Proud to Belong: Nomi Burstein, Senior Technical Writer – Discover

From translating the language of software developers into a user-friendly format to being an advocate for the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, today we had the pleasure of chatting with Nomi Burstein, a Senior Technical Writer for Discover who has been with Nuix since January 2022, to hear her story and uncover the fascinating world of Technical Writing and its impact on Nuix's software ecosystem.?

Nomi, you’re a Senior Technical Writer at Nuix, can you tell us a bit about what that means??

As a Senior Technical Writer, my role revolves around bridging the gap between software developers and software users. It's like being a translator, but instead of languages, I translate the complex technical language used by developers into user-friendly documentation that anyone can understand.?

My main responsibility is to collect information about Nuix software, whether it's new features, bug fixes, or any relevant updates. I then craft clear and concise descriptions and instructions for our end users. When I say "end user," I'm referring to anyone who utilizes our software in any capacity. My goal is to be their advocate, ensuring they have the information they need to use Nuix Discover effectively without getting frustrated or feeling lost.?

By breaking down technical concepts and presenting them in a user-friendly manner, I empower our users to navigate our software with confidence and ease. It's an essential role that supports seamless communication between developers and users, ultimately enhancing the user experience and satisfaction with our products.?

Is having an understanding of the technical side of software development important for your role??

While I don't have a formal technical background, I've always had a natural inclination towards the technical side of things, which has proven to be valuable in my career. My goal is to take the language of the technical side and make it accessible and understandable for all users.?

At Nuix, our users are extremely knowledgeable in their field, but they may not necessarily have a technical background. For example, many of our Discover users are lawyers or law enforcement professionals. They know what they need the software to do but may not be concerned about or understand the technical intricacies. They simply want to know how to extract the information they need from the product. It's my responsibility to ensure that the documentation is comprehensible so that end users can access the information and software in a way that lets them get on with doing their job.?

My educational background is actually in linguistics, which has always fascinated me. I have a deep love for language and working with English, which led me to start my career as a technical editor. I enjoy improving other people's written work and delving into the intricacies of language. I did that for a number of years, but there was a limit to where my career could advance to with that company. So when the opportunity arose to become a technical writer at my friend's company, I saw it as a perfect fit. Although I didn't have specific knowledge of their software, my understanding of how software works and my passion for writing and language made it a natural progression. I applied, got hired, and instantly fell in love with the role. It was like slipping into a pair of shoes you never thought was going to be comfortable, and then finding them to be the most comfortable thing in the world. I haven’t looked back since.??

It's evident that you have a genuine passion for your work. Could you share some of the aspects of working at Nuix that you particularly enjoy or find most fulfilling??

There are so many things I love about my job at Nuix, but if I had to pick one, it would be the incredible people I work with. I am fortunate to be a part of an amazing team with the best manager anyone could ask for. We have a strong bond and work together seamlessly, which makes every day enjoyable and fulfilling. The people truly make this job wonderful.?

Another aspect that is incredibly important to me is the inclusive and diverse environment at Nuix. It is essential to me that the workplace embraces individuals from all backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. Recently, I was thrilled to see the establishment of Prism@Nuix, our LGBTQIA+ group, during Pride Month. While I may not personally identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, being an Orthodox Jew, I bring a different perspective on diversity. I firmly believe that everyone should feel accepted and valued for who they are, regardless of their background or who they love.?

I appreciate that Nuix is starting initiatives like Prism and has made a commitment to fostering an open and supportive environment for everyone on our team. It's wonderful to be part of an organization that not only values diversity but actively encourages everyone to be their authentic selves.?

It's evident that you have a strong passion for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, have you encountered any notable challenges or obstacles on your path within the tech industry??

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Absolutely, encountering challenges in the workplace has been part of my journey within the tech industry throughout my career. As an Orthodox Jew, a significant challenge has been the lack of awareness surrounding important days, customs, and beliefs within our community. Being part of a minority, these significant aspects of our culture often go unnoticed unless brought to people's attention. This challenge extends beyond just the tech industry; it's a broader issue.?

For instance, I vividly remember a friend telling me that a mandatory meeting in his company had been scheduled for Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days for us. Ironically, it was a diversity training meeting. And that type of thing has not been uncommon in my experience either, but they do highlight the need for increased awareness and understanding of cultural observances.??

And it’s not just this, it can even be things like dietary restrictions too. As an Orthodox Jew I keep kosher, and I’ve come to assume that when I’m attending meetings or events that are being catered that there won’t necessarily be options for me. I know this is also a challenge for other cultures, for example people observing halal diets or those with specific dietary preferences.?

Fortunately, this particular situation is improving, particularly as more people are embracing diverse dietary requirements. However, I believe it remains essential for both individuals and companies to work collaboratively. While no company can cater to everyone's needs entirely, a successful approach involves a respectful and open dialogue. It's about finding a balance where individuals are willing to communicate their requirements and companies are open to learning and accommodating those needs. This mutual effort towards understanding fosters an environment of inclusivity and respect.?

What do you do in your spare time??

In my spare time, I have a range of interests and activities that keep me engaged. I enjoy reading and find great pleasure in diving into different books and exploring new worlds through literature. Another hobby of mine is knitting, which allows me to unleash my creativity and create something tangible with my hands.?

Outside of my personal hobbies, I cherish spending quality time with my family. I am fortunate to have a loving husband and two amazing teenagers, and we often engage in family outings and activities together. Being able to create lasting memories and strengthen our bond as a family brings me immense joy and fulfillment.?

Additionally, I am a self-proclaimed word nerd, and writing is a significant part of my life. I dedicate a considerable amount of my spare time to writing fiction. I published a novel in 2016, and I am excited to have a short story coming out in a collection in August.?

Overall, my spare time revolves around a mix of personal interests, spending time with my family, and nurturing my passion for writing. It's a balance that brings me happiness and fulfillment in various aspects of my life.?

Nomi's story reminds us of the importance of creating inclusive workplaces where diverse voices are not only welcomed but also valued. Her dedication to bridging the gap between technical jargon and user-friendly language showcases her commitment to advocating for the end users of Nuix's software. Nomi's ability to make complex concepts accessible and her unwavering focus on user experience make her an invaluable asset to the Nuix team.?

Stay tuned next month for another captivating profile as we celebrate the remarkable people shaping the future of Nuix.?