From University Writing to Workplace Writing: The Case of Social Work Graduates at the University of Botswana

Abstract

This is a case study of social work students’ initial experiences with professional writing. The paper addresses the issue of academic writing with special attention to the types of documents written by social work students on their fieldwork placements using twelve students who volunteered to be interviewed. Their views are that their academic writing differs according to the preferences of their individual lecturers rather than the requirement of the work situation. We recommend that in these difficult times when graduates globally are faced with employability challenges, university writing courses be aligned to the demands of their prospective employer.

Key words: social work; employability, graduate attributes, professional writing, academic writing, feedback.