personal statement examples for global development

International Development Personal Statement (Ultimate Guide)

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When applying for a university degree or a job in international development, your personal statement is one of the most important parts of the application.

Your personal statement gives you a chance to explain your reasons for wanting to work in or study international development, and so getting it right can be crucial to progressing in your development career. With that said, what are the key things to include in an international development personal statement?

A personal statement for an international development job or course should show why you want to work in development, that you have the skills the sector needs and that you’re aware of the major trends in international development. You also should include previous work experience and study, and show your interest in current global events.

But with university degrees and international development job applications giving only limited space for your personal statement, how best are you to a personal statement for the strongest application possible?

Show Why You Want to Work in International Development

Whether for an application for a university degree in international development, or for a job in the humanitarian and development sector, your personal statement needs to highlight why you are motivated to work assisting people affected by poverty, war and disasters.

Ensure your motivations for wanting to study or work in international development are personal to you, and are made clear in your statement.

Reflect on genuine experiences and your own thoughts around how international development can improve the world for the most vulnerable. Focus on why these motivate you to work in international in your personal statement.

As well as making clear your personal motivations for wanting to study or work in international development in your personal statement, is it also important to highlight your longer-term career aims. Demonstrate your immediate, mid-term and eventual international development career goals in your personal statement.

Focus on broad international development areas, as well as macro issues that specifically interest you, such as humanitarian aid, development, the environment or global health. Your international development personal statement should show your commitment to long-term study or work in the development and humanitarian industries.

Alongside showing your motivation and career goals for international development, your personal statement needs to be focused on specific jobs, functions and areas of international development that interest you.

Where-as before you detailed the broad areas of international development you are interested in, your personal statement also needs to include details.

Although you can list specific international development roles or further study you are aiming for, your personal statement can explain how functions such as ‘humanitarian logistics’, ‘renewable energy research’ or ‘community development’ are you aims.

By including specifics goals in your personal statement, it shows your knowledge of the of the international development industry as well as why the course or job you are applying for will help you get there.

International Development Online Courses

If you are looking to study or work in international development, taking an online short course can be a great way to boost your application. We highly recommend the course Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 . It looks at the current international development model as well as the trends that will be key to global development in the near future. Follow the link to the course’s page for more information.

We also think the online course Sustainable Development in the 21st Century by Yonsei University to be one of the best for those interested in international development. Delivered by former UN Secretary General Ban-ki Moon, the online course would be a great addition to the personal statement of anyone looking to study or work in international development. The link is to the course’s page.

If you are interested in the practical methods used on international development projects, we recommend the online course How To Design & Fund International Development NGO Projects. The course teaches students the tools needed to establish and run impactful development projects. Click the link to visit the course’s page for more information.

Demonstrate You Have the Skills for International Development

International development is a competitive industry. When applying for jobs or study, it is important your personal statement shows you have the skills required for international development work.

There are several crucial skills relevant to international development that your personal statement should demonstrate and the first is being able to face challenges. Jobs and research in international development often require working in difficult and remote locations abroad for extended periods of time, whilst solving complex local, and global, issues.

Be sure to demonstrate how you have overcome challenges in your personal statement for international development.

Another key skill needed in the international development industry you should show through your personal statement is being organised. As with showing how you overcome challenges, be sure to give good examples of times where you have used personal organisation and team work to achieve aims in your personal statement.

Ideally, make the examples as relevant to international development work as possible, and avoid simply stating you have good organisation skills – detail a time you used those skills to achieve a result. You can include a number of short anecdotes in your international development personal statement to show you have the skills the industry needs.

Problem solving is also a very important skill to have when working in or conducting research for international development.

Your personal statement for international development courses or jobs should explore how you have overcome problems by giving strong examples. As before, the example of your problem-solving skills in your personal statement should be as closely related to international development as possible.

However, if you are applying for a bachelor’s degree and/or don’t have any experience, highlight that you know problem solving and other skills are needed in international development and then demonstrate your skills through a different example. Doing this also helps your personal statement to show you have a good understanding of skills needed in the international development industry. 

The final skill you should show in your international development personal statement is working with people from other cultures and backgrounds.

International development work and university courses are made up of people from all over the world. It is important to show in your personal statement that you can work well with different people. Make sure you highlight you understand this is a key part of international development work in your personal statement through actual examples and demonstrate times you have worked in a multi-cultural team taking ideas from many different world views.

Show an Understanding of International Development

When writing a personal statement for an international development job or university degree, it is important to show that you have researched and have a good understanding of the industry.

Firstly, your personal statement should demonstrate you know the current big trends in international development. Make sure you are following some major international development organisations and reading some of the latest books and articles.

By including reference to the current international development trends that are relevant to your area of interest in your personal statement you are showing you understand the international development industry.

As well as including reference to some the major longer-term trends in international development in your personal statement, it is also important to reference important current events relevant to aid and development.

Global events have a major impact on international development work and it is important your personal statement explains how you see these events affect the industry and your choice of work or study. Exploring current events and their impact on international development in your personal statement is a good way to show your understanding the development industry.

