Writing skills are not only important for professional writers, these skills are believed to be essential to the daily functioning of any career. For instance, at work, emails and reports are inevitable yet these need to clearly express the ideas that one intends to communicate. For this reason, one’s ability to have excellent writing skills is highly valued in any working environment. Erick Kananura, a youth mentor in Kigali says when you communicate clearly and effectively, your work, in general, will sell you out. He notes that effective writing skills ensure that one stands out in any work environment as it also provides a context that allows one to use them safely. In the working environment, Kananura says the importance of technical writing can be seen in the pitching of new ideas. “It’s essential for an individual to be able to document work material clearly. It is important to be able to write technical documents in a way that can sell the company you are working for, and that can only be assured if one possesses technical writing skills,” he says. On the other hand, Faustine Mutabazi, an educator and entrepreneur believes that technical writing skills can help individuals save time and money, while at the same time add value to their employable skills. He observes that without good technical writing, individuals and the organisation they are working for can be jeopardized especially when it comes to investing in new ideas and products depending on the organisation. “It’s ideal to put into consideration that the importance of technical writing is also all about generating money as well as creating safety for the readers,” he says. Diana Nawatti, a head teacher and counsellor at mother Mary School in Kibagabaga says writing well is one of those skills that can help you rise above in your career irrespective of what field you are in. She explains that this clearly shows how you can communicate with others. On the other hand, she notes that poor writing can damage your reputation. Meanwhile, Nawatti attests that many studies have been linked to critical thinking skills, and it shows an attention to detail necessary in all of your tasks and projects. She says whether one is applying for a job, advancing in their career, or just trying to improve their current writing skills, strong writing skills are important for your success. Kananura says although writing skills are important for internal communications, they are just as important externally, if not more. He goes on to say that in the public relations field, online publications, updates and website copy are some of the most important channels that people use to reference their organisations. In this case, he says when it comes to published content they are hard to digest for a reader, and can have a negative impact on potential clients. “It’s clear that writing skills are important throughout your career. One can still improve their writing skills by paying attention to the writing technique they find effective and to learn what traits it has that you can learn from,” he advises.
