Blog Prompt #6

So far, from the few classes I have taken (outside my trade-specific courses) this class has shown itself to be a stand-out example of what I think most colleges lack: practical learning.  Beyond the courses a person takes that directly apply to their degree, I have always been of the opinion that the remaining ones have little to no actual career value.  Sure, they give a student great cultural insight and provide a balanced diversification of knowledge, but what about when it comes to what they are going to use in their everyday work life? Whether they end up working in an office, choosing to become a nurse, or going into a noble field centered around non-profit business management every student will find themselves benefiting from the skills developed through technical writing.  A key skill for any career-field is communication; being able to accurately convey information in a concise, formal manner will quickly set someone apart from the crowd.  We learned how to create simple, effective memo templates and letterhead templates that help accomplish such a task.  Having the ability to create and utilize these communication tools shows an employer that the candidate already has a deep understanding of the expectations regarding inter-office communications.  Beyond this, we are learning how to create concise yet detailed presentations.  Learning to consolidate a lot of detailed, data-heavy information while still retaining the critical points is not an inherent skill most understand; pairing that with the supporting data and sources correctly shows your boss you can do more than just talk the talk.

For many college is just a continuation of school, just the 'next step' in their plans to go into whatever career they choose.  They learn what they need to pass their classes and move on; no more, no less.  If you want to find yourself in the middle of the pack then by all means. For those who have greater aspirations, do not take this opportunity for granted.  Not every class will be full of life-changing information, and even the classes that are won't be like that every single day.  By investing fully with your attention and time, you will be able to decipher what skills and tools are worth heavily investing in, and which information you need not take a second glance at.  Technical writing is among the skills a student will find themselves using constantly.  From writing memos and letters to taking concise notes and presenting information effectively, the skills you will develop today will pay dividends of success into your career for decades to come.