You don't have to write like a journalist to be successful in most careers. But it helps, actually.
Being able to communicate thoughts in writing--briefly and clearly--is a handy skill no matter what the job.
Professional journalist Mary-Kate Mackey, who taught at the University of Oregon, packages up some ideas on how to deliver punchy prose in her book Write Better Right Now: The Reluctant Writer's Guide to Confident Communication and Self-Assured Style.
That subtitle tells it all: even if you are reluctant to write, knowing how can only help. The author visits with highlights.