Written communication in your chosen profession is going to consist of a lot of emails, as you no doubt already know.  We will practice writing several emails in the coming weeks, with different goals and objectives.  All of these emails will be formal, however, meaning that they will showcase the best writing you are capable of to put you in the best possible light for your readers.

Our first email will be a personal introduction.  Please read this article, which describes what a formal personal introduction is, and how it might be useful in a variety of situations: http://www.ehow.com/how_8247072_write-formal-personal-introduction.html.  You should also review the following resources before you complete your assignment:

• 10 Tips on How to Write a Professional Email
• Purdue OWL: Writing the Personal Statement 
• Purdue OWL: Examples of Successful Statements

Then, you’ll return to this page to draft an email version of a personal introduction.  What do I, as your instructor, need to know about who you are?  What are your goals and ambitions for this class, this term, this year at school?  What’s important for me to understand about your work ethic or the motivations you have for seeking a new degree?  Imagine that this might also be read by a future employer or scholarship acceptance committee.

Your email should contain

• an accurate subject in the subject line
• a formal greeting (Dear Ms. McMillan-Clifton, for example)
• 1-3 short body paragraphs that describe yourself in a professional capacity
• a sign-off with your full name (Sincerely, First Name Last Name etc.)
• it should be proofread and spell-checked.  Please ensure you spell my name accurately–misspelling a recipient’s name is a red flag to any reader.

Grading Rubric