hyacinth…

What is your favorite book/movie?

Windmills of the Gods 

How would your friends describe you?

Approachable and friendly

What is your professional role at the moment?

For every release of a product, all the new features for the release are provided to the Documentation team. I analyze the features assigned to me for documentation impacts. Some features are internal to the organization and do not have to be a part of customer documentation. If the feature does have a documentation impact, then I gather relevant information from reference documents provided by the Technical team. I make sure that only that information which will be relevant for the customer will go into the documentation. I then re-write and edit them to technical writing standards and send it to the technical approvers for a review. Once I receive the review comments, incorporate them and then do a Build using the production interface to create PDF and HTML of the documents.

What influenced your choice of career?

I had a flair for writing starting from college days and I have contributed couple of articles for my college magazines. So, when I heard about Technical Writing from the Education Times, (TWB advertisement) I got a little curious to know what kind of writing it was. So, did some homework about the career prospects of Technical Writing and then decided that I wanted to pursue it as a career. That landed me in TWB for the Aug 2006 batch.

Do you have a role model? Name?

I admire Sheila Dixit and A.R.Rahman.

What are your professional achievements?

I always wanted to be a part of the IT industry though I was a Science graduate. This profession has helped me realize my dream to be a part of the IT industry.

What are the new tools you learnt when you joined the company you are working for?

Epic Editor, Internal Content Management System, Internal Production Interface, Rational Clearcase

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

To be an expert in Technical Communication

What do you like most about your current position?

Constant interaction with Developers and Test Engineers around the globe. I get to learn new things every day from their way of working.

What are the different kinds of documents have you worked on?

I have worked on the different documents pertaining to a product like Configuration management, Security management, User Interface, Technical Description and so on.

How would your friends describe you?

I’m a confident, ambitious and energetic person according to my friends. I am a source of inspiration for them.

How do you get inspired and what keeps you motivated to write?

To have worked with big companies like IBM and GE gives me inspiration and confidence to achieve more. The ability to think positive helps me overcome challenges and motivates me to write.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

I see myself owning a consulting firm.

What advice would you give to someone who is entering the field of Technical Writing?

My advice to budding technical writers,

• After choosing technical writing as your career, do not contemplate on changing your decision.
• Take all the short comings as challenges and you will definitely be rewarded.
• Take ownership of the project that you are going to handle.
• Always have a positive attitude.
• Learn to find solutions and adapt to situations rather than being impulsive.

What were the difficulties that you faced when you started your career as a technical writer?

I was apprehensive about the kind of team I was getting into and about the domain that I had chosen, but honestly I don’t remember having faced any major difficulty.

If you could start again, what would you do differently?

I’m very determined about technical writing. I do not prefer anything different.



What domains have you worked on?

• Network process documentation – At IBM I was responsible for documenting the process involved in networking.
• Software documentation – I have documented User Manuals, process manuals, handover documents for software applications developed by various upcoming software companies.
• Product documentation – At GE I am responsible for documenting the operations manual and service manual for the baby warmer that they have manufactured.

Sunita Subhramanyam is currently working as Project Engineer, Technical Publications department at Wipro Technologies. Prior to completing the TWB Fundamental Certification Program, Sunitha completed her Masters in Political Science and an Advanced course in the German Language. She worked as an English and German teacher and later as an editor in information processing unit (German language). Following is an excerpt of an interview TWB had with her.

Are there any likely changes that may affect the industry in the next few years?

Keeping in view the economic boom, we have to be wary of our delivery of work. A lot of effort need to be put in for good quality work and exceeding the expectations of our clients to continue our association with them. The only change I expect is stretching our capabilities even if that means going beyond our comfort zone.

What do you like best about your position as a Technical Writer?

Extensive use of our communication skills – writing, speaking, and listening.

What advice would you give to someone just entering this career?

You should enjoy interacting with people and not feel shy approaching anyone for help or any clarifications.

Does the company promote or encourage continuing education?

