Can you write?
During my first job interview in the US in 2000, one of the questions I was asked was if I could write a report.
(I had just completed a masters degree in Sociology from a US university).
In my second and other job interviews, I was asked if I could write a report.
(I was in a PhD program in the Education department with a major in research design).
In 2004, I opened a research & evaluation company. A few of my clients asked if I could write a report.
Yes, I can write a report. I write almost everyday.
Even after being partially educated in the US, having written multiple papers, journal articles, book chapters, and evaluation reports, I do get that question – albeit, occasionally.
I just chuckle.
I may not have what one may call perfect “American” English or writing skills but I can assure you that all my clients will always receive a decent report.
Honestly, to this day, my reports are not error free—they probably will never be because English will always remain my second language. The grammar I was taught and the way it was taught were quite different. There are and will be a few missed punctuation marks, maybe an awkward sentence or two too, but the content will always be meaningful, facts-based, objectively written, and stakeholder-oriented.
For someone who was often asked if they could write a report—here’s to celebrating 🥳 our 300th evaluation report at MNA.
