comma after introductory phrase [preposition; serial c.]: Over the...

[KenB]

How would I properly punctuate/create this sentence, from a cover letter, that contains multiple componets?
Thanks!

Over the course of my career, I have held increasingly responsible software development roles including systems analyst, business analyst, and project manager.

 

[Dimcl]

I'm not sure what your question is, KenB. The punctuation that you have used is only questionable as to whether a comma should be used after "career". Some would use one, some wouldn't. Some folks would use a comma after "analyst", some wouldn't. Personally, I would use exactly the punctuation you have used.

 

[felicity09]

I agree with Dimcl.

 

[KenB]

Thank you so much!

 

[MichaelW]

I think I would remove the two commas that aren't necessary

Over the course of my career I have held increasingly responsible software development roles including systems analyst, business analyst and project manager.

For a longer list of roles I might put a colon after "including" and semicolons after each item, but with only three roles it isn't necessary.

 

[KenB]

Thanks everyone, I should have been more clear in my question, this is my very first post. My sticking points were:

1) Should I put a comma after "Over the course of my career"? The potential answers I see are:
- Yes, because it is a "long" introductory phrase.
- No, because even though it is an introductory phrase it is highly correlated to the rest of the sentence.

2) Should I put a comma after the word "roles".
- Yes, because it seems like a point for a pause.
- No, although it seems like a point for a pause, it is not needed there.

3) Should I put a colon after the "including"?
- Yes, to introduce the list.
- No, because the word "including" introduces the list.

I like the responses very much. You guys are great!

Ken