Opinion: The Underrated Importance of Email

Email often gets a bad reputation — cold, formal, and, at times, painfully passive-aggressive. Yet, it’s an essential tool designed to simplify communication, not complicate it. If you’ve ever dealt with someone in a group project who doesn’t check their email or leaves 1,000 unread messages in their inbox, you’ve seen firsthand how this reluctance impacts productivity.

Whether you’re a student navigating college, a job seeker, or a professional, email is inescapable. The good news? Becoming comfortable with email can make your life significantly easier. Unfortunately, many people never learn this skill, and its importance is rarely emphasized in high school curriculums.

Why Email Skills Matter

Email is a cornerstone of professional communication. It’s how you build relationships, apply for jobs, and collaborate. Meagan Baker, a career coach, highlights the challenge: “There are unspoken rules that dictate how you should use the system. Learning those is important so you don’t accidentally convey the wrong message.”

Professor Adam Schrag notes that students often struggle to strike the right tone — coming across as either too formal or overly casual. This discomfort stems from a lack of instruction during formative years.

“We spend years learning formal writing in high school, but not the practical skills like emailing,” Schrag explains. “This can make professional emails feel awkward or intimidating.”

The Case for Email Education

Imagine dedicating a week or two in high school to mastering email. Students could learn not just the technical structure but also practice real-world scenarios like reaching out to professors, responding to colleagues, or scheduling meetings.

Email is more than just writing clearly; it’s about being timely, proactive, and respectful of others’ schedules. As Baker says, “Strong email skills show you care about the other person’s time and build your reputation as a reliable communicator.”

A Vital Career Skill

In most careers, email is unavoidable. Being a competent emailer can set you apart, ensuring your message is clear and timely. Job applications, interview follow-ups, and workplace interactions often hinge on this simple yet impactful tool.

For introverts, email can also be a less intimidating way to communicate. Graduate student Ya-Chi Huang notes, “Email is a friendly way to communicate, especially for those less comfortable with face-to-face interactions.”

Let’s Teach Email Early

Clear communication is a skill everyone needs. By teaching email in high school, we prepare students for success in college and beyond. Email doesn’t have to be daunting — with practice, it can become a powerful tool for connection and growth.

Now, go check your inbox.