Class Minutes: Sept 17, 2008 by Amanda

Writing for Environmental Professionals
September, 17th 2008
Taken by Amanda Giangiobbe

Attendants: Don, Nicole, Yumie, Amanda, Julie, Owen, Josh, Chris D., Benjamin P., Bobby P., Sarah K., James M., Megan C., Daniel, Chris L., Megan T.

Today's Class:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Narrative

Class Discussion:
What is a narrative?
- a story

Starting a narrative:
-Think of where, who, what, when, and how
-Journalistic questions

Children's stories are surreal:
- They talk about bizarre stuff
- Vivid imagination
- Sequential/ chronological
- They tell how stuff happened

When People get older:
- Stories have more true details
- Content sifts
- Themes are followed
- Point of view changes
- Centered more around facts
- Imagination moves to the background

We looked at three different introductions:
- The first essay started with the person as the subject
- The second essay started with writing as the subject
- The third essay started with the interview as the subject

As scientific writers we are trained to use the passive voice:
"The ball was hit by Don"
- We are trained to use the passive voice over and over again
- Often used in law and government
- Makes writing 30% longer and more wordy


We should try to use an active voice:
"Don hit the ball"
-Makes our writing more interesting
-Try to make your writing 50% active voice

Thematic Resume Assessment:
- Went around the room and asked everyone their job description
- Make sure to have name and contact information on resume

Aspects of the resume:

Education:
- Tell when you graduated or when you anticipate graduating
- List the degree you have
- High school is dead; don’t mention it unless you did something very important
- Put this information at bottom of page

Relevant course work:
- Focus on course work related to the position
- Talk about research not just the course taken

Skills:
- Shows you are unique
- Demonstrate expertise
- Highlight relevant work experience
- What are you bringing to the table
- Demonstrate positive work ethic

Make sure that Resume:
- Is easy to read
- Has a balance of whitespace
- Appropriate for scanning and online distribution

For Next Class
- Look up parallel structure
- Evaluate resume by comparing it to the sheet on the blog
- Read cover letter section online