Professional Writing

Overview 

Professional writing includes the various types of writing that we do as part of being a professional (whether in business or academia). On a daily basis, writing is required through mediums such as memos and emails. More intensive forms of professional writing tend to have concrete goals: a well-crafted personal statement can help you get accepted into a doctoral program; a clear, focused resume and cover letter can help you land your dream job; and a professionally written proposal can help you get approval for your big project or get funding through a grant.  Check out our blog, the Write Attitude, for a thorough list of professional and business writing genres. Refer to our resources on this page for more information about how to write these professional documents. 

Emailing Netiquette

All emails are not created equal. An email to a job interviewer or faculty member should be written in a different style and tone than one to a friend. How can you be polite over email? You want to get it right the first time! Our Writing Center workshop offers tips about professional and academic emails and appropriate "net etiquette." Below you can find our blog's advice on writing an email to your professor and the slides from our workshop on Emailing Netiquette. (We also offer the workshop on our regular schedule each semester, so be sure to attend for more information!) 

Email Netiquette Slides

Moving from Academic to Professional Writing

Finishing up an academic degree and moving into a professional setting can present its own set of challenges, requirements, and even frustrations. It’s important to note that making the inevitable jump from research papers and rhetorical analyses to the world of professional projects, memos, and proposals demands a different but equally invested writing approach.

Professional Writing Resources

Proposals & Personal Statements

Writing Center Handouts

Writing Center Blog Posts

External Resources