Communications Competency

Communication – Oral, verbal, visual or written communication transmitted between people for carrying out business activities.

Artifacts

Employers expect graduates to clearly organize and express ideas and information. In fact, businesses expect mastery of the English language in written and oral forms for effective business communication. Messages should be factual, practical, and persuasive. When an opinion is called for, it is best to support conclusions with the presentation of convincing evidence. I believe my artifacts are examples of effective communication.

One of my artifacts is a Companies Analysis Report prepared in ENC4260, Advanced Technical Writing, during spring 2013. This analysis indicates my ability to organize and condense information. The objective of this assignment was to examine some companies I might want to work for upon graduation. I chose to research Citigroup Inc., UnitedHealth Group, and WellCare Health Plans. I used online business databases to access news articles about the companies and financial reports. In the end, I created a comparative report in which I drew conclusions and made recommendations. I explored the companies’ histories, different types of data analysis jobs in IT, and employee benefits. Consequently, UnitedHealth Group made the top of my list for future employment.

Next, I chose a newsletter also created in ENC4260, Advanced Technical Communications, during spring 2013. This assignment points out my skill in communicating using an audience-centered approach. I titled it “Health IT Newsletter” for a target audience of health providers. In it, I discussed breaking news relevant to health care information technology compliance and health providers. In addition, I used bold colors for visual appeal and graphics to make information more clear.

Areas of Strength / Improvement

My written communication style has been described as a little too succinct over the years. However, it is improving. Dr. Patterson, my ENC4260, Advanced Technical Writing professor, asked permission to use my Companies Analysis Report as a sample for future classes. My passion is working with data, which can be dry, even when telling its story in words. Most recently, I worked with numbers primarily. The best way to hone my communications skills, particularly writing, is to seek out opportunities to practice. I plan to read more fiction and write summaries to my blog for practice.