Personal Narrative: My Professional Writing Experience

In a professional environment, there are many supervisors who have little to no writing experience before they start a management position. This largely attributed to employees of companies maintaining a high work ethic for many years and proving they have what it takes to take over these leading roles (Mabrito, 1997). When these employees started their jobs they likely did not have the expectation that they would move to such an important role in the company so furthering their education after high school was not a priority. This can cause a poor representation of the company from the less than professional writing skills a person may have. For these businesses, it would be beneficial to actively seek out employees who they see potential in and send them to further their writing

skills so when the time comes they are able to fill the role they have been appointed to.

In late 2016 I started a job as a diesel mechanic. This was a fairly new experience for me and I had some idea of what I was getting into (e.g. heavy lifting and troubleshooting problems drivers have on the road). What I didn’t expect is writing complete and detailed accounts of what problems I found and how I went about fixing them. With my limited writing experience in a professional workplace this was difficult. I was unsure how I was expected to write and had to ask other employees for advice on multiple occasions. My verbal communication and personal relation skills were something that I had always prided myself on so when it came to my poor writing skill I was not satisfied. After a year of work, I felt like I had come along way, but was still not on the level I wanted to be on. I had been consistently communicating

with my “big bosses” and they mentioned a program that would allow me to go to school and better myself while still working full time. This would give me an opportunity to learn how to properly write and respond to work-related material. More importantly, it could bring a promotion so that I could provide guidance and give suggestions on directions I think would be best for the multi-billion-dollar company I work for. If management cannot convey ideas or new mandatory requirements in a professional way, then they will not be taken seriously no matter how important the matter may be (Bethel University, 2010). While learning these skills in school I will be able to actively practice at work by trying new writing techniques and learning what works for me and what doesn’t. By the time I graduate, I will become a strong writer and be well prepared for the career ahead of me.
If a business can start an employee on a dedicated academic plan early in their career they are much more likely to excel at work and gain respect from the company as a whole. Especially with all of our technological advancements it is more important than ever to become a communication master and practice at every opportunity that is given. With proper direction and the determination from an employee, it is possible to cut out the poor, inadequate writing that is seen on a daily basis and see communication that is top quality and revered by peers.