This post was written by James Hayashi. James is the writing advisor for the MAT@USC and Rossier’s Masters Programs Office. He earned his Master of Professional Writing from USC, and enjoys writing in the field of creative non-fiction in his (limited) free time.
As any student in the Master’s Programs knows, writing—and writing well—is crucial to success in the program. But just as our students are incredibly diverse, so too are the writing challenges they face. Some have been out of academia for many years, and need a re-introduction to the language of the academic discourse community. Some have a native tongue other than English, so they must navigate the complex (and sometimes arcane) rules of English grammar and punctuation. Many are unfamiliar with the demands of APA style and formatting. And all of our students face a challenging workload that includes numerous papers for each course.
Given these realities, it’s no wonder that some students can feel intimidated or even overwhelmed by the prospect of writing for their classes. Some might even be tempted to write just well enough to “get by.” It’s tempting, I’m sure, to focus solely on the content and theories in one’s classes, and not be bothered by writing concerns. After all, it’s the content—not the packaging—of a paper that matters, right?
It’s true that mastering the content in your courses is critical to developing necessary skills and knowledge. But it’s equally true that writing is a skill that can help you succeed in your classes and beyond.
• First, some students are not wholly able to demonstrate their mastery of course material because of muddled writing. When your writing doesn’t clearly communicate your comprehension of class material, your professors can’t be sure you understand everything; your grade on a paper (and in a class) may suffer as a result. Getting the credit you deserve is the first reason to strive for clear, well-written prose.
• Second, developing strong writing skills in the program will benefit you as you look for a job post-graduation. When schools, universities, and agencies examine job applications, they use resumes and cover letters as the first filter. A clear and cogent cover letter can make the difference between getting your foot in the door, or having the door closed on you. Take the time to enhance your writing now, and reap the benefits as you begin your job search.
• Developing good writing pays off not only during the job hunt, but also after you’ve landed a position. Even if you don’t plan to enter a career that entails extensive writing, strong written communication is expected in almost every position. In the digital age, so much of our professional identities are shaped by our writing (journal publications, emails, reports, memos); weak writing will diminish your credibility and influence in your professional field.
• Finally, taking the time to improve your writing now will save you time later. Employees in nearly every organization need to produce reports or publications. Strong writers can write more effectively and more efficiently—saving them time as they produce such reports.
I hope you’ve found encouragement here to prioritize good writing. As the writing advisor, I offer various resources including writing seminars and webinars, handouts and graphic organizers, and some videos on APA formatting and citations. Many of these resources are available at our Writing Advising website.
Take the time to browse through the material, and email me at jhayashi@usc.edu if you have a specific writing question. For writing tips and information on upcoming writing webinars, follow me on Twitter @MATWriting.
Happy writing, and remember that even the best writers can be better still!
