I am currently taking a Business Communication class as a free elective during my last Winter term at Drexel. I highly recommend the course however it would have been even more beneficial if I had taken this class before going on co-op. Though much of it is common knowledge, a lot of the objectives we are learning in the class I have prior experience with because of being in the work environment for six months. This course will teach you (or even reinforce if you already know) how you should act in the workplace, what is being expected of you, and how you can communicate effectively to your co-workers and bosses. The concepts you learn in this class you will use every single day that you are employed. That is why this is one of the most realistic classes you could take in applying concepts for the near future and in the long run. I have learned through taking this course that you should communicate what you are writing the same way you would speak to someone. Put blank, if you wouldn't speak it casually, don't write it. This may take some people off guard, as you would expect to talk more eloquently when writing than speaking, however you can still conduct yourself professionally with less words and adjectives. Business communication is straight to the point because after all, time is money. This course should be a required prerequisite before going on co-op as it is more useful than any handouts you received from your counselor or tips that you read online. You are actively engaged in writing professional letters, emails, and memos, and you can refer back to this format when writing them for your co-op. Whether taking this course before or after you've gone on co-op, you can apply this knowledge for all of your future work endeavors. I highly recommend all of you to take it!
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ReplyDeleteYour title is so, SO important to maintaining a professional image at work, and unfortunately it's something that gets overlooked. Something I also noticed was a lack of proper email etiquette, which I'm not sure is a due to a lack of familiarity with technology or with laziness.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this important concept! I agree with Courtney, sometimes some people in the work environment do lack proper e-mail etiquette. I'm not sure if it is because everyone is in a hurry or they are lazy. I think it is best to always be as professional as possible to make a good impression.
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ReplyDeleteI currently work for a company with a laid back atmosphere, rarely do people write super formal emails. I enjoy being in this type of environment, it is one less thing to stress about when at work and makes everyday interactions seem more personal.
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ReplyDeleteAdria, I really enjoyed reading your post. I just registered for my Spring term classes and this has me thinking that maybe I should take this class in the future. Thank you for the advice!
ReplyDeleteJaclyn, this class would be great for a free elective, as it is one of the most useful in applying to our future. I am surprised it is not a required course!
ReplyDeleteCourtney, as for your comments about a lack of proper e-mail etiquette, I doubt that it is related to unfamiliarity with technology. Before emails were the main form of communication in the workplace, letters were much more prominent and structured. I wouldn't necessarily say there was more thought put into them, but probably more time and effort as for proofreading and perfections. I think there is a stigma attached to printed documents being more serious and therefore more thought put into them, whether subconsciously or conscientiously!