Learning Objective: Understanding the importance of technical communication in the workplace
Assignment: Write a 1 page memo. Minimum 300 words. The audience for this memo is your fellow students.
At the workplace you may interact with colleagues, supervisors, clients, and government agencies. You may be required to give reports at conferences, participate in social media or write an instruction manual. Research the job market for graduates in your major and writing a memo detailing the specific communication skills that employers require. What are the communication needs of your intended profession? What writing will you need to do? What verbal communication skills will you need to advance in your field?
You will need to explain what exactly what communication is required and what skills are needed. Just saying skills are needed is not enough. You must specifically describe the skills.
For example, here are some of the communication requirements for a career in IT at Microsoft. I have highlighted areas to think about in terms of necessary communication skills: Ability to communicate at all levels in the organization (how might peer-to peer communication different from employee to boss?) as well as the ability to translate technology solutions into business solutions. (How could this be done?) Excellent presentation skills. (how could this be more specific?)Multicultural experience required (what does this mean? What kind of skills might this require?).. Ability to deal with ambiguity and respond to unplanned demand.(what skills would these two things require?) High emphasis and focus on Customer Satisfaction.(what skills might you need to work with customers?) Ability to speak English (mandatory).
When I evaluate your essay I will consider:
Does the memo focus on explaining the necessary communication skills?
Provide factual information?
Supply evidence derived from research?
Other considerations:
Is the memo clearly and logically organized?
Is the style and tone appropriate for the intended audience?
Is the memo well-written, grammatically and mechanically?
