Many students are under the impression
that, once they enter the job force, someone else--a technical
writer or a secretary, for example--will do the writing for them.
However, whereas a degree in particular field may help students
secure a job, effective communication abilities are often 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--they will not make a positive impact on the organization.
The average company puts out
18,000 pages of paper for each white collar employee, and that
4,000 pages are added each year. Even nonbusiness entities such
as the air force generates 500 million pages annually, resulting
in approximately 30 billion documents being produced each year
in the United States alone.
Technology may be changing the
way we transmit information, but the ability to communicate effectively
in a variety of forums will remain critical. Introduction
to the Principles of Professional Communication was created
to give students an opportunity to learn and develop non-academic
writing strategies.