Brittany Maynard
Brittany Maynard
17 March 2015
ENG 111
Communicating as a Professional
From a young age, people are taught grammar. Primary school through college, it may seem a tedious endeavor, and one may have pondered the use of such a dull skill. All people should endeavor to continue seeking better grammar as it would better them in future occupations. Proper grammar and professional communication skills are required in the workplace for all professions.
Grammar is not everyone’s interest; however, according to Kyle Weins, CEO of iFixit, employers hire people with a better mastery of language then their otherwise identically qualified counterparts. Those who are chosen have to show great attention to the details of how a statement is delivered. This attention to detail carries over into the completion of work tasks, which reduces errors and saves the company both time and money. Despite being told not to judge people, everyone is scrutinized in their workplace, particularly by what is said and how it is delivered. Kyle Weins also claims that bosses have the right to turn away potential employees if their language capabilities are unsatisfactory. He does allow that some exceptions are made for certain people (those with dyslexia, ESL, deaf, etc.) who have valid reasons for their inabilities to communicate in a certain manner (Weins). Forbes writer Susan Adams belies that for those without these disabilities, the mastery of native language shows intelligence and a strong work ethic. A person’s speech reflects mental organization and ability to fare well in the workplace. She also suggests that a statement delivered with finesse demands attention and respect, while returning the same to those who are listening to it (Adams).
Computer programming, a profession which I have looked into recently involves both digital communication and face-to-face meetings. Programmers should be able to communicate with programs and with people whom they work through their code and the results of such. Skills which programmers have include the ability to type quickly, analytical thought, patience, concentration, detail orientation, and a strong ability to find and fix flaws. Additionally they are able to listen to their clients so that they deliver a product which meets their specifications. Programmers must be very knowledgeable in the hardware associated with consumers, different brands of computer with their different capabilities, and the software, Ruby on Rails for example, which they use to implement their code. Writing takes place in the numerous code languages, some of which is printed on the final products like text in websites and applications. Other programmers and consumers read what is printed; thus it is important that it is completely accurate. Good grammar and editing skills are vital as customer satisfaction is improved and continued by the ongoing correction and improvement of script. If the code is not perfect, it will not run, or it will with negative consequences. Reports need to be given in a non-technical manner to someone higher up, and in return, programmers listen to the details of specifications required for an assignment. The customer’s satisfaction determines the success of a professional and their work. In all, both verbal and written communication are highly important to people in the computer programming field (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
While I am still pursuing my education at the current moment, I am taking steps so that I will be ready for my future career. I enjoy reading and researching, and I try my best to check out a selection of books from the library once a week to expand my knowledge. I am moderately good at proof reading and editing others papers as I have corrected my mother’s college work for numerous years. I have become very interested in fictional writing within the past few years, and while I do not wish to share my work with others, I find it an enjoyable exercise. I do find myself lacking in non-fictional writings; however, I hope that my participation in ENG 111 this semester and ENG 112 the next will supplement this noticed lack. My listening skills could use some work, specifically in my communication of the issues which I experience. I should mention my partial hearing loss and request closed captioning on videos, particularly in the learning environment. At school, I rectify this to the best of my abilities by sitting in the front of the classrooms. One of my weakest abilities is public speaking. While I can normally convey a point in an intimate gathering, I find myself very nervous and shy in a larger crowd. I rely more on visual rather than verbal communication allowing this lack to increase. I am currently taking a public speaking class at TNCC. In this class, I have been able to reach out of my normal shell through participating in exercises and learning techniques presented in lectures. I have not really stretched out into communication media. I am fairly self-reserved and have little desire to place my words out in the open for judgement. I am slowly acclimating myself to these ideas, however, and I shall continue to do so.
Effective communication is the most valuable resource a professional can possess. It is needed in various manners in all occupations. All people have different strengths and weaknesses in communication, and they should seek to improve their shortcomings. Some professions require less of certain types of communication and more of others, allowing most people to find an appropriate match for their abilities.
Works Cited
Adams, Susan. “Why Grammar Counts at Work.” Forbes. 20 July 2012. <http:www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2012/07/20/why-grammar-counts-at- work/>.
Weins, Kyle. “I Won’t Hire People Who Use Poor Grammar. Here’s Why.” Harvard Business Review: HRB Blog Network. 20 July 2012. <http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/07/i_wont_hire_people_who_use_poo.html>.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Computer Programmers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Department of Labor, 8 Jan. 2014. Web. 22 Jan. 2015. <http://www.bls.gov.ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.html>.