Yes.

What kinds of challenges is the industry currently facing?

Economic recession which has led to a ‘no’ to outsourcing.

What tools have you used while documenting?

* Advanced Microsoft Word
* Adobe FrameMaker
* Adobe Dreamweaver



What domains have you worked on?

* Computing Networking and Storage
* Product

How is your experience working on-site with a customer?

Working on-site is good. The customers are friendly and helpful. The challenge is that you represent your organization and the customers make an impression of your organization as a whole (not you alone) by your work and attitude.



What are the first three things you would do on your first day at work here?

1. Make a list of action items for the day.
2. Check mails and reply to the most important ones.
3. Plan your activities by breaking them into tasks and with time deadline.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

That’s a difficult one. Would rather prefer others describing me. Sociable, friendly, and hard working….

Lalitha Raman, a TWB Alumni is currently working as a Senior Technical Writer (she started as a Documentation Engineer), Onyx Department in CRM Business Unit at Consona Software (India) Private Limited. She completed the TWB Fundamental Certification Program in June 2007. After completing her B.E in Computer Science and Engineering she worked as a System Administrator in Oracle database administration for 7 years. Team TWB had the following chat with her.

Q – If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional with whom would it be?

A – Bill Gates!

Q – How would you explain a database in three sentences to your eight-year-old nephew?

A – A database is a box that can store any kind of information (for example, number of chocolates in the house or balance money in piggy bank). A database can be used to retrieve and manipulate the same information or new information at any time (for example, after a week or month). A database helps in preparing some useful reports such as, based on the stored information, it can tell if you are ready to go for a picnic. I mean, whether you have all the things at home that are required for a picnic.

Q – What are the first three things you did on the first day at work?

A – Met my team which at that time comprised of developers and testing engineers. Prepared my brief introduction which was sent to my team via an e-mail message. Read the new hire documents and checked various intranet connections.

Q – How would you describe yourself in three words?

A – Sincere, punctual, and hard working.

Q – What is your favorite color?

A – Purple.

Q – Is there any particular style you follow in your writing?

A – I follow Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications (MSTP).

Q – How do you get inspired and what keeps you motivated to write?

A – My key source of inspiration in technical writing is my manager in the United States. He has been in the field of technical writing for more than 10 years. I get motivated by my interest in technical writing and my manager’s constant encouragement and support.

Q – Is there any particular to-do-list to follow to become a successful technical writer?

A – In my opinion the to-do-list for anyone to become successful (not only technical writer) are:

* Take a profession that you enjoy or start enjoying your profession.
* You cannot be successful without being passionate about your work.
* Be very sincere.
* Have a strong will power to achieve something.
* Be punctual and good at time management.
* Always schedule your work and prepare notes before and after meetings.
* Be patient.
* Never look down upon any job. Many times you might have to do things not of your liking or choice. Also, nothing comes easy in life.
* Everyone has to go through good and bad phases in life.
* Be honest and frank.
* Always participate in team activities. This helps in building good relationships between team members and also shows your presence.
* Highlight your achievement through proper channel.

Q – How does your job as technical writer influence your life? Do you feel that you see things around you differently?

A – My job has definitely changed things around me. I am easily able to correct English grammar and writing styles which in turn gives me more confidence. My team members seek my help for writing documents and e-mail messages.

Q – What, for you personally, are the pros and cons of being a technical writer?

A -There are pros and cons in every profession. However, I would like to list some.

Pros:

* The most important advantage in writing a technical document is that, the writer has to understand the product and technology which helps in getting good domain knowledge.
* The job pressure compared to developers is less.

Cons:

* When any company is not doing well (financially) then the writers suffer a lot because as per the management the developers and the testing engineers play a vital role in any product development company.

Ambuj Lal, a TWB Alumni is currently working as an Information Engineer in the Storage Management and Application Integration Department at NetApp. He graduated as a B.Tech in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering and has a PG Diploma in Embedded Systems Design. Prior to joining the TWB Fundamental Certification Program he worked as a Research Associate at IIT Kanpur and then as a Development Engineer for 1 year. Following is an excerpt of a chat TWB had with him.

