Business Writing
For the Business Writing course, we focused on how to communicate effectively and ethically in a workplace, and prepare various office documentation. One of our weekly discussions dealt with explaining what our dream job would look like and why, by using PowerPoint to make a single slide. Along with those weekly Discussion Board topics, the main coursework consisted of 4 assignments.
Interoffice Memorandum
We were asked to write an Interoffice Memo regarding a topic for the workplace that we felt was significant. The memo was to convey a clear message in a professional way, and consider our audience's reactions and prior knowledge of the subject. We were also encouraged to design a logo and make up a fictional company that matched our topic appropriately.
"...as part of our community outreach, we are honored to continue the bi-annual Flying Whale tradition of holding a Donation Drive."
Response Paper
The Response Paper was requested to be a one-page paper, addressing the role of technology and writing in the modern workplace, with an eye to how it has changed. Our predictions for how this subject may continue to evolve were also requested.
"Coworkers that get promoted or move to other teams can retain their bonds, and this helps foster interdepartmental collaboration and innovation."
Cover Letter
I had particular fun with this assignment. We were asked to make a cover letter for a job oppurtunity and it was allowed to be real or fictional. The focus of this assignment was to ensure we practiced the correct formatting, and tailored it properly to the specific oppurtunity.
"...in the case of the Lowell Food Bank, following the introduction of their new website, donations went up 30%."
Final Project
The Final Project for Business Writing was a short paper that served as a profile of a particular real company, and what recommendations we had for them based on our analysis. It needed to be a Fortune 500 company, and we were asked to touch on their environmental impact, as well as our thoughts on their budgetting and use of resources.
"Verizon Landline employees have the benefit of a union to protect their interests, but Verizon Wireless employees are without that protection."