My Academic Experience
Writing in the Profession
January 2026 - May 2026
Instructor Ashley Allen
Course Overview
ENG 3030J explored how writing functions within professional, academic, and public-facing environments through the study of rhetoric, persuasion, research, and workplace communication. The course emphasized how rhetorical context, audience, genre, and communication purpose influence writing decisions across professional settings. Through analytical writing, editorial assignments, professional discourse analysis, and portfolio development, the course strengthened my ability to communicate strategically and professionally across multiple forms of media and audiences.
A major focus throughout the semester involved understanding how communication operates within professional environments and how writing shapes organizational interaction, professional identity, and workplace effectiveness. The course also emphasized reflection, critical thinking, multimodal communication, and adapting writing styles for specific rhetorical situations and professional audiences.
Reflections & Takeaways
Collectively, the projects completed throughout ENG 3030J strengthened my understanding of how communication functions within professional and organizational environments. Through rhetorical analysis, persuasive writing, professional discourse research, and portfolio development, I developed stronger skills in professional writing, audience awareness, critical thinking, and organizational communication.
This course also reinforced the importance of communication within human resources and workplace environments, particularly regarding professionalism, employee understanding, organizational culture, and leadership presence. Beyond writing itself, the experience challenged me to think more intentionally about how communication shapes professional relationships, workplace effectiveness, and personal identity within organizational settings.
Featured Projects & Analysis
Visual Rhetorical Analysis
This project examined how visual rhetoric influences audience perception and communication effectiveness through the analysis of professional and organizational media. The assignment strengthened my ability to evaluate how design, structure, visuals, and messaging work together to shape communication across professional environments.
Editorial Writing Assignment
This editorial assignment explored contemporary workplace and organizational topics through persuasive writing and research-based argumentation. The project challenged me to balance analytical thinking with audience-focused communication while developing a stronger understanding of persuasive rhetoric and public-facing professional writing.
Professional Discourse Report
This report analyzed communication practices, writing conventions, and rhetorical expectations within the field of human resources. Through professional interviews, journal analysis, and workplace communication research, I examined how HR professionals adapt communication styles depending on audience, organizational setting, and professional purpose.
Modeling Professional Rhetoric Assignments
These assignments focused on analyzing and replicating professional communication genres commonly used within workplace and organizational settings. Through rhetorical analysis and professional writing practice, I developed a stronger understanding of tone, formatting, audience adaptation, and workplace communication expectations.
Reading Presentation on HR Stigma
This project explored workplace perceptions surrounding human resources through the article “Dirty Work and the HR Profession” by Charlotte Rayner, Nikola Djurkovic, and Darcy McCormack. Through both a written synthesis and class presentation, I examined how emotionally charged HR responsibilities contribute to negative stereotypes and stigma associated with the profession.