Annotated Bibliography

Bauerlein, Monika, and Clara Jeffery. "All Work and No Pay: The Great Speedup." Mother
Jones [San Francisco] July-Aug. 2011: 18-25. Print.

All Work and No Pay: The Great Speedup is an article that explores the balance
between work effort and pay and what it actually means for employees and the
workforce. Bauerlein and Jeffery relate to their readers that in the United States
businesses there is increasing pressure to glean as much productivity out of employees,
subjecting workers to harder and more stressful workdays for the same amount of pay
that would have previously been given for the same job with a much less expected output.
This pressure then ekes into employees personal livescutting into their time with
family and friends, working at home, and providing stresswhile also impacting the
economy through budget cuts, unemployment, and wages. The Great Speedup aptly
portrays what I am getting into upon graduation. I now know to expect the huge workload
that I may not be properly compensated for and that I am not the only one experiencing it.
With the struggles of the economy, it also reinforces the difficulty it probably will be to
get a job that has been preached to our generation ever since the recession, regardless of
how confident I am in my writing and editing qualifications for a job within my field.

Brandt, Deborah. Writing for a Living: Literacy and the Knowledge Economy. In Literacy and
Learning: Reflections on Writing, Reading, and Society (San Francisco: John Wiley &
Sons, 2009), pp. 117-139.

In Writing for a Living, Deborah Brandt stresses how todays economy begs for
knowledge and relies on writing to turn it into a commodity. Many factors go into the
writing people do at work, such as a consideration of audience and format as well as the
need for clear, concise content. These factors are then demonstrated through the
numerous accounts of people that work in a variety of fields that explain the importance
of writing in their workplace, like in situations where certain kinds of writing are required
for different audiences or other kinds of writing and editing are needed to stay within the
regulations set in place. All of these multiple uses of writing then prove how literacy has
become a commodity, helping businesses and other kinds of jobs function. Brandts
readers become aware of such processes and criteria through her article and the real life
accounts, motivating them to not only value writing in all jobs but to potentially strive to
gain the necessary skills to write in a variety of workplaces. After perceiving the
importance of writing in any job and the knowledge economy from her article, I
achieved such motivation through the knowledge that I may have my own role within that
economy. I know that literacy has a strong hold on the workforce as it often requires
reading and writing to be successful and through that knowledge and my confidence in
my writing and editing skills, I have the ability to contribute to the knowledge
economy. From my final project I have learned just how much I have already
contributed to this economy and how I add to it as well because I strive to increase my
own knowledge, especially in regards to improving my writing, and then I have the
ability to give back to the economy by using my writing to spread the ideas that are
discussed in any writings I make or edit.

Damon, William, Anne Colby, Kendall Bronk, and Thomas Ehrlich. "Passion & Mastery in
Balance: Toward Good Work in the Professions." Daedalus 134.3 (2005): 27-35. Print.

Just from the title of Damon, Colby, Bronk, and Ehrlichs article, Passion & Mastery in
Balance: Toward Good Work in the Professions, a reader can tell that its focus pertains
to the type and quality of work within a profession. It further delves into this topic by
noting the type of passion, knowledge, and schooling that must go into certain types of
professions, specifically lawyers and journalists. Damon et al. write, Balancing passion
and mastery requires that each be fully developed and that the two operate
simultaneously, meaning that the focus required for these jobs relies on a balance
between wanting what is good and hinges on your morals; yet it also needs the
knowledge for the work in order to successfully carry out ones moral (29). Nevertheless
the balance between the two is not always easy to obtain and the authors claim that, To
be both masterful and mission-driven, student needs to learn how to be disinterested
without being detached (30). Though I do not plan on going into the field of journalism
or becoming a lawyer, I strive to heed the authors advice on maintaining the right
attitude and professionalism within the workforce. It is important for me to have a job
that I can be passionate about but not in a way that my passion could overcome my
professional work. Rather I must find the balance Damon et al. mention between the two
in order to have a personally fulfilling career as well as successfully provide the work
that is asked of me. Reflecting on the previous works I had written over my student
career proved to me just how precarious the balance between passion and mastery is. In
my younger years I would write with the passion I had but none of the mastery that
writing needs to produce an excellent piece of work and effective message. I am now
closer to mastery than my previous years but yet I need find my passion again and infuse
it into my work to bring each piece to life, instead of having a writing task feel daunting
and unwanted.

