The Importance of Writing

by Rachel Kosnik

As business students, we take a lot of classes that teach us how to analyze data and think critically. What most students don’t realize during their time in college is how important writing skills are. Communication is key no matter what your major or job is, including marketing, which is why I chose to minor in Professional Writing here at Ohio State.

Writing skills benefit students greatly when applying for jobs. It’s so important to be able to effectively elaborate on your skills, experiences, and aspirations when speaking with recruiters, and especially when writing thank-you emails. Potential employers will remember that you went the extra mile and were able to craft a professional and well-written email that expressed your interest.

We all hate writing those cover letters, but in reality, recruiters can use those when deciding between candidates. Have a cover letter that enhances your abilities will stand out in a pile of other applications. It’s also a great example of the communication skills you can bring to the job!

I spoke with a recruiter at one of our meetings about the classes I’ve taken for my minor. Not only was she impressed that I had such an in depth background, but she also gave me great advice for future interviews, suggesting that I bring examples of my work. Showing an interviewer exactly what you can do will be much more meaningful than simply telling them.

I learned how valuable my writing minor was this past summer when I was an intern for a lighting company. I was sending emails all day to potential customers, and being able to express interest in working with them in a positive and professional way most certainly made the difference. My boss was also very impressed with my writing and had me write and proofread emails, campaigns, and website content for him on a daily basis. In fact, he sometimes couldn’t remember if my major was in marketing or in writing!

So as you prepare to schedule your classes for next semester, consider adding a writing course that will enhance your professional demeanor. Communication is the key to being successful in any endeavor, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and learn some new skills.