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If you're considering taking Professional Communication as your next elective, here's my honest take after completing the course.

Let me start by saying this isn't a "sit back and relax" kind of class. The workload is a bit heavy, especially when it comes to readings. You'll be going through multiple articles and book chapters each week, and at first, it can feel overwhelming—I remember staring at my syllabus in Week 1 wondering how I'd keep up. But here's the thing: "the effort pays off". By the end, I went from having no clue about professional communication to actually feeling confident in my skills.

The Good (Really Good):

- Practical Skills You’ll Actually Use: This course doesn’t just throw theory at you. I learned how to structure an interview, deliver a polished presentation, and navigate group collaboration smoothly—skills I’ve already applied in other classes and even a recent internship.

- Vocabulary Boost: I now have at least 50+ professional communication terms in my toolkit. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’ve helped me sound more articulate in meetings and emails.

- Learning from Peers: The forum discussions were surprisingly valuable. Reading other students’ posts exposed me to new perspectives and even better ways to structure my own communication. It was like a constant, low-pressure brainstorming session.

The Bad (Be Prepared):

- Time-Consuming Readings: If you’re not a fast reader, this will eat into your schedule. Skimming strategically and focusing on key takeaways helped.  

- Steep Initial Learning Curve: The first few weeks felt like drinking from a firehose. If you’re new to professional communication, expect a period of adjustment.   

Was It Worth It? 

Absolutely. The growth I experienced was tangible—I went from fumbling through presentations to delivering them with structure and confidence. The workload is no joke, but if you’re willing to put in the time, you’ll walk away with skills that translate far beyond the classroom.

Final Advice:

- Start readings early—they’re dense, but they build the foundation for everything else.

- Engage in the forums actively. You’ll learn as much from your peers as from the lectures.

- Practice the techniques in real life. Try out interview prep or presentation tips in low-stakes settings first.

If you’re looking for an easy A, this might not be the class for you. But if you want to actually improve your communication skills in a way that’ll help you in your career? 100% take it. 

Pro Tip: Start assignments early and form a study group. You’ll thank yourself later!   
419 words 
s230034050@mail.uic.edu.cn

Haoqing WANG (Evan)  Tue, 20 May 2025, 9:20 AM

What is good?
This course stands out for its practical, real-world focus, teaching indispensable skills like resume writing, interview preparation, persuasive communication, and cross-cultural understanding. The instructor’s humor and engaging teaching style (e.g., acting out scenarios) made complex concepts accessible and enjoyable. Collaborative activities, such as mock interviews and team challenges, provided hands-on learning and fostered teamwork.

What is bad?
The lack of a final exam shifted pressure to regular assignments, which could feel overwhelming for procrastinators. Some foundational concepts (e.g., communication theory or information transmission) were challenging for first-time learners, requiring extra effort to grasp.

Workload
The workload is consistent but manageable, with weekly tasks like reflections, group projects, and presentations. However, the absence of exams meant deadlines clustered periodically, creating short-term stress spikes.

Timing
Class schedules were well-organized, with no unusual or inconvenient timings. Sessions were structured to balance theory, practice, and discussion effectively.

Most fun
The mock interview simulation was a highlight, allowing students to experience both interviewer and interviewee roles. The instructor’s humorous role-plays also kept classes lively.

Hardest part
Mastering the nuances of effective information transmission—understanding how language barriers and misinterpretations arise—was initially tough but ultimately rewarding.

Worth it?
Absolutely. The course builds confidence in professional communication, adaptability, and collaboration—skills applicable across careers and daily life.

Recommend?

Yes, wholeheartedly. Whether for resume-building, interview skills, or becoming a clearer communicator, this course offers tangible value in an engaging format.

q030031183@mail.uic.edu.cn

 236 words

s230018105@mail.uic.edu.cn

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