Employability Skills 2000+. Ontario: The Conference Board of Canada, 2000. Print.


In the Employability Skills 2000+ pamphlet, it covers important skills that are used in the
workplace and encourages the reader apply them in order to enter, stay in, and progress
in the world of work (1). The pamphlet covers three basic areas: fundamental skills,
personal management skills, and teamwork skills. Each area provides valuable
capabilities as an employee, helping you recognize which skills are needed as a worker to
personally develop and progress, add to the productivity of work, and increase your
potential. The pamphlet goes on to encourage its readers to apply these employability
skills not only in the workplace but also in other aspects of your life, which can help
develop you as a worker and build these skills. I found this pamphlet to succeed in its
purpose as it became useful for me to distinguish which skills I have and which ones
could use more development. With its advice to build these skills outside of the
workplace urged me to think of other places I can apply them and focus on how to make
them even better. Even having the list of skills has been beneficial because it gives great
examples of what skills to best advertise to any potential employers in my rsum, cover
letters, and interviews. In regards to my site Writing through Time, I was not only
reinforced that my writing skills I have developed over the years are important but it also
made me more aware that I cannot just rely on these skills and also need other significant
employability attributes in order to be appealing to a company. So though I plan on
continue to improve the editing and writing skills I have, I likewise need to develop the
other skills that are important as an employee.

"The Future of Work." TIME 25 May 2009: 39-54. Web.

TIME magazines article, The Future of Work, explores how jobs have changed and
what other changes are also in store. These changes range from job migration and growth,
business schools, retirement, the sexes, careers, green jobs, the workplace,
manufacturing, and the office. We should expect to see longer work hours and job
flexibility, more collaborative efforts within the workforce, a rise in female power as a
worker and a consumer, and interest in businesses values. What makes this article useful
then is that its honest outlook on the workforce provides a clearer look on what our
generation is getting ourselves into once we go into the working field. The preparation it
gives me allows me to know what to expect out of jobs and to find a job that I enjoy since
I will be working long hours and even reassures me that womens roles continue to grow,
giving me a positive outlook to enter the workforce as a woman once I graduate. TIMEs
article encourages me to continue to improve upon the skills that the market find
important to its needs, one such need being writing. Literacy will most likely always have
a significant role in any workplace and being able to produce a work that exudes
excellent knowledge of writing and professional aptitude will help me to succeed in a
field that requires and appreciates the role of writing.

Gardner, Howard, and Lee S. Shulman. "The Professions in America Today: Crucial but
Fragile." Daedalus 134.3 (2005): 13-18. Print.

Gardner and Shulman explore professions, what defines them, and their importance in
todays society in their article, The Professions in America Today: Crucial but Fragile.
A profession can be described as being based around the goals to serve responsibly,
selflessly, and wisely for oneself and society; the mastery and ability to perform the
skills required for the profession; filled with challenges that are not always routine,
simple, or predictable (14-5). Likewise, it is an experience to continually learn from, has
a particular set of knowledge pertaining to ones field, and sets standards, reviews claims,
and oversees quality within the profession (15). Gardner and Shulman relate how
professions then have changed over time, carefully building the status and requirements
that is now expected of them. Today they have gathered more information on
professions statuses and their prospects of professional training and life through
scholars studies, concluding that unchecked market forces constitute a strong challenge
to the professions (18). From their article I now realize the importance of professions
throughout time and what makes them what they are today. Most importantly, though, I
have learned that the wide range of professions is just as susceptible to the economy and
has an unpredictable future in some regards just like any other job, regardless of whether
it has a higher status as a profession or not. Since the world is going more digital and
becoming more technical, my future as a possible editor or publisher seems more at stake
with their unpredictable futures in the economy. But with this digital move, I found it a
smart step to invest in a Digital Studies certificate to perhaps better my chances in this
ever evolving world.

