One of the final tasks for my Professional Writing course was a reflection on what I learned in the class. Below you will find the questions I chose to answer.
You’ve worked on quite a few types of professional writing this month. How will you use the skills you’ve practiced in your future classes? Then, think further ahead: How will you use these skills in your career?
Many of the types of writing I did for the class are things I can use right now in my life. The most notable, perhaps unfortunately, is the Negative Message Response letter. Unfortunately finding a job isn’t as easy as people would like and in many cases I may find myself applying to a company that doesn’t hire me. Knowing how to respond to a denial in a way that maintains the relationship is fundamental. Just because I didn’t get hired now doesn’t mean I won’t apply again later down the road for a different position and having maintained a good relationship can pay off then. As for using my skills in future classes, I’d say they will come in handy when talking to professors or future writing assignments in general.
Now that you’ve completed the course, how has your idea of how you represent yourself through writing in the professional world changed? This can be related to the way you write on social media, too.
I don’t believe my thinking on the topic has changed. I’ve always known how to best represent myself in this way. However, I do think my ability to do so has changed. I haven’t always been to accurately translate my thoughts or ideas into a well written professional document, and I feel that after this class I am better qualified to do that going forward.
Think about the assignments you’ve completed this term. Which one are you most proud of and why?
The assignment I am most proud of would be the final assignment which was the faux proposal we had to write. I’m proud of it for two reasons, the first being that I did well on it. I felt like I had a well thought out idea and covered all my bases with solid research and estimates where relevant. In addition to that it reminded me in many ways of writing a cover letter, something that I never felt I was good at. Completing this assignment makes me feel more confident writing these types of professional pitch documents going forward. Whether it be pitching a concept or pitching myself.
Now, turn a critical eye upon your writing. What one area do you feel is your greatest writing weakness, and how will you continue to strengthen that area once you leave the course?
As I touched on above already, my greatest writing weakness has been my ability to translate my thoughts to paper. In particular, I was never great about talking myself up in a professional setting, à la cover letters. I struggled writing a professional sounding letter that for me felt genuine and professional without feeling fake or forced. I think now I have a better idea of how to describe myself and my goals. Going forward I’m sure I will have plenty of practice writing about myself and plan to ask for more feedback from peers on things I write before submitting them.
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