4-H Careers & Entrepreneurship

Writing shows up in many settings, from college essays, scholarships, awards and contests, to every-day communication like e-mails, texts and documents. No matter the type of writing sample, these tips can help build your writing success.

• Know the details. It is important to understand who you are writing to (your audience), the purpose of your writing, when the writing is due and how it needs to be submitted.
• Research or plan for the topic or opportunity. Use accurate information. If writing for admission into a program, be able to answer why this is the right program or school for you. If writing for a contest or award, what do you know that makes you ideal for winning the contest or getting the award? Brainstorm before you write by putting all your ideas on one paper or doing a word map or cloud of all your ideas. Build from this starting point.
• Personalize the writing. Tailor the writing to the purpose and audience. Be authentic. Use your own words, not artificial intelligence (AI) to do your writing. Many organizations and universities use software to detect the use of AI. Show the reader, rather than just tell, through the use of descriptive language and vivid details. In most cases, it is beneficial to include personal and realistic examples from your life.
• Open with energy. This could be through the use of a question, quote, bold statement or descriptive scene. You want to bring the reader in from the start and let them know where the writing is going.
• Avoid cliches. If someone can finish your sentence in your writing, chances are it is a cliché. Cliches do not add to your writing. The writing can seem vague and impersonal. Especially in the case of limited word counts for a piece of writing, avoid cliches to allow yourself to use words to their best impact.
• End with a punch. Wrap up with a summary that reminds the reader of your key points. Consider the questions of “so what?” and “why should anyone care?” to help frame the conclusion. Refer back to the introduction fact, quote or scenario to tie back to your opening. Avoid words such as “in conclusion,” “in summary,” or “in closing” in your writing, as they are unnecessary and repetitive.
• Review, re-write. Have multiple trusted people review your writing and re-write based on their feedback. Make sure the writing is still in your voice and your words, even if utilizing edits from others. You can also read your own writing out loud. With that process, you can hear where you repeat yourself or where wording is clumsy.
• Follow the guidelines. Is there a minimum or maximum number of words? What is the submission process? Do you attach the writing? Email it? Paste into a system? What is the deadline for submission? Have you answered all parts of the question?

The best way to build your skills in writing is to practice. Enter writing contests such as the ones that Michigan 4-H or other community organizations offer. Submit articles for county or club newsletters. Publish a blog or apply for scholarships or awards.

Your writing is seen as a sample of how you can communicate with others. Using a process and steps to get from the start to the submission of your writing can build not only your confidence as a writer, but also the quality of your writing.

Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. As a result of career exploration and workforce preparation activities, thousands of Michigan youth are better equipped to make important decisions about their professional future, ready to contribute to the workforce and able to take fiscal responsibility in their personal lives. For more information or resources on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education or entrepreneurship, contact 4-HCareerPrep@msu.edu.