Golianopoulos, Thomas. Work, Not Working. GOOD Fall 2010: 45-64. Print.

In Thomas Golianopouloss article, Work, Not Working, he has a variety of people
explain their jobs and how they view what they do. This method is effective in
demonstrating the wide varieties of jobs and the attitudes towards them, overall
discovering peoples relationships with work. The article seeming is separated into two
parts, the first section focused on jobs that are recognized more commonly in the
economy while the second half focused on entrepreneurial jobs. Seeing the distinction
between peoples accounts of normal jobs and entrepreneurial jobs tested what is to be
expected in the workforce and my idea of what I want out of my own career. I learned
from these numerous accounts that my options upon graduation are limitless and these
stories reinforce that I may not end up doing what I expected or find the perfect job right
away. Some of the attitudes towards work I could relate to and others I could see possibly
having someday while some approaches I viewed as reasonable but could never
personally entertain, giving me a clearer sense on how I view work and why I will do
what I do. Nevertheless, I should keep these attitudes in mind throughout my job search
and career to give me motivation to stick with finding something I enjoy to do and focus
on doing what I can to be a great employee.

Iaccarino, Greg. UW-Madison. Helen C. White Hall, Madison, WI. 19 Feb. 2014. Guest
Speaker.

Greg Iaccarino, a career and internship advisor at UW-Madison, came in to explain to the
class the many opportunities available to us to find advisement on job seeking, gave
advice for interviews, and the instructed us how to make the best possible rsum and
cover letter, all with an encouraging and persevering attitude that I found infectious.
From his experience in searching for jobs, submitting rsums, and having interviews the
class gained knowledge of actual events that then can be learned from and applied to our
own job search. Greg gave us many outlets, like BuckyNet and the Letters & Sciences
website, to find connections and jobs as well as templates and instructions on different
aspects of rsums and cover letters that showcase a job searchers skills the best that
may ultimately give one a better chance of getting a job. He even gave advice on when
we finally land an interview, suggesting different things to bring to one, what questions
we should expect, and what knowledge about the company and job we should be familiar
going into the interview. Overall, having Greg come speak to our class was beneficial in
that he not only gave me confidence in the aspects of my rsum and cover letter that I
have but also gave me a places to go to for help on them as well as how to best prepare
for an interview. Having him present also made me recognize his passion for what he
does and I strive to have the same passion for what I do and hopefully be able to give
back to the community and inspire others through an infectious enthusiasm and being
successful in my work. Even if I can relay such passion through a piece of writing, I feel
like I made an effective effort to demonstrate a love for what I do in addition to doing my
job.

Janik, Erika. UW-Madison. Helen C. White Hall, Madison, WI. 26 March 2014. Guest Speaker.

Erika Janik, a writer, historian, executive producer and editor of Wisconsin Life at
Wisconsin Public Radio, spoke to our class about freelance writing and what lessons we
can learn from the experience. She went in-depth on the process of freelance writing,
such as coming up with an idea, finding a market for the story, writing a query letter, and
the waiting and publication period. Interspersed throughout this process, though, were
some helpful hints for any future professional, regardless if they decide to go into
freelance writing or not. Janik related from her own experiences that she learned what to
do in writing through mistakes and to write about things that interest you. Inspiration can
come from numerous places but the difficult part is turning this idea into a story. A good
story is unique, surprising and useful, has conflict, and provides relatable characters and a
message for the readers, according to Janik. She then concluded her lecture with the
advice to be prepared for public speaking and that it takes time to be good at it and that
skills as a writer and critical thinking are often more important than technical skills. Her
advice and description of freelance writing have proven to be beneficial for me because,
even though I do not plan on going into freelancing, the writing advice is applicable to
many other fields that require writing. Janiks requirements for a good story also relate to
any other kind of writing because they, too, need to have some sort of point to them to
keep the reader reading. As well, she encouraged to find what our skills are and what
excites us to write a good story. With that in mind, that kind of enthusiasm and self-
reflection is required to find and stick with a job I enjoy, so this sort of advice has stuck
with me from her visit. Whether the writing I do in my future job is creative or strictly
professional, Janik provided me with a good outline to follow in order to produce an
effective piece of work. From her obvious passion for what she does and lack of regret of
the mistakes she may have gone influences me to not be so worried about my future and
with enough perseverance, trust in my instincts, and willingness to learn, I too may be
able to find my niche in the workforce.