Q – How would you describe yourself in three words?

A – Focused, patient, and a go-getter.

Q – What domains have you worked on?

A – Storage and networking.

Q – What are the new tools you learnt when you joined NetApp?

A – FrameMaker, xMetal, Content Management System (CMS) tool, DreamWeaver, AuthorAssistant, and internal BUG tracking tools.

Q – What advice would you give to someone just entering the field of technical communication?

A – As a fresher we are not expecting that you would know everything. Just stick to basics and completely know what you claim in your resume. Also, be honest during your interview.

Q – What has been the most challenging experience (professionally) to date?

A – I found writing a new guide from the scratch, especially when the Development and  QA  teams are spread across the globe, most challenging. In my case the teams were spread across US and Germany. Also, converting the existing documents to DITA style of writing architecture has been a challenge and a fulfilling experience.

Q – How does your job as a technical writer influence your life? Do you feel that you see things around you differently?

A – Yes, to a great extent. I like to keep things very simple and always try to know the reason for things happening around me

Q – How did the TWB Fundamental training help you?

A – In the end it all boils to basics. If the fundamentals are strong, you can sail through anything.

Q – Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

A – Growing more in the technical side of technical writing. The other option could be climbing the management ladder! Honestly I have not decided yet; I am taking things as they unfold.

Note from the Editor:

Thank you TWB Alumnus for agreeing to be featured in this segment. We are looking forward to more TWB Alumni writing to us at trainers.twb@gmail.com

How did a course in technical writing help you?

As a software developer, I had the opportunities occasionally where I had to do a technical documentation on products or a component that we had built. Though I had an idea of what we needed to capture technically, I had no idea of how to build a technical document adhering to all the nuances of writing a perfectly readable technical document. This prompted me to take up the course on technical writing and I chose The Writers Block after a lot of initial research on identifying a good technical writing institute. After going through this course, I now understand the process of building a good technical document and the principles involved in building one.

What is your professional role now?

I am working as a software developer in Source(n) India Pvt Ltd for the past 4 years.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

In another 5 years I would want to improve myself in my area of expertise, namely software development and as well as in my technical writing skills which has become a very essential skill. Also, I would like to essentially build my project managerial skills.

What is the corporate culture of your company?

Ours is an organization that employs around 55 people and as such is an emerging company. Being in a small organization has its own benefits, the feeling of a family, the personal touch that every employee shares with the other. The culture of the company also fosters individual attention to improve the employee in his areas of weakness and thereby overcoming them.

Does the company promote or encourage continuing education?

Our organization does encourage its employees in honing their skills through continued education, be it in the area of their work or otherwise. It emphasizes and encourages its employees to train themselves in acquiring/improving project managerial skills as well as interpersonal skills.

What type of training programs does the company offer?

Our organization fosters an environment of continuous learning where the employees are given training on a regular basis on various aspects of their work. Technical, non-technical, project managerial, soft skills etc.

What kinds of challenges is the industry currently facing?

One of the major challenges the software industry is facing today (and I see this as being not taken seriously) is the lack of quality in an employee. We do have a lot of engineers who come in masses every year from colleges. But, we hardly come across engineers who fit the bill. I consider ourselves to be mere knowledge workers doing no more than what we have been taught and not an ounce more. We need to progress ourselves from being a mere outsourced industry to one that innovates and does things differently.

According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far?

My definition of success is a condition in an individual, where he feels he is in control of himself, his career and is confident of his ability, who knows the direction he is treading on. Going by my own definition of success, I see the path I have chosen to tread on. But I feel there are a lot of things to be done and a lot of ground to be covered before I could confidently say that I have achieved success.

How would your friends describe you?

My close and good friends feel that I am trust worthy, honest and a silent individual. They like me for what I make them feel about themselves.