In an article in the Public Relations Society of America newsletter, Tactics, the writer states that although employers praise the quantitative skills of MBA college graduates, employers also complain about the writing skills these graduates bring to the workplace Bottom line is that some employers think some graduates bring poor writing skills into the workplace. The article states, “At Morgan Stanley, managers reportedly review new hires’ e-mails before they ‘re sent to clients; and at consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., recent business school grads aren’t allowed to work on a written proposal alone.”
In another report developed from the Global Strategy Group survey, where 500 executives were surveyed, the overwhelming consensus was that new college graduates are not as prepared as they should be. Thirty one percent (31%) of these executives said that writing skills was one of the specific skills that new graduates lacked.
College students, whether pursuing a masters or bachelors degree need to pay attention to what employers are saying and develop their writing skills using the following resources.
Visit the writing center on campus or access the virtual writing lab
Many college campuses have fully staffed writing centers. College students taking online or distance education programs, can access these services through virtual writing labs. Take a look at the writing services offered through the virtual writing lab at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. Resources are available to help students with thesis writing, developing abstracts and conforming to established writing styles. Writing center staff is available to help proofread college papers in person or via email. College students, who use writing center help, generally get higher grades on written papers.
Get involved with campus organizations in a leadership role
One way that college students can improve writing skills is to become involved in campus organizations and seek leadership roles. Participating in campus leadership roles will not just help students develop their leadership skills, but will also help college students develop administrative writing skills. Student leaders often have to communicate with university executives and other governing bodies through letters, position papers or notices. If your writing skills are less than adequate when you get these leadership roles, they will be vastly improved by the end of your term.
College students should pay attention to professor feedback on writing
Many colleges have writing intensive courses and expect students to turn in several research papers throughout the semester, regardless of college majors. In a writing intensive curriculum, college students can’t just pay attention to grammar and writing basics in the freshman English class. They also have to do so in every other class; particularly in core courses for their college majors. College students who take the time to incorporate the professor’s notes into future writings, will improve their writing skills. Ask professors for clarification on any feedback you don’t understand.
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