Become a strong writer, regardless of your major

March 6, 7:28 AMEntry Level Careers ExaminerHeather Huhman

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When asked, most college students and recent graduates describe their writing skills as “strong” or “excellent.” However, according to a survey conducted by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, nearly half the responding executives said that entry-level workers lacked writing skills. And, reports continue to indicate solid writing is an important skill employers seek, regardless of major.

Carol Zoref, writing coordinator at Sarah Lawrence College, says good writing takes time. “There are no magic bullets, simple solutions, standard formulas or ready answers.”

But, she adds, there are ways college students can improve their writing skills before applying for jobs: 

1. All writing is rewriting. No one becomes a strong writer without writing and rewriting on an ongoing basis. When you receive an assignment for a paper, exchange first drafts with a classmate and give one another feedback. Keep your classmate’s questions and comments in mind as you rewrite. If your professor is open to reviewing a draft before you submit the final paper, grab the chance. 

2. A paper is not a text message. There are differences between formal and informal writing, just as there are differences between formal and informal attire. Do not confuse the two. Text message shortcuts might be acceptable to your friends, but they are not appropriate in a college level paper. Equally important: before you hand in a paper, be it a first draft or a final draft, remember to proofread, proofread, proofread.  

3. Program planning. You won’t become a better writer if you spend four years taking multiple-choice exams. Register for one or more courses every semester in which the professors assign papers.

4. Thinking on the page. Good writing is not merely a means of demonstrating your knowledge. It is a method for making discoveries, identifying complex relationships, and developing a more nuanced understanding of the topic at hand. Writing is a process through which you explore or present an idea in a manner that simultaneously guides your reader through the same process of exploration.