English 301 Blog

For me, unit 2 has been quite the experience.  I found the process of creating a formal report, something that seems to be fairly simple in premise, to be anything but that.  The initial aspect, that of finding a problem to address was fairly simple, as I have already been exploring ways to improve the training model within Telus, but the process of outlining a report and the accompanying study was daunting for me.  I have learned the importance of identifying the target audience, the proper ways to assess the current situation and critically approach the various avenues towards a potential solution.  This particular process has even shaped my approach to how I am dealing with the training within my own store, and the avenues that I will use to help improve it.  I also found Lauren Slattery’s peer review very helpful, as she also has relevant experience in the telecommunications industry, and her input to my report invaluable.

The second major component, the editing of my LinkedIn profile was even more profound.  I chose to study tips on improving the appearance of both small business as well as personal profiles, and found many tools that I have already employed.  What struck me most was the focus on adding personal, non-work related, elements to the profile in order to increase the appeal of the individual.  At first I found this counter intuitive, but on further reflection adding personal touches to my profile gave me a viable avenue to set my profile apart from the thousands of other profiles on LinkedIn.

I will take the skills that I have learned in this unit and begin to apply them immediately to my current role, and to implement them into my future career progression.

Please find attached the hyperlink to Lauren’s review, and the revised edition of my formal report proposal.

Assignment 2-1 Formal Report P Rev 1

http://engl301.arts.ubc.ca/2016/06/13/peer-review-of-sean-sturms-research-proposal/?login

I have found the process of writing a definition quite challenging.  Perhaps it is because I chose to define the word ‘definition’, which as my colleague Al pointed out, created a ‘meta’ experience in reviewing it.  I have come to realize that it is one thing to process one’s own understanding of a term, but it is quite the opposite to write a definition that others will understand clearly.

I found the original writing fairly straight-forward, although I must admit that it was difficult at times to come up with the exact wording to express the meaning I was trying to convey.  In particular, I found the parenthetical definition the most challenging.  Trying to determine how to distinguish between what was meant to be in the supporting sentences, and the actual defining phrases contained in the parentheses was tedious at best.

In general, this assignment emphasized the importance of clear communication, and a definite focus on the choice of words that one uses to convey their messages.  This can be applied to all levels of communication, whether it be written or verbal.  This exercise exposed a new weakness of mine, and has caused me to put some serious thought into my communication style, and in particular ways that I can improve it.

I want to give a big thank you to Al Idian for his blunt, yet fair assessment of my definition, without his input I wouldn’t have been able to fine-tune my definition for final presentation.  You will find the edited definition below.

To: Erika Paterson

From: Sean Sturm

Date: June 7, 2016

Subject: Notice of Formal Report Proposal Posting

I am writing to inform you that my formal report proposal has been posted on the writing team forum as per the instructions in the course syllabus.  You will fidn the complete proposal attached to this email.

To: Erika Paterson

From: Sean Sturm

Date: May 19, 2016

Subject: Notice of Application Letter

I am writing to inform you that my application letter has been posted on my blog site as per the instructions in the course syllabus.  You can find the letter by clicking on the following link:

Application Letter

2820 W, 11^th Ave

Vancouver, BC

English 301: Technical Writing

University of British Columbia

2329 West Mall Rd

Vancouver, BC

Dear Future Teammates:

Please consider my application for membership in your professional writing team in Our English 310 technical writing course. I am a 5^th year undergraduate in the faculty of arts, and am in the process of completing my last 6 credits to complete a double-major in History and Classical Studies. I have been employed with a major telecommunications company for the past 10 years, and I am now beginning to explore ways to advance my career within that company. My goal in taking this course is to fine-tune my workplace writing skills and improve my professional communication style.

I have had many years of writing experience, although that consists of writing reports and papers to the specific requirements of the Faculty of Arts here at UBC. My writing style is generally fluid, but I do have a tendency to turn to grandiose words in order to emphasize my point, as is the accepted practice in academic writing in the arts. I hope that this course will allow me to channel my advanced writing capabilities, creating a more concise, business appropriate writing style.

I do bring a clear and concise writing style, and generally have no issue conveying my desired point. I am a hard worker who enjoys the challenge of staying ahead of the often- grueling requirements of an academic schedule. My time management skills are strong, and I take pride in gaining a full understanding of all subject matter presented to me. I will not shy away from a leadership role, although I am equally happy to be an active contributor in any group activities that are presented to us.

I want to thank you for considering my application, and look forward to many fruitful collaborations in the future. I can always be reached via email at sean.sturm.ubc@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Sean Sturm

here is a link for the downloadable copy of my letter: 301 Sean Sturm Application