Charlene Watters
Freelancer Extraordinaire
After taking a year off to travel, I’m ready to work again.
Accomplished in training, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration. Strong time management and organizational skills. Background in content and business analysis, contributing to significant company-wide conversion projects. Proven success in developing XML markup standards and process documentation, with a focus on optimizing productivity and content quality.
Experience
Wolters Kluwer
90 Sheppard Ave. East, Toronto, ON M2N 6X1
2017 – 2022
Content Architect
- Employed Agile methodology to steer smooth transitions of complex content projects to a new platform, prioritizing efficiency and improved user experiences.
- Developed comprehensive user stories for JIRA, creating a structured framework to streamline project management and improve collaboration within cross-functional teams.
- Took a hands-on approach in establishing markup standards for XML content, ensuring consistency and compatibility across diverse output media.
- Documented complex processes to provide clarity and reference points for team members, contributing to improved workflow efficiency.
- Played a pivotal role in researching products, providing valuable insights that influenced decision-making and recommending innovative workflows to optimize overall productivity and content quality.
2007 – 2010
Training and Documentation Specialist
- Produced clear and user-friendly process documentation tailored for non-technical users, enhancing understanding and operational efficiency.
- Conducted comprehensive training sessions for both new hires and existing editorial staff, fostering skill development and knowledge transfer.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to analyze existing processes, identify best practices, and implement process improvements, contributing to enhanced productivity.
- Served as a liaison between content management and technology groups, facilitating effective communication and ensuring seamless collaboration.
- Played a key role in workflow and tool design, providing valuable insights and assistance to optimize operational processes and enhance overall efficiency.
2004 – 2007
Electronic Products Editor / Editor
- Consistently achieved and exceeded weekly publishing deadlines, demonstrating strong time management and organizational skills.
- Played a key role in the production of various publications, showcasing versatility and adaptability in contributing to diverse projects.
- Acted as a liaison between technical and editorial teams, facilitating seamless collaboration in the production and scheduling of Internet and CD-based products.
- Ensured the compliance of data with SGML standards, maintaining a high level of data integrity and adherence to industry specifications.
- Held overall responsibility for the integrity of electronic products, emphasizing meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality assurance.
- Contributed actively to the implementation of product enhancements, demonstrating a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
- Provided valuable support to editorial staff, enhancing overall team efficiency and contributing to the successful execution of projects.
Grade Expectations
211 Consumers Road, Toronto, ON M2J 4G8
2003 – 2004
Instructor
- Created personalized learning programs for students, adapting curriculum to meet individual needs and optimize educational outcomes.
- Tailored instructional methods to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring an inclusive and effective educational experience for each learner.
- Provided daily instruction in English, Math, and Microsoft Office, fostering a comprehensive skill set and proficiency in essential software tools and applications.
Private Tutor
Learner’s homes
2002 – 2004
Tutor — Children and Adolescents
- Engaged as a private tutor for three young learners, demonstrating adaptability by effectively addressing the unique learning challenges of two students with varying degrees of learning disabilities.
- Successfully contributed to academic improvement, notably guiding one learner to elevate her English grade by an impressive 16 percentage points within a six-month timeframe through targeted and personalized instruction.
Thomson Corporation – Carswell Publishing
2075 Kennedy Road, Toronto, ON M1T 3V4
1998 – 2002
Technical Content Specialist
- Key player in delivering content to online product Taxnet Pro
- Conducted comprehensive training sessions for end users, developers, and support staff, facilitating proficient utilization of computer-based research products.
- Executed system analysis tasks by identifying and addressing user needs, contributing to the enhancement of overall system efficiency and functionality.
- Actively participated in the implementation of product enhancements, demonstrating a hands-on approach in the integration of improvements for enhanced user experiences and product performance.
1991 – 1998
Editor / Senior Editor
- Consistently achieved aggressive semi-monthly publishing deadlines, contributing to the highest levels of customer satisfaction by delivering timely and quality publications.
- Played a key role in the production of various publications, consistently meeting or exceeding timeframes and quality objectives.
- Conducted meticulous editing and indexing of books and looseleaf products, ensuring precision and accuracy in the presentation of content.
- Collaborated on legal, tax, and business reference products, bringing a keen understanding of industry-specific requirements and contributing to the overall success of the projects.
1990 – 1991
Editorial Assistant
- Played a pivotal role in proofreading and facilitating the publication process of numerous tax and legal products, ensuring accuracy and adherence to industry standards.
- Made significant contributions to the publication of top-quality books, demonstrating attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards in content presentation.
Education / Certificates
Bachelor of Business Administration
Teacher of Adults Certificate
Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate
Toastmasters Advanced Communicator Bronze
Volunteer Experience
Culture Link English Conversation Circle
North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2N 5N9
2004 – 2007
Conversation Volunteer
- Engaged in meaningful conversations with newcomers, fostering a welcoming environment through effective facilitation.
- Took on the responsibility of planning and leading classes, organizing engaging activities for the night to enhance the overall experience.
Toronto Public Library Volunteer Tutor Program
Barbara Frum Library, 20 Covington Road, Toronto, ON M6A 3C1
2002
Literacy Tutor — Adults
- Prepared the learner to enroll in a trade course and confidently pass the Canadian Citizenship test upon completion of the session.
Skills
Microsoft Word — Advanced
PowerPoint — Advanced
XML — Intermediate
Microsoft Excel — Advanced
Google Docs — Advanced
Google Sheets — Advanced
HTML — Intermediate
WordPress — Intermediate
SGML — Intermediate
CSS — Intermediate
Agile — Proficient
JIRA — Proficient
Visio — Proficient
SharePoint — Proficient
Slack — Proficient
Trello — Proficient