Career / Experience

SUZANNE PROVOST ROGERS
13,835 North Tatum Blvd, Suite 9-187
Phoenix, AZ 85032-5590
e-mail: Suzel@cox.net
Phone: 602-324-9633

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY:
Suzanne P. Rogers is a highly skilled Technical Writer with expert French translation abilities. She is knowledgeable of the complete software development lifecycle and has been involved in each stage of that process. Suzanne has worked with development teams to translate user/administrator guides and launch materials, and has edited proofs using Microsoft Publisher and Adobe FrameMaker. Suzanne has also written, edited and translated text to be integrated in Web pages, in .htm, .xml and .asp files. Additionally, she has created standardized instructions for graphic designers and programmers using Adobe AuthorWare; created e-learning graphic design curriculums; and has written course contents proposals, project documentation, promotional materials, Web contents, etc. in English and French. Amongst this candidate’s other achievements, she has:
• Translated and corrected data in French and Spanish using on-line databases (Termium, Grand Dictionnaire Eurodictauto), and local editing software (Correcteur bilingue).
• Designed and implemented a database using Oracle 8, and retrieved data from Oracle database using SQL
• Designed and implemented a database using Microsoft Access 97, populated with data from Word and Excel documents.
• Used Autodata proprietary applications (Language Management Tool, Language Editor, Vocab Engine) to enter and retrieve data from CADA (Autodata’s automobile database).
• Designed and constructed a Web site using HTML, VB Script and FrontPage 97.
• Designed three-tier application with Visual Basic 5.0, Active Server Pages, Access 97. Networked with ActiveX Data Objects.
• Built a Pentium 200 Server from components.
• Configured Windows NT 4.0 and MS Internet Information Server (IIS). Connected to Internet using TCP/IP.
• Developed an application with Java, using Java tools, including JDK and IBM Visual Age for Java.
• QA using Star Team and Jira.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:
Microsoft applications (Microsoft Project, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Internet Explorer) and tools (Paint, WordPad); Adobe Photoshop; Adobe AuthorWare; Adobe Première; FrameMaker; Jasc PaintShopPro; Canon Zoom Browse; Autodata proprietary tools for CADA (LMT, Language Editor, Vocab Engine); Star Team; Jira; SalesPro applications; SQL; Oracle 8; FrontPage 97; VB Script; VB 5.0; HTLM; XML, .ASP; Windows NT 4.0; IIS; Java; JDK; IBM Visual Age for Java; French; Spanish
EXPERIENCE:
03/05 – present CDI, Phoenix, AZ
Technical Writer at American Express
Writing project documentation for American Express software according to Method/1. Writing Communication Specifications guide for programmers. Translation of interface entries in French for Canada

08/02 – 03/05 Autodata Solutions London, ON
Translator/Quality Assurance
Specifically responsible for Quality Assurance and updating the following clients’ French language applications: Volkswagen (configurator and comparator); Audi (comparator); Honda and Acura dealership tool; Subaru, Porsche, Infiniti and Nissan data entry; GM family: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn (comparator).
Concerning software development:
• At the requirement phase, as a user, gave input to set goals and scope for the Language Management Tool (LMT), an internal data entry and retrieval application for proprietary database (CADA). Also wrote information for project directors preparing proposals (for example, proposal for Yahoo auto tools).
• At the planning phase, gave input into time needed for documentation translation.
• At the design phase, gave input into user interface design and application functionality for the LMT. Also played user’s advocate, testing prototypes, on dev sites.
• At construction phase, would test as soon as the first draft of chapters for the user and administrator guides were written, completing all steps described, and give feed back for the second draft. Also took screen shots of any issue (UI, functionality, incomplete data, vocab problems), and entered defects in Star Team, a tool used by developers, or in Jira (for less complex issues). When web applications were being implemented, translated English data found in .htm and .xml files. Now creating the Audi compare in French for Audi’s web site and currently testing QA site.
• Writing the user guide (in English) for the LMT, presently in construction.
• When a new application was close to its launch phase, at inspection phase, did intensive testing on it. Also translated the rollout documentation, did some page layout, editing and verified the proofs (package, guides, publicity, disclaimer, etc…). Also tested Toyota (comparator), Ford group (3Pprocess), Chrysler group (ProDESC360) and BMW.
• For maintenance, use Autodata proprietary applications (Language Editor) to enter new data in CADA, automatically updating our clients’ applications and sites with new information. Also QA on a regular basis all main clients assigned to me, visiting their web site and keeping track of unsolved issues through validity reports. Refresh the Features and Benefits data (part of CADA), working with experts to make sure descriptions of technological innovations are up to date and mechanical data, accurate. Research new terminology for Autodata standardization process.
04/00 - 12/02 PUBLICATIONS GRATTE-CIEL Montreal, QC
Freelance journalist
Wrote articles about careers and technology for weekly newspapers: The Mirror, in English, and ICI Montreal, in French.
• Met with editors to determine space allocated in paper and nature of contents desired.
• Researched topics, going to technology fairs, and proposed articles.
• Gathered information, visited work sites and interviewed persons in charge
• Wrote finished articles and company profiles (UbiSoft, Rogers ATT, etc.) of a certain length (number of words) intended for the general public
Technologies Used: Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, Outlook, Scanner and Fax

