Each term, the Jones White Writing Center offers a Business Writing Credential* which is open to all IUP students. This program offers a free certificate in effective workplace, business, and technical communication and can be added to your résumé.
According to Challenger, Gray, and Christmas (2019)† and the Forbes Human Resources Council (2022)‡, proficiency in written communication is one of the twenty-first-century skills that employers are looking for but those new to the workforce are less prepared for. Earning your Business Writing Credential can develop your written communication skills and make you more marketable in the future.
To earn your Business Writing Credential, you need to:
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Attend at least four of our Business Writing Workshops in spring 2024 or beyond
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Visit with a tutor to work on your résumé, cover letter, or other business writing-oriented document (online or in person, schedule through My IUP; Academics; Schedule a writing tutorial)
We offer multiple opportunities to attend the Business Writing Credential workshops each semester. You do not need to complete your credential in one semester but can take multiple semesters to do so.
For questions about the Business Writing Credential, please write to Loughlin Pagnucci, business writing coordinator, at ydrw@iup.edu.
Spring 2024 Business Writing Credential Workshops
All Business Writing Credential workshops will be held in a hybrid format. Students may attend in person at the Writing Center computer lab (210 Stabley Library) or online via Zoom.
Words that Work: Strategic Language for Professional Communication
February 14, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Level: Undergraduate/Graduate, Business Writing Credential Series
A workshop based on the book Words that Work: It’s Not What You Say, It’s What People Hear by Frank Luntz. This workshop explores the principles of Words that Work, including simplicity, brevity, credibility, novelty, and speaking in an aspirational tone and gives students a chance to practice each of the principles. The workshop concludes by exploring how the strategic choice of words can be an asset in professional communication.
Résumé Writing Workshop
February 28, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Level: Undergraduate/Graduate - Business Writing Credential Series
This workshop introduces students to developing the content and designing an effective résumé. We explore effective résumé samples, how to frame experiences to diverse audiences, and the different content that goes in a résumé. Students also can learn new features in MS Word that will make their résumé distinctive. Students can get started on one during this workshop or polish what they've already written.
Using Artificial Intelligence to Support Business and Technical Communication
March 6, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Level: Undergraduate/Graduate, Business Writing Credential Series
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is radically reshaping the professional workplace, including business and technical communication. This workshop offers insights, tips, and tricks to leverage AI in a professional setting, including exploring how AI can support business and technical communication, exploring how to write good prompts, and evaluating output. We will also consider the benefits and drawbacks of using AI in professional settings.
Proofreading Your Writing
March 27, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Level: Undergraduate/Graduate, Business Writing Credential Series
This workshop helps students build the kinds of careful reading skills that are needed to proofread their papers, including reading slowly, using A Writer's Reference, and following rules of thumb. We will also discuss the role of using AI language models for proofreading and paraphrasing support as part of this workshop.
Selling your Proposal in Professional Settings
April 17, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Level: Undergraduate/Graduate, Business Writing Credential Series
Proposals of ideas, new approaches, or new products are how you can make change. This workshop introduces students to how to write innovative short proposals to create change in their organizations and beyond. This workshop will discuss how to create short proposals in a business setting, how to pitch ideas and proposals to various audiences, and how to sell your ideas to others. This hands-on workshop will include proposal pitching and practice.
*A credential is a non-credit-bearing cocurricular training at IUP.
†Challenger, Gray, and Christmas, Inc (2019). “Challenger 2019 Hiring Survey: Employers Report Skills Shortages; HR in Demand”
‡Forbes Human Resources Council. “Are Employers Heading for a Talent Shortage Perfect Storm?” May 17, 2022.