This document summarizes the key learnings from a professional writing course. The author learned how to write an effective internal proposal, requiring significant research and addressing potential questions and concerns. Through writing her own proposal, she practiced the creative and revision processes. Proposals are important for growing businesses and introducing new ideas to leadership. Applying these skills, the author plans to propose fresh ideas to modernize her family's 40-year old business, helping it to flourish against competitors through well-researched proposals that answer questions preemptively.

1. Final Reflection
Professional Writing ENC 3250
Emily Evenson

2. Takeaways Since The Midterm
• The most impacting knowledge I gained since
the midterm, would be how to write a formal
internal proposal. Requesting a large sum of
money to fund a new program or idea takes a
significant amount of research and persuasion.
To make the proposal successful, the writer must
be prepared for and consider all directions of
questions, concerns and rebuttals that could be
thrown at their idea.

3. What Made it Stick?
• By writing my personal new program proposal, I
was able to replicate the creative thinking and
extensive research process that goes into a
formal internal report. I went through the trials
and tribulations of writing drafts, revising and
then editing again to improve my clarity and
professional tone. I also spent a decent amount
of time outlining my approach and viewing my
proposal from every possible audience. I had to
play the role of “fortune teller” to have relevant
questions already addressed in the proposal.

4. Why Does it Matter?
• Proposals are an extremely important
component in the business world. In order to
grow in a competitive industry, changes will be
inevitable. With proposals, individuals can
effectively and professionally present their fresh
ideas to higher authorities. Essentially,
proposals can be considered as the lowest but
most important building blocks needed to
expand a company into new avenues.

5. Applications to My Future
• In the family business, I am seen as the “light of change” in a company
that has been operating for 40 years. Being the youngest employee and
the only one receiving a college education, it is expected that I will bring
many fresh ideas to the table. The only way our business will flourish
and reign above competitors, is if we accept change. However,
presenting new ideas to the “elders” of the business (my father and two
uncles) has provided a challenge. The three of them are traditional and
set in their ways, as they have been for decades. With my new
knowledge of proposals, I can present changes in a positive and clear
manner, that will answer each of their questions before they can even
ask them. I can provide budgets, benefits, revenues, timelines and so
forth. I will grow as a leader and business woman as I prepare these
proposals because of the time and research put in, as well as my
authority as a contributing owner.