02/00 - 08/01 ILASALLE Montreal, QC
Technical Writer
Technical Writer for an accredited college level multimedia program deployed over the web.
• At the requirement phase, researched course contents with contents experts (topics included Web design, Adobe Premiere, HTML, etc), verified governmental criteria for accreditation, stated skills to be acquired, determined activities needed, and established e-learning course requirements according to functional approach.
• At the planning phase, established a schedule for completion and a list of resources needed. I researched topic, and conferred with expert.
• At the development phase, designed templates conformed to UI, for the text, and developed standards to deliver instructions to programmers. Wrote instructional and testing contents in both French and English.
• At the construction phase, wrote actual instructions for Visual designers who were using Photoshop and Flash, conceived interactivity and wrote instructions for programmers who were using Adobe AuthorWare, and for sound production. Worked in close cooperation with visual designers, so they could create visuals for the online tests for the courses.
• At the inspection phase, tested the actual courses, and created rollout documentation (packaging, marketing, etc.)
• At the maintenance phase, updated contents whenever possible, for new versions of software being taught, and created new quizzes.
• Also wrote contents for ILASALLE’s web site, promotional materials, etc.
Technologies Used: Microsoft Word, Adobe AuthorWare, Microsoft Project; Applications or skills related to course contents: Adobe Première, HTLM, Adobe Photoshop

04/98 - 12/98 MULTI LANGUES SERVICES Montreal and vicinity, QC
French Teacher
Trained adults in French as a second language, in a business setting.
• Met groups of workers wanting to take course. Established goals and topics of interest.
• Conceived a course plan to meet these goals. Researched topics to find material to use.
• Taught courses onsite (in cafeteria, boardroom, office, etc).
• Created tests for students. Evaluated students.
• Sold them on new course.

09/95 - 06/96 UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA Tucson, AZ
Co-President DELF/DALF Arizona
• Recruited and coordinated a group of voluntary teachers to create a national (US) exam for the French government, according to established criteria.
• Advertised the test in Arizona.
• Designed and directed a training session for students on how to take the test
• Reserved the room, administered the test, corrected it and reported grades to students.
• Wrote final report to the French Government (in English).
08/92 - 06/93 ACADEMY OF TUCSON, Tucson, AZ
Spanish and French Teacher
Taught special classes for learning disabled students.
• Learned about dyslexia and other learning disabilities, and how they affect language learning
• Devised strategies to keep 7 to 10 students involved in learning activities involving the four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
• Developed language curriculum, and determined books and other materials needed.
• Taught courses. Designed and administered tests.
• Controlled attendance and behavior, and met with parents.


08/90 – 05/93 PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Tucson Downtown Campus, AZ
Associate Teacher
Taught French, evening classes for adults.
• Was accredited to teach at the Junior College level in Arizona.
• Established class plans.
• Taught courses.
• Designed and administered tests.


08/88 - 05/95 UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA Tucson, AZ
Graduate Associate in Teaching
Taught French as a second language, using proficiency oriented communicative approach.
• Established class plans.
• Taught courses.
• Designed and administered tests.



EDUCATION:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE, Canada-Ontario-Ottawa 10/1999
Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Information Technology

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, US-AZ-Tucson 05/1995
Doctorate Ph. D. in French Minor: Francophone Literature
Masters of Arts in Francophone Literature 05/1990


AFFILIATIONS AND WRITING
 Presiding committee. Rocky Mountain Modern Language Association, 1998.
 Secretary for committee. Rocky Mountain Modern Language Association, 1997.
 Co-presiding committee. DELF/DALF. University of Arizona, 1995-96.
 Software consultant. Matt Wolf Productions, Tucson, 1996 “Hop and Skippy’s Language Island,” a multilingual instructional software.
International presentations:
 Rocky Mountain Modern Language Association, Albuquerque, 1996.
 12th Annual Wichita State University Conference, 1995.
 2nd Annual New Direction in Critical Theory Conference, Tucson, 1991.
 First Annual New Direction in Critical Theory Conference, Tucson, 1990.
Written and simultaneous translation:
 Rosetta Stone Translations, Tucson, 1991-1992.
 Department of Agriculture, University of Arizona, 1989.
 Multi-media production and writing:
 Le Retour à la ruelle, ou les belles histoires du pays réel. Radio Centre-Ville, Montreal, 1983.
 Projection. Television (Carleton, PQ.) Radio (Campbellton, New Brunswick.)

Scholarly Writing:
 Critique. 1997. " 'Robbe-Grillet and the Fantastic: A Collection of Essays'" Utopian Studies.
 Critique. 1996. "'La Science-fiction française au XXe siècle (1900-1968): Essai de socio-politique d'un genre en émergence'," Utopian Studies.
Editing:
 The Connection, Arrivaca, AZ. 1986.
 L’Imaginaire, Montreal.