Writing is an incredibly useful skill that is applicable to various career fields. However, an alarming number of ASU students lack this skill, which is worrisome to many employers.
With recent developments in technology, communication has been revolutionized. Social media and smartphones have made it especially easy to connect with people from all over the globe.
Cellular-based communication is obviously the primary form of interaction among ASU students. People have moved further away from face-to-face conversation to short text conversations and Snapchats.
Overall, the lack of written communication skills among college students is very detrimental to their potential success. Many different career fields, including those related to STEM and the arts, require students to have strong analytical and writing skills.
However, poor writing skills in college is not a death sentence. ASU offers a variety of resources for students to improve on their skills.
"If students need to write a personal statement, or a writing sample, our office provides a lot of resources to help review and edit these documents," said Kourtney Walker, assistant director of ASU Career and Professional Development Services. "(They) ensure they used proper grammar and formatting, and they help students communicate exactly what they want to say."
Taking additional writing and English classes, even just to satisfy elective credits, is another convenient way for students to become better writers. Students may also look to getting involved in a student publication or writing a personal blog in order to refine and develop written communication skills.
Those at ASU may be fascinated by subjects such as technology, arts or science but fail to realize the significance of communication skills. The ability to effectively communicate goals, responsibilities or even problems within the workplace is vital to being a successful employee.
"Once you get out into the industry, you are not just representing yourself, you are representing a company," Walker said. "Communication and writing (are) very important tools when it comes to careers in general because it’s the way we deliver information."
Learning how to write well can also help students stand out in the crowd. Since great writing has become such a rarity in this generation, communicating thoroughly and concisely sets students far apart from those who struggle with it.
Students who have good writing skills are typically proficient in verbal communication as well. Both of these skills go hand-in-hand in making a successful employee.
Employers should not have to struggle to find students with great writing skills. With the classes, publication opportunities and career resources available at ASU, students should at least begin to explore different options for improvement.
Writing effectively is a crucial skill for college students to develop. Without it, they may find themselves struggling to score their dream job, or to thrive within professional development.
Technological innovation and development should not be an acceptable excuse for poor writing among college students. It is important for students to break the stigma and impress employers by becoming the literate and thoughtful individuals they are expected to be.
Reach the columnist at amsnyde6@asu.edu or follow @AnnieSnyder718 on Twitter.
Editor’s note: The opinions presented in this column are the author’s and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors. The author of this column has invested in Bitcoin, but is not a professional investment consultant.
Want to join the conversation? Send an email to opiniondesk.statepress@gmail.com. Keep letters under 500 words and be sure to include your university affiliation. Anonymity will not be granted.
Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on Twitter.
