Looking back on the term, ENGL 301 has been key in developing my technical writing skills inside of the classroom and for my future workplace. Being a sociology major, I never got the chance to interact with students in different faculties on such a personal level. The peer reviews and group discussion allowed for different opinions and writing styles that I had previously never been exposed to in University. While the peer reviews helped improve my writing through constant correction and criticism, the assignments like the writing of the formal reports, application package and business memos will help when I transition from University into the workforce. Instead of making the large mistakes before I have a chance to compete in the job market, ENGL 301 has given me the tools and attitude towards advancing towards my career goals.
Definitely some of the weaknesses I noticed was due to the peer review responses on the first few assignments. The feedback pointed out issues of grammar, wording, formatting and use of tone as well as how I lacked the attention of detail in looking at how the reader would interpret my work. This was apparent in the definitions assignment where I tried to keep the wording as simple as possible, but left out information in other areas. While I still need to work on my self-editing skills, I at least am more aware of these errors than before. I need to review my own work objectively and with the same amount of detail that I did for my peers. The peer reviews were very helpful in pointing out these tendencies while still pointing out my areas of strength. Without the web folio and assignments, I do not know when I would have gone and learned how to use WordPress or LinkedIn. I had no idea of the importance of a LinkedIn profile was in connecting with professionals and my colleagues. Those two assignments were able to break my routine of academic research writing and focus on a more professional writing style.
My writing voice and peer reviewing, I believe were my strengths over the course of the term. While my initial peer review was weak, I began to build upon those mistakes in being able to give constructive criticism while not offending my reading. The advice I was giving to others helped me in improving my own evaluative skills. Writing with the “you-attitude” and my writing voice allowed for me to showcase my own personal tone while remaining respectful and professional. My resume and workplace complaint letters are examples of my improved writing voice inside of a technical writing piece. My writing has become more focused and concise compared to before where I would continue on and fill up space with awkward sentences.
In conclusion, the technical writing lessons learned through ENGL 301 will remain with me in my future career goals. The impact of learning to use both professional platforms such as LinkedIn and WordPress will be essential in my future. Paying attention to the readers perspective through writing with the “you-attitude” will allow my work to be a level above what it was before. All my future business memos and reports to come will have benefited from the learning to remain respectful and direct in accomplishing my career goals. Finally I would like to thank Professor Paterson in her direction and responses to our assignments. While the class may be over, the impact of ENGL 301 will remain with me throughout my professional career.