When I graduated college, it felt like the biggest skill I had to offer was that in which I was trained: journalistic writing. Hence these samples from my time in and right after college (a few favorites below):

• The first article that I wrote for my college paper, about work-study students (got picked up by University Wire, a newswire for university publications).
• A guide I created in 2003 for Indian students who are interested in doing their bachelor’s in the United States. View an excerpt here.
• A blog post I wrote on designing a Syllabus for  A General Education Class.

Now, a few years into my career, I have other skills that have since eclipsed the writing:

Editing: I probably spend a couple of hours everyday, editing other people’s work. The key to good editing is to only change words to  enhance the reader’s understanding. Never change something just because you think that’s how you’d write it.

Systems/ Processes Management: One of my favorite parts of my job (director of marketing) is thinking about how we can streamline processes and systems. We do a lot with direct mail and interestingly enough, the ways to improve that process have more to do with streamlining and improving communication than it has to do with finding that one genius idea that will transform our direct mail strategy. I love immersing myself in quality control and increasing efficiency. I don’t just care about Standard Operating Procedures (although I love those). I care about making a smoother process/system ingrained in the culture and work habits of individuals. Easier said than done, but satisfying all the same.

Presenting: As anyone who knows me knows, I like to present, either at work, Toastmasters or in my graduate school classes. Regardless of the topic, theme or time-limit, it always comes down to connecting with the audience. And I’d like to think that I excel at that.

Vendor management: Printers and Promotional Product Makers (for want of a better phrase) are some of my favorite people in life. They have a great eye for detail and they care about a good, cheap product. Managing them for work related to brochures, giveaways and other items is one of my favorite things to do at work, and one of my best skills.