September 2, 2013
Dear Robin,
As you are aware I entered college with the plans of studying Aviation with the intent of becoming a professional pilot! Last spring semester though I decided that I no longer wanted to study aviation and switched my degree to Communication Studies. I know that many of our family members were curious as to what kind of classes I would be taking. I would like to tell you about a class that I have just begun, it is called Technical and Professional Communication!
Technical Communication is defined by The Society of Technical Communication as “any form of communication which focuses on technical or specialized topics, communicates specifically by using technology or provides instructions on how to do something.” (STC.org) Furthermore it is the process in which professionals may use technology such as word processors to generate documents and reports. There are many processes to technical communication such as determining audience and purpose, and generating information. Technical communication hosts a wide variety of career opportunities such as Information Architect, Technical Editor and much more!
Professional Communication as defined by Wikipedia encompases written, oral, visual, and digital communication within a workplace context. Professional communication is a fairly new discipline which focuses on the gathering of information and the way it is managed, distributed, and consumed. (Wikipedia.org) When studying Professional communication we focus on a few different topics such as rhetoric, visual communication, research methods, and we incorporate technical writing in as well! The corporate world also focuses on Professional Communication both internally and externally. This can include chain of command internally and maybe public relations externally. Especially with today’s exploding platforms of mass communications most if not all companies now focus on Professional Communications in an external focus. Obviously there are some companies that have a hard time being professional in social media.
From my understanding of the subject we will be working how to communicate in a professional environment which to me sounds very important. I think that many professionals lack the ability to communicate effectively within a business and to the outside world. I have noticed this first hand so I definitely want to improve my communications abilities and I am really looking forward to this class!
I mentioned above that the study of Technical and Professional communication is fairly new, In fact this class that I am in has only been taught a few times over the last several years here at Utah State University. While each department here at the University does indeed have various forms of the subject, a class focused entirely on the subject has not be offered for a while and it is possible that this will be the only time that the class is offered for a while after this semester!
Hopefully I have answered some of you questions about what types of classes I am taking in my new major and if you ever have any questions please do contact me! I miss you greatly and I hope that your classes are going well and that your Junior year in college started with a bang! I hope that I will see you and the family at Thanksgiving time!
Love,
Nate
Nate,
ReplyDeleteYour enthusiasm for this letter was evident. However, I would try to withhold a few exclamation points. I am afraid that this kind of excitement isn't really professional.
The sources that you included, however, added to your credibility. You did a good job of explaining what Technical and Professional Communication is and you provided an example of it. There were a few awkward line breaks, but other than that, I really enjoyed the content!