No matter which career you choose to pursue, there are specific skills that every working professional needs to have. Although STEM-focused students may shudder to hear it, writing is one of these essential skills. Like it or not, honing your writing skills in high school is a great way to put yourself ahead of your professional competition.
But why is it so important?
With digital communication on the rise, effectively communicating in emails or other written formats is incredibly important. As my favorite science teacher always says, no one will care about your ideas if they cannot understand them; writing clearly and persuasively is essential to helping others understand your projects. But don't just take her word for it. In a 2015 study, 82% of employers reinforced this idea, noting that a candidate's written communication skills are important when hiring new recruits.
So, what does good professional writing look like?
Clearly and succinctly expressing your ideas is an essential part of professional writing. No one wants to weed through wordy or lengthy emails or meeting agendas. Aim for writing that is both informative and concise. In most cases, simple, yet specific, language is the most effective way to express your ideas.
How do I improve my skills?
Like any skill, writing takes practice, and mastery develops over time. Even if you are a die-hard math and science kid, still be sure to put effort into your English classes in school and carefully review the feedback you receive on essays or other written projects. In most cases, students make similar mistakes every time they write. If you can identify your weaknesses early on and try to correct your bad habits, you will set yourself up for success after high school.
