Kaczorowski--SWA 2.docx

          Upon reading chapter two of the Wayne State edition of Technical Communication: A Reader Centered Approach by Paul V. Anderson, I discovered quite a few interesting tips on how to write a professional, reader-centered resume and cover letter.  There were parts of resumes that I had not considered before such as the “objective” section containing a career-specific professional objective that would appeal to a potential employer.  This section would show an employer that I possess the same goals as the company as well as my own aspirations.  The parts of the chapter that discussed doing a bit of research on your potential employer struck me as useful as well.  It makes sense to read up on an employer to get a better idea of how to tailor a resume and especially a cover letter.

          The section of the chapter dedicated to the cover letter was particularly useful to me because I am relatively unfamiliar with such a document.  Researching the employer is crucial in this case because it is more personal than a resume and provides a chance to make a good impression on whoever ends up reading it.  Demonstrating knowledge on the company as well as briefly explaining common goals seems like an effective way to associate yourself with a particular position.

          After reading chapter two I began searching for potential internships to us as a focus for project one.  I found two that are suitable for the project as well as exceptionally desirable to apply for outside of class.  One is for Black & Veatch in Ann Arbor and the other is for Wade Trim in Taylor.  I will examine the job descriptions of each to better form my resume to accentuate skills that would be desirable.  I fully intend to take advantage of project one and submit what was created for class to these companies.  I also have the option of using Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc., whom I have worked for as a co-op in the past, as the focus of the project; writing as if applying for a full-time position.

          Regardless of which company gets used for project one, my resume will need some touch-ups.  I plan to add a professional objective section as well as hopefully being able to add my references.  I think the objective adds more personality to the resume and the references would be nice to have on the same page as well.  My resume will be designed with emphasis on skills due to the fact that I do not have a large amount of career related experience.

          Although my career experience may be somewhat limited, I believe I have a few experiences throughout my college years so far that can be added to enhance my resume.  I will be sure to add the Wayne State Honors College as well as community service activity.  My fraternity involvement and teamwork experience can be mentioned as well.  I will be pulling heavily on college related recognitions and accomplishments that I feel will set me apart in a positive way in the eyes of an employer.