REal-world focus

Within Mercer's Technical Communication department, we place great emphasis on real-world experience. For example, it is not enough to teach students about usability, we believe students must conduct a usability study on their own to be truly prepared to tackle such tasks after graduating from Mercer. This belief guides all of our courses as we strive to provide a level of realism in each course.

We accomplish this through not only assigning students real tasks, but also assigning them real clients. Because students are working for an actual client, rather than for merely a grade, performance is enhanced leading to a win-win situation for both the student and the client. The client receives a needed service while the student gains valuable experience.

Students react positively to this method of teaching as they can no longer pose the question, "When will I ever use this?" when learning a concept. They see the benefits of planning and teamwork firsthand and are exposed to real-world issues such as cost, deadlines, and ethics, making them valuable employees following graduation.

In addition to incorporating real tasks and real clients into class projects, the department has developed a highly reputable internship program, designed to maximize student learning. Students intern for twelve weeks within a full-time position, keeping an internship journal throughout to capture both personal and professional growth. Final deliverables following the internship include a portfolio, a final report, and an oral presentation.