The Job Outlook for the Class of 2014. Bethlehem, PA: National Association of Colleges and
Employers. Print.

The Job Outlook for the Class of 2014 provides an excellent overview of the workforce
students can expect to go into upon graduating in an optimistic light. It covers areas like
the top majors in business, engineering, communications, science, and liberal arts and
who is hiring those in these majors. With information covering common benefits recent
graduates may expect, who employers are looking to hire, and common attributes
employers look for, the piece gives off a positive feel for the reader. This positive feeling
grows with the thorough explanation of the skills and attributes many college students
will graduate with and the last section that offers advice on gaining experience and
interviews provides students with suggestions that will overall better their chances to get
hired upon graduation as well as give them confidence in their experiences when looking
for jobs. After reading many works that explain how difficult it is going to be to find a
job, seeing this piece was reassuring as it seems to be one of the rare writings that
actually looks upon entering the workforce as a good thing rather than with a sense of
impending doom other articles about entering the workforce give college students. The
section that gave advice in searching and preparing for work after graduation was helpful
to point out what I still need to do to become a stand-out job candidate and even though
English and digital studies were not listed as any of the top majors, seeing the other
majors employers are interested in and noting the connections my major and certificate
has to the top majors gives me confidence that I can find a job within my field from the
skills I have gained and continue to refine in school and work.

Klinkenborg, Verlyn. "The Decline and Fall of the English Major." The New York Times. The
New York Times, 22 June 2013. Web. 28 Feb. 2014.

In The Decline and Fall of the English Major Klinkenborg presents the journey of the
English major over time, the reasons behind it, and why it is as important as it is (even if
it may not be commonly known). She mentions that about twenty years ago English had
been a popular major only to be replaced nowadays by majors like economics that are
deemed more worthwhile and will give college graduates a better chance of getting a job.
However, though it may not seem as evident as majors like business and engineering,
English is an important major that offers maybe not a set job after graduation, but rather a
plethora of jobs due to its acquired skills applicable to many fields. These skills include
clear thinking, clear writing and a lifelong engagement with literature, making it a
valuable major to future employers as well as yourself. Klinkenborg concludes her article
by stating, No one has found a way to put a dollar sign on this kind of literacy, and I
doubt anyone ever will. But everyone who possesses itno matter how or when it was
acquiredknows that it is a rare and precious inheritance. I find this article and the last
quote particularly comforting. It has given me confidence in studying a major that may
not at first seem very valuable and has helped me realize the skills I have acquired
actually pertain to real world jobs in a variety of ways, skills that I may not have gained if
I had not majored in English. So now I am reassured that studying a topic that I enjoy is
worth my time as well as gives me plenty of opportunities to explore different kinds of
jobs in various fields, keeping my options open and a better chance to find a job I love.

Mehring, Adam. UW-Madison. Helen C. White Hall, Madison, WI. 2 April 2014. Guest
Speaker.

Managing editor Adam Mehring walked our class through the copyediting and
publication process at UW-Press. He first explained the types of books they publish there,
aiming to distribute books like academic texts and other works that are closely related to
Wisconsin life. After clarifying the type of place he worked at, Mehring delved into the
progression a book makes in order to become published. An acquiring editor refines the
project and the managing editor oversees the copyediting and proofreading while the
author is responsible for the books content. As a managing editor, Mehring described the
important style guides he uses as references for editing works and what rules he abides
by. He stressed the guideline of enforcing consistency in regards to the style guides he
uses most as well as to respect the writer when editing, keeping in mind that it is their
work and not your own. Having Mehring speak to our English 317 class was inspiring in
that it gave me an idea of what I may like to do upon graduation. Editing is a field I can
see myself in and not only did Mehring make it seem more appealing but he also pointed
out that attention to detail and having design sense are important characteristics of an
editor. These features are ones I know I have and enjoy putting to use so this speaker
gave me even more encouragement to possibly seek out editing jobs in the future.

