Many students are under the impression
that, once they enter the workplace, someone else--a technical
writer or a secretary, for example--will do the writing for them.
Yet, whereas a degree in particular field may help students secure
a job, effective communication abilities are key to maintaining
and advancing careers. After all, employees may have creative,
cost-effective ideas, but if they cannot articulate those ideas
in a clear, persuasive manner to supervisors, co-workers, or
clients, those employees cannot make a positive impact on the
organization.
The average company puts out 18,000 pages
of paper for each white collar employee, and 4,000+ pages are
added each year. Even nonbusiness entities such as the U.S Air
Force generates 500 million pages annually, resulting in approximately
30 billion documents being produced each year in the United States
alone. Add to these figures e-mail, and the amount of texts exchanging
hands skyrockets.
Technology may be changing the way we transmit
information, but the ability to communicate clearly and effectively
in various forums will remain critical. Introduction to the
Principles of Professional Communication was created to give
students an opportunity to learn, practice, and develop non-academic
writing strategies that can help students transition into industry
and remain viable despite market conditions.