Karine Brière

Localization,
Technical Writing
& MarTech

01

Know
About Me

As a Manager of Technical Marketing and Web Development, I have been able to blend my passion for digital marketing with deep expertise in developing innovative web solutions. My role as a Localization Program Manager has allowed me to oversee and optimize localization processes, ensuring products and services resonate with the target audience.

As a Translator & Localization Specialist, I have developed extensive knowledge of transcreation, translation, and localization processes and technologies, enabling me to effectively navigate the multilingual and multicultural landscape of modern business. My experience as a Reviewer & Writer has equipped me with exceptional skills in revising, proofreading, writing, and rewriting various documents, ensuring clear and accurate communication at all levels.

My experience as an English and French as Second Languages Teacher, particularly in preparing and delivering courses for adults on an individual and private basis, has further honed my ability to communicate and educate effectively in diverse contexts.

I pride myself on my thorough proficiency in English and French. My communication skills, team spirit, autonomy, adaptability, and learning agility are assets that I bring to all my professional roles. I am constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to contribute and further develop my skills in these dynamic fields.

02

Expertise

  1. Finance
  2. Banking
  3. IT
  4. Marketing
  5. Retail

03

My
Experience

  • April 2024 - Present

    Bilingual IT Technical Translator

    Randstad Digital

    As a skilled Technical Translator, I accurately interpret written, audio, and video documentation in English and French while preserving their original meaning, format, and tone.

    My responsibilities include carefully reading and comprehending the context of the given material, utilizing specialized dictionaries and translation tools, and meticulously proofreading final translations. I work closely with internal teams to understand product and documentation requirements, translate a variety of materials, maintain a bilingual terminology base, and ensure consistency and uniformity in writing style and terminology.

    Additionally, I translate e-learning content directly in website code using Visual Studio Code, advise on SEO best practices for Canadian French, and ensure compliance with Quebec's Bill 96. My primary objective is to deliver high-quality translated content that effectively engages a broader audience.

  • November 2023 - April 2024

    Technical Writer

    Nectari Software Inc.

    As a Technical Writer for Nectari, I am responsible for drafting technical documentation and release notes in English, focusing on technical accuracy and clarity. I effectively document new software features and collaborate closely with development teams to ensure a faithful representation of functionalities and bug fixes.

    My responsibilities also include capturing, editing, and annotating screenshots, as well as ensuring consistency in writing, layout, and terminology used. I translate the entire documentation into French, extending its reach to a broader audience. I actively contribute to the establishment of a glossary for technical documentation.

    At last, I also manage online help websites, constantly integrating user feedback to enhance the quality and usefulness of the available resources.

  • July 2022 - October 2023

    Language Owner, French & MarTech Manager

    KOHO

    Management: MarTech team and Web development.
    Management: company websites - koho.ca, partners.koho.ca, branding.koho.ca
    Management: translation team - onboarding, training and support.
    Management: localization - high level of linguistic quality and optimization of French localization strategy and processes.

    As a French Language Owner, I create and maintain key translation resources, including a French style guide, glossary, and translation memory. I work cross-functionally with various departments - User Success, Product, Marketing, Legal Services, and Technology - to ensure the consistency and integrity of translations.

    A critical aspect of my role is staying informed about Quebec’s linguistic legislation according to the Charter of the French Language, including the OQLF standards, Bill 101, and Bill 96, to ensure compliance in all our translations.

    Furthermore, I translate user interfaces for applications and provide support for other translation needs. I am also responsible for validating website translations and documentation, thereby assuming editorial responsibility for localized content.

    Additionally, I make strategic recommendations on the localization of documentation, application features, and product names, thereby enhancing their accessibility and relevance in the French Canadian market.

  • July 2021 - July 2022

    Localization Specialist

    KOHO

    As a Localization Specialist, I ensure that the product experience is seamless for Francophone users, managing the localization of products in French, from translation to strategy.

    My role includes ensuring the consistency and clarity of the brand and tone of products in both French and English. I constantly stay informed about Quebec’s linguistic legislation as mandated by the Charter of the French Language, including the OQLF standards, Bill 101, and Bill 96, to ensure compliance and cultural relevance of our products.

    I work cross-functionally with the User Success, Product, Marketing, and Technology departments to effectively integrate localization into our overall product strategy.

  • July 2020 - July 2021

    Technical Writer

    Loginnove Inc.

    As a Technical Writer for Viridem, I am responsible for drafting technical documentation, which includes identifying and cataloging new features to be documented. I create screenshots for documents, which I edit and annotate to enhance their clarity and utility. I ensure consistency in writing, layout, and the use of technical terms. My work also includes drafting release notes, where I concisely present software updates and enhancements.

    I am committed to revising texts to ensure high-quality French and translate all documentation into English, thus making it available to a broader audience. I am also involved in correcting texts within the Viridem application, ensuring accuracy and consistency of content.

