Alisha
How can I improve my English writing skills while I want to focus on my Computer Science Major?
I know I am interested in technology, but I do want to be able to write articles that get featured in magazine....I don't just want to code. #computer-science #technology #marketing #writing #personal-development
5 answers
Diego Puppin
Diego’s Answer
Alisha, this is great. Great communication skills will help you SO MUCH in your career. Nothing kills the mood more than an obvious typo or wrong apostrophe in an otherwise great presentation (it's vs. its!!). Whatever you end up doing, being able to deliver well-written information will give you a lot of credibility.
If you are still in college, try to take one or two humanities classes where you can work on your writing (not too many, don't get distracted). Have your essays proof-read by somebody. I agree Word can help, but there's a limit to what it can do with style and register. Also, read a lot beyond technical stuff: technical writing is often very limited in language and structure. Get inspired!
Kim Igleheart
Kim’s Answer
I would recommend that you try blogging. It does not need to be highly technical, keep it to interesting topics that you want to share with others.
Before posting anything, put it on a Word document and use the advanced grammar features when you spellcheck. It is pretty amazing. Try to get rid of all passive sentences.
The more you read and write, the better you become at it.
Best of luck to you!
Lisa Mark, MA
Lisa’s Answer
By taking some writing courses, probably NOT creative writing, you will improve your writing skills. If you are in college already, look for Business Writing courses and Journalism courses. Journalism will teach you English usage and editing and proofreading skills. A career path that includes technical knowledge and communications would be a Business Analyst job. This is a person who can understand both the business needs of a client and the IT system end. The work with uses to discuss their needs, document them, and basically translate them to IT Systems Analysts, the IT professionals who design new systems. Programmers implement the design and write the code for new software or business applications. Blog writing offers you a means to write, buy it won't help you to build your writing skills.
Katya Lev
Katya’s Answer
Every day I set up a plan to learn 10 new English words- I learned the menacing of it, how to spell them use then in the sentence. Every day-I put index cards everywhere in our house- as I passed by the visual effect was taking another place and I would automatically remember the words.
Do listen to talk shows- even if you don’t understand -still listen-you will learn how to understand the general meaning and how the pronunciation sounds like.
Th either tactic for me was-to learn in sentences- it was easier for me to learn this way as I was able to incorporate it daily. The biggest challenge was not to be shy of my accent and to speak- try to practice daily.
Good luck
Amy Kolzow
Amy’s Answer
Such a great idea! So many times in business technical people are called on to write about their work or projects and having this skill will make it so much easier for you. The blog suggestion is great. I would also ask the advice of your instructors about vehicles available on campus. Often you'll find a magazine or student publication of some sort that will let you dip your toe in the water of having materials published, you'll learn a lot about what works (and doesn't) and get you the experience you need to be a great writer. Best of luck!