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Business Communication
The Apprenticeship of Professional Writing
By Joanna Katz
Want professional quality documents and skills such as memo writing and web design to add to your resume? Then the Business Communication emphasis of the Minor in Professional Writing might be for you!
About the Business Communication Minor
New this year to UCSB's Writing Program, the emphasis in Business Communication offers professional training and application for workplace writing. Not only do students take on service learning projects where they help local organizations in their marketing and business administration departments, they also complete a 10-week advanced internship.
The Business Communication emphasis differs from the other writing tracks, Technical Communication and Editing, in that it focuses on the development and improvement of written, visual, oral and collaborative skills for the business, government, and non-profit workplace.
By the end of the two capstone courses, students graduating with the Business Communication emphasis create a final portfolio of their professional documents including letters, e-mails, status reports, proposals, press releases, and brochures—all in print and digital formats.
Who is in Business Communication?
Currently, 19 students are on track to graduate with UCSB's first Business Communication emphasis in the Minor in Professional Writing. These student professionals come to the Writing Program from majors ranging from Business Economics to Communication.
Many pursued the emphasis because they felt it offered practical application of a range of communication situations.
“I applied for the Business Communication minor because I wanted academic preparation to add to my resume that balanced my Communication major with solid Business Writing skills,” commented senior Jessica McNamara.
McNamara isn't alone in her pursuit. More undergraduates are realizing the practical experience and professionalism gained from completing the Minor in Professional Writing.
How to Prepare for Business Communication
Preparation for applying for the Minor in Professional Writing, Business Communication emphasis includes the successful completion of four specific courses:- Writing 2
- Writing for Business Economics (Writ 109EC)
- Writing for Marketing and Public Relations (Writ 110MK)
- Elective Writing 109 course