    Furthermore, I am tasked with establishing a style guide for technical documentation, ensuring consistency in communication and supporting the company’s quality standards. This guide not only directs my work but also that of my colleagues, towards a consistent level of excellence and professionalism in all our documentation.

  • May 2016 - July 2020

    Bilingual Proofreader

    Intouch Insight

    Translation and proofreading of marketing documents (mystery shopping).

04

My
Education

  • 2005-2013

    Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Translation and Communication

    UQAM - Université du Québec à Montréal

    Level: 3.54/4.00

  • 2023 - 2023

    Technical Team Leadership

    University of Oxford, Department for Continuing Education

    Making the move from technical expert to business leader. Learn how to balance management with leadership. Examine the gap between technical leader and technical expert. Distinguish the different behaviours required to lead or manage. Understand people and their personalities. Critique motivation techniques, and what works with smart people. Discover why people before process is important Discover why you cannot ignore process. Practice an operational model to get the right things done systematically. Develop techniques to prioritize work to reduce work overload. Learn practical tips and tricks to be an effective manager and inspirational leader.

  • 2018-2019

    Certificate in Writing Studies, Organizational Communication and Public Relations

    Université TÉLUQ

    Level: 3.56/4.00

  • 2015 - 2015

    Teaching Speaking, English as a Second Language

    University of Cambridge

    Learn what’s involved in speaking fluently in English and discover new techniques for helping your learners to speak in lessons, through pair and group work, guided discussions, and classroom activities and games.

  • 2014 - 2014

    Grammar for English Teachers: Language Awareness, English as a Second Language

    University of Cambridge

    Improve your knowledge of English grammar and your ability to use it with confidence, through clear explanations that include word classes, present and past tenses, future and perfect forms, and passive voice.

  • 1998 - 2001

    B. Ed. Teaching of English as a Second Language, Intensive English Language Training

    UQTR - Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

    Activities and associations : English language assistant

  • 1997 - 1998

    Arts and Literature College Degree - Language Profile

    Cégep de Trois-Rivières

05

Languages

French (Native)
English (C2)
Spanish

06

Skills

Translation
Localization
Transcreation
Proofreading
Generative AI
HTML

07

Software

DeepL Pro
Lokalise
Dr. Explain
MadCap Flare
JIRA
Sanity
Visual Studio Code
Slack
Microsoft Teams
Azure DevOps

08

Projects

  • June 2024 - Present

    Translation Memory

    Randstad Digital

    Using Google Sheets and its AppScript Language, this Translation Memory:

    • Keeps key source and translated content
    • Searches through content using a custom implementation of Levenshtein's algorithm to calculate the match rate
    • Is lightweight
    • Conforms with Randstad's security policies
  • October 2023 - March 2024

    Maintain Software Documentation

    Nectari Software Inc.

    The documentation Website was generated with MadCap Flare and delivered through Azure Blob. Key tasks:

    • Created release notes from developers' tickets
    • Revamped the documentation home page to make it more user-friendly
    • Created and updated various pages to reflect changes in the software
    • Translated documentation into International French to make it available to a broader audience
  • June 2022 - October 2023

    MarTech Scripts

    KOHO

    Python scripts to check all external links of the MarTech Platform for:

    • Dead links
    • Link destinations in the wrong language
  • June 2022 - October 2023

    Bloganza

    KOHO

    Web software used to automate various web scraping tasks needed for French QA:

    • Extract content and metadata
    • Search for specific keywords
    • Verify if English terminology is present
    • Perform pre-translation through an MT API
  • March 2023 - October 2023

    ChatLoc

    KOHO

    Web software that takes an English source text and uses a specially crafted prompt to tell GPT-4 to localize the text in Canadian French. ChatLoc is different from other machine translation tools:

    • It understands idioms, slang and informal English.
    • It can use French Canadian idioms and expressions.

    Furthermore, ChatLoc users can ask it to:

    • Rephrase French translations.
    • Optimize translations for SEO (works great with meta descriptions).
    • Reduce the length (characters) of translated content.
    • Use inclusive writing.
  • January 2023 - October 2023

    Translation Memory

    KOHO

    CAT software to speed up the process and increase quality:

    • Align existing documents using the Hunalign tool.
    • Import alignment results into the translation memory.
    • Automate the alignment of blogs translated by the localization team.
    • Pre-translate documents with the TM using Levenshtein's algorithm to calculate the match rate.
  • July 2020 - July 2021

    Maintain Software Documentation

    Loginnove

    The documentation Website was generated with Dr Explain. Key tasks included:

    • Created release notes from developers' JIRA tickets.
    • Created and updated various pages to reflect changes in the software.
    • Created a glossary of technical terms to ensure consistency in writing.
    • Translated documentation into English to make it available to a broader audience.

09

Contact Me

Email

karine@kerzo.ca

Location

Québec, Canada

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