Service Learning Skills

I think the most important skill that I have learned from the service learning project, as well as from English 311 in general is how to put a professional touch on all things work and volunteer related.  There are some very small touches that can be added to workplace documents that take them from causal to professional.  These touches are not necessarily cosmetic, many of them have to do with content.  The language that is used in everyday, casual documents is different than the language that should be used in workplace documents.  Furthermore, the structure should be designed in a way that allows more to be said with less.  The structure should also allow the point to be made quickly and pointedly.

Learning professionalism will serve me in my career in several ways.  First, being professional can build credibility with superiors and coworkers.  In addition, when submitting a document to a committee, or panel that you haven't met, the professional nature of that document can create a positive impression for you.  As I move forward in my academic career, I will have to write many papers and submit many documents.  Some will be informal, but most will likely need to be created with some professional formality  I suspect that my ability to create them with professionalism will increase each time.  Writing is a skill, and that skill needs to be practiced as does any skill that demands proficiency.  Professional touches are just another trick in the bag.