Event Description
***Seating limited to 20; please register soon***
It can happen to the best of us. From our earnest beginnings as technical writers, over time we progress to power users in our organizations. Various departments recognize us as the “go-to” person – we wrote the manuals, so that makes us experts, right? And so begins our journey to truly be that person. We ask more questions, adding more whys and what ifs to our repertoire. We work our way through the client’s requirements, trying to understand the issue that needs to be addressed. We are, indeed, treading the murky waters of analysis. Overnight, it seems that there’s been a natural transition from writer to product owner.
Technical writers share many of the same competencies as business analysts: communication, critical thinking, and curiosity. Many business analysts have started their careers in software as technical writers. There is also growing popularity and demand for the hybrid role of technical writer/business analyst.
If you’re thinking of broadening your service offerings, business analysis may be the next step for you.
In this interactive seminar, former technical writer turned professional business analyst Elizabeth Matheson will discuss how she transitioned to this rewarding career by building upon her core competencies in technical communications. Beth will share her expertise on:
- How to write effective user stories;
- The art of wire frames;
- Managing a team in an Agile environment;
- The importance of BABOK (Business Analyst Body of Knowledge); and
- Other skills needed to transition to business analysis.
In-class exercises and a Q&A session are included.
About the Speaker
Elizabeth Matheson is a seasoned senior business analyst and former technical writer who’ll be sharing her strategies for how to successfully transition from technical communicator to a technical business analyst. She’s worked in a wide variety of industries. Her education includes seminars and workshops in requirements analysis and BA methodologies through various training institutions, including the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) and a UX master class through the IDesign institute in Boston, MA.
In her spare time, Elizabeth crafts artisan jewelry, dabbles in creative pastry concoctions, and enjoys hiking in our local rain forests. She remains a passionate advocate for end user documentation and the value of concise and accurate literature at all stages of the SDLC (software development lifecycle).
About the Event
Date: Saturday, March 19, 2016
Pre-Event Networking: 9:30 am
Seminar: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Pacific Time
Location: 2nd floor, VSO School of Music, 843 Seymour Street, Vancouver BC V6B 3L4 (directions)
Refreshments: Light refreshments will be provided during the seminar.
**Please note that you must register and pay for the event before March 19th. We will not be able to take electronic payments at the event. If you are unable to pay via Paypal or with credit card, please contact us to make other arrangements.
STC Canada West Coast chapter members: FREE
Non-Members: $20
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Mala Rupnarain is the past president of the STC Canada West Coast chapter.