Peterson, Sarah. UW-Madison. Helen C. White Hall, Madison, WI. 5 Feb. 2014. Guest Speaker.

Attorney Sarah Peterson spoke to English 317 about her professional experience with
writing. After learning her background within law, she further explained how she uses
numerous forms of writing for many different people. Peterson delved into the formality,
tone, and word choice needed from the grievant to the Preliminary Review Committee as
well as what is expected within her own workplace, such as her bosss writing
preferences and communicating with coworkers through email. She even gave advice for
todays graduates when applying for jobs and choosing a career. For me, Petersons
description of writing in her work situation provided one specific example of the kind of
workplace writing process Brandt describes in Writing for a Living. Also having her bits
of advice was reassuring, learning that our current decided career path might change and
that it is okay if it does, what might be expected of my own professional writing
someday, and that I may have the ability to develop different styles of writing. From
enrolling in English 317, I know I am capable of professional writing and, even though I
have not done much professional writing until this semester, I learned from my final
project that I was able to take my previous writing style and adapt it to a professional
setting.

Shekerjian, Denise G. Uncommon Genius: How Great Ideas Are Born. New York: Viking, 1990:
xi-xvii, 83-98. Print.

Give man a purpose, and he will go forward, again and again, heartily, steadily, and
creatively are some inspiring words found in Shekerjians book in which she illustrates
the importance of investing your work (84). This opening quote reflects the overall
impression gained from her piece in which she explores the history of the MacArthur
Award and the creativity such an award funds. Through examples of those who do
creative work, readers can see what type of work style, influence, and passion each
person uses in their career. John D. MacArthur persevered in his work to build an empire,
Lester Brown shows concern about our planets condition, Patrick Noonan strives to
preserve nature and protect it for public use, and Roger Payne studies the behavior of
whales and seeks to preserve them. All of these people have succeeded in using a creative
outlook to obtain their goals and Shekerjian stresses the importance of creativity in the
workplace. Towards the end of the selected reading she writes, Limit yourself to your
own private world and youve limited your creativity by worrying about how to protect
what youve got and how to get what youre missing (96). These words I find inspiring
as it encourages me to not be complacent in my career. Instead, I endeavor to reach for a
job that I not only enjoy but has the possibility of being beneficial to people and finding
happiness in knowing that I am helping to create it. Though I do not know what I want to
do after graduating, having this insight will help me keep me on the right path for me and
give me focus when entering the professional workplace.

Wexler, Sarah Z. "Can Old Editors Master Young Technology?" Creative Nonfiction Winter
2011: 6-9. Print.

Sarah Z. Wexler manages to relate to her audience how technology is pervading into the
workplace, an infusion that requires necessary change for workers all around. She uses
examples from her previous work experiences to show readers the importance of
technologys role in magazine companies. However, these experiences highlight how
previous generations of workers in the magazine field, those now heading and having
significant roles in the companies, are having trouble coming to terms with how
technologyspecifically websites and social mediahas become such a monumental
part of their work field. Wexler concludes her article by stating, I agree that the younger
crop needs to gain insight and guidance from the industry-savvy old guard, but
technology has made this less of a one-way street: Now those more experience editors
also have some things to learn, from SEO to how to Tweet, making it evident that no
matter how long you have been in any industry, you still have something to learn (9).
What I found helpful about this article was the note that new and improved technology is
always going to be permeating the workplace. I decided on pursuing a certificate in
Digital Studies for this reason, recognizing that knowledge about different kinds of
digital learning will be to my advantage when entering my professional career as it has
such a monumental role already. Wexlers article also points out how, though I may be
ahead now learning about different kinds of technology, society is going to continue to
advance and I am going to have to do my part in keeping up-to-date on the technology
that will be used in my career field.