Name: Nuzhat N Job Title: Technical Author Business Area: User Technology Location: Hursley Studied: Maths & IT Joined: 1988 Age: 41
How would you describe the role of Technical Author?
"My role involves developing information for Technical manuals. Writing manuals means I interact with a host of different areas within IBM including Development people, System testers and Change Team Programmers to find their views on new products. We work in teams sometimes for two years as a product is developed. We are involved from the conception to the launch of a product over two years. It becomes like a mini family and it's fantastic when a product finally goes out, it's very satisfying."
How have you been supported in having a family?
"When I found out I was pregnant I spoke with my manager straight away. I had a choice to make. Did I want to come back full time, part time or not at all? My manager was sympathetic the whole way. IBM encourages you to return with salary incentives and flexible working hours. After my son was born, I came back to work part-time. Flexible working allows me to organise child-care, and if I need to be with my son it's not a problem. I can make up the time later or work from home. It's not a 9 to 5 job at all if you don't want it to be. You can tailor your job to suit your lifestyle. There's a lot of respect for the individual."
