Business Writing Credential
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:
- Attend at least four of our Business Writing Workshops in spring 2023 or beyond
- Visit with a tutor to work on your résumé, cover letter, or other business writing-oriented document
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 2023 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
Wednesday, February 8, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
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 also gives students a chance to practice each of these principles. The workshop concludes by exploring how the strategic choice of words can be an asset in professional communication.
Résumé Writing Workshop
Wednesday, February 22, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
This workshop introduces students to developing content and designing an effective résumé. We explore effective résumé samples, how to frame experience to diverse audiences, and 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.
Cover Letter Workshop
Wednesday, March 1, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
This workshop introduces students to writing an effective cover letter. After reviewing models of successful cover letters, we’ll discuss the purpose of the cover letter, how to tailor a cover letter to fit a specific job, and how to highlight relevant experiences. Students will get a chance to draft a cover letter.
Introduction to Technical and Professional Writing
Wednesday, March 22, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
This workshop introduces students to the nature of writing in and for the workplace. This knowledge assists students in developing their writing skills and shaping their professional communication. With practical examples and engaging activities, students learn different styles, structures, and organizations of professional and technical writing genres. Additionally, attendees will learn about multimodal and digital ways of composing in technical and professional contexts.
Selling Your Proposal in Professional Settings
Wednesday, April 12, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Proposals of ideas, new approaches, or new products are ways that one can effect change. This workshop introduces students to writing innovative short proposals that can 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.