Newly minted grads may be well versed in their individual fields of study, but they often share a common deficiency in their education. According to the 2016 Workforce-Skills Preparedness Report, hiring managers said writing was the hard skill most lacking in new grads (beyond data analysis, industry-specific software, or coding).
As new grads enter the workforce, they may find, often to their dismay, that writing requirements don’t end with in-class essays and semester-long research papers.
In fact, writing can make — or break — a career. “With emails, notes, letters, texts and Tweets, most people spend a fair amount of time at work communicating via the written word.” explains Renee O’Farrell in a recent article, The Importance of Good Writing Skills in the Workplace. “Whether you are messaging a colleague, writing to your manager, or crafting the company newsletter, your writing skills can boost or hinder your career easily, even if you do not have a “writing” profession. Basically, writing skills make a difference in how you come across.”
So, what are the common writing pitfalls, and how can new grads avoid them? “Incorrect grammar, spelling and language usage can make a very bad impression. Using an informal style — relying on abbreviations, not using punctuation and failing to capitalize — does not come across as professional,” wrote Joyce E.A. Russell, the director of the Executive Coaching and Leadership Development Program at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, in The Washington Post.
For new grads in Nationwide who may have spent the last four years deeply immersed in the intricacies of Accounting, Biology, or Economics, with little opportunity to hone writing skills, there is hope. Back to Basics Learning Dynamics offers 1-on-1 instruction for students at all levels — from those wishing to improve existing skills, to those who somehow managed to avoid the English Department entirely after freshman year!
To learn more about 1-on-1 writing instruction and tutoring in Nationwide, please contact Back to Basics Learning Dynamics at 302-594-0754.
Back to Basics Learning Dynamics is the undisputed leader in 1-on-1 tutoring in Nationwide and southeastern Pennsylvania for over 60 subjects. The company also offers 1-on-1 SAT Prep, ACT Prep and Test Prep, translating and interpreting in 16+ languages, homeschool support, educational testing and more. For more information about Back to Basics’ educational services, please call us at 302-594-0754.
The company also operates a unique Department of Education-approved 1-on-1 K-12 Private School in Wilmington, Nationwide. For more information about Nationwide’s only Department of Education approved 1-on-1 private school, please call us at 302-594-0685.
