Meet a Technical Communicator 25

 Anil Kumar graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature. He completed the TWB Fundamental Certification Program successfully in June 2007. He is currently working as a Junior Technical Writer in Ocwen Financial Solutions Pvt. Ltd. in the Documentation Department. Following is an excerpt of an interview Team TWB had with Anil. 

How did the training at TWB help you?

The TWB course helped me develop my technical writing conventions, information gathering and organizing skills, desktop publishing and formatting techniques. It gave me the confidence and the know-how to get a permanent job in a reputed, multi-national software firm. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I endeavor to have refined my technical writing skills and knowledge in the Mortgage Banking domain. I intend to be an expert in using the popular authoring tools like FrameMaker, RoboHelp and Photoshop. More importantly, I will continue contributing my abilities in a challenging and rewarding environment in whatever capacity I am employed as. 

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

Not much. Given that technical writing job pays a decent salary, I’ve been able to lead a decent lifestyle. 

Is there any particular style you follow in your writing?

I follow my company style guide, which defines the guidelines and the writing styles to be used for different manuals (for example, writing style used in a Processes Guide is different from a Setup/Supervisor/Administration Guide). 

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

Technical Writing is a combination of writing and technology. If you can communicate concepts clearly and concisely, conforming to a specific style, you are most probably suited for the job. You also need technical aptitude. 

How do you visualize technical writing after 5 years from now?

In the coming years, I believe technical writers will be moving towards DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture) or similar architecture that allows you to reuse topic-based content. Also, the printed help manuals will give way for the online/web-based help. 

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

It depends on the task I am assigned for a period of time. If I am assigned to create a new manual or update an existing manual, then I start with the Requirement Definition Document (RDD). The RDD gives a fair idea about what the project is all about and the people (SMEs/developers) involved with the project. Then meetings are held with the project manager, developers, and the business unit team to finalize the type of documentation. Then the actual process of information gathering and organizing it starts. 

What domains have you worked on?

Mortgage Banking 

How do you define ‘professionalism’?

Believing passionately in what you do, never compromising on the set standards and values, and taking care of your clients, your family, and your career. 

What are the skills required to be a technical writer?

Effective communication, active listening and learning, information gathering and organization, product inspection and evaluation, English language and computer knowledge.