Genre Research in Workplace and Professional Contexts By Bawarshi and Reiff

          In this paper Bawarshi and Reiff attempt to explain the difference between genre’s in the workplace and professional contexts. While they are very different they do have a few similarities like the fact that research in both areas is on the rise. In addition they both focus on how new writers are learn genres and how they use them to transmit knowledge. They argue that college graduates are not taught essential skills like teamwork and commitment that are vital to achieving success in a company. They also argue that project are given to new writers with very little clarification and that this can lead to confusion as to how detailed the technical communication should be.

            This article was a bit difficult for me to read but what I took from it was that they are arguing for reform in university programs to focus on principles that will help graduates in the professional world. This article concerned me as a technical communication major because now I am worried that the skills I will learn over the next couple of years may not translate to my career. It is also worrisome that new technical communicators are given very little guidance at their new jobs. This article was interesting but I would be lying if I said it did not cause me to be concerned about my future.