Another good way to show that you understand international development work in your personal statement is to include reference to the major organisations, donors and key figures in the development industry. Link this to the specific job or course you are applying for, but including details of relevant actors in the development industry is a good way to show your international development knowledge in your personal statement.

Ensure you have done thorough research on the organisation, course and high-level staff where you are applying for and include this in your international development personal statement.

A final area of skills it is important to demonstrate when writing a personal statement for international development work or study is computer skills. Like all modern industries, international development professionals need to be skilled in using programmes such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access.

Be sure to clearly state your computer competencies in your international development personal statement.  If you have additional tech or computer skills, include these too, as international development work and courses can use a wide range of technologies.

Detail Your Relevant International Development Experiences

Your personal statement for an international development job or university degree should highlight the relevant experiences you have completed related to the development industry. There are several ways your personal statement can this.

Firstly, include any international development work experience you have. This can be previous international development jobs or internships if you have completed them. If not, include relevant jobs as way to demonstrate the key skills relevant to the international development industry as discussed above.

As well as detailing any professional international development or related work experience you have in your personal statement, it is good to include volunteering experience related to international development.

Many people interested in a career in the development sector complete short-term volunteer trips around the world to gain experience. However, be sure to volunteer with a reputable volunteer agency and do your research.

Although international development volunteering can be good on your personal statement, the development industry is turning away from ‘volutourism’.

Another important aspect to include in your international development personal statement is any volunteering you have done locally. Don’t feel that you need to volunteer abroad to get relevant international development experience.

Actually, volunteering locally, especially with groups working with refugees and migrants in your home community can, be really beneficial for your international development personal statement. Be sure to also include any volunteering you have done even if it is not directly related to international development, as this can also show a lot of the attitudes and skilled needed for development work.

Connect Your Previous Study to International Development

If you’re applying for a degree or job in international development and writing a personal statement, you should include details of your previous studies.

Firstly, include any previous university courses you have done in your personal statement. Including university degrees in your personal statement can show your dedication to working or further study in the development field, as well as your ability to apply yourself to rigorous research.

Ideally your previous study was relevant to international development. If not, still include them, as they show your level of academic qualifications.

Another good area of previous study to include in your personal statement for international development is any short or online courses you have completed.

There are a large number of development organisations providing quality courses in a wide range of development fields and taking these is a great way to gain a strong understanding of international development. Taking online and short courses to include in your personal statement also shows your dedication to development work. Including online and short courses in your personal statement can be especially good if your previous university degree was not in a subject related to international development.

When including your studies in your personal statement, it is important to show what you have learnt and how it applies to international development.

Avoid simply listing qualifications and short courses. Rather, describe how these have informed your understanding of international development in your personal statement.

It is also good to show how your studies have encouraged you to work in international development, as well as how they have influenced your choices of specific development areas. Your personal statement could also include how your studies have changed your view of development work and international development issues.

Engage with World Events and International Development

International development work, study and research is highly influenced by current world events.

When writing a personal statement for international development, be sure to convey your knowledge and understanding of what is happening globally. Showing you are engaged with the world is crucial to international development so your personal statement needs to demonstrate this.

It is also important your personal statement links current events directly to international development work. It can be good to show in your personal statement how world events have influenced your choice to work in or study international development.

Another good way to show your understanding of the world and engagement in international development in your personal statement is including your travels.

Although you should include any volunteer trips, it can also be beneficial to include personal trips you have made in your statement. Crucially, link these to development work and explain how they have influenced your understanding of the world and global development.

You do not need to have travelled to developing countries, including your own explorations and how they have influenced your thinking around development can demonstrate an engagement with the world in your personal statement.

A good point to ensure is included in your international development personal statement is your engagement with news media and journalism. As it is important to show your understanding of current world events in your international development personal statement, so ensure you include how and where you learn about world events.

Convey that digesting news and keeping informed of events, especially is areas of the world less covered by mainstream media, is important to you. This can be important in a personal statement for international development.

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How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 102,983 views

A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.

If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.

Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What is a personal statement?
• Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
• How to write a personal statement for masters
• Personal statement for masters sample
• Examples of personal statement for masters
• Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters

Read:  Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.

A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.

The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.

Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.

2. Plan Ahead

A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.

Let us throw more light on this…

For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.

In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.

No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.

3. Research Your Program Of Study

Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.

And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.

From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.

Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.

A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.

5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement

Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.

We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.

On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.

6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications

One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.

All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.

And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.

Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.

Check out:  How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.

If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.

There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:

1. Planning A Personal Statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.

Before You Start:

Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.

Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.

Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.

Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.

When Writing:

When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:

• Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
• How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
• How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
• What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
• How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?

On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

• Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
• How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
• How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.

We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…

My past educational experiences have always…

You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.

The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.

When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:  

• Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
• Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
• Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
• Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
• Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
• Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
• Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
• Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.

For Formatting:

• Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
• Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
• Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
• Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.

Language and tone to use:     

• The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
• Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
• Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
• Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
• Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.

Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.

To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.

Personal Statement PDF

You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.

While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.

1. msw personal statement

We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management .  , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement

7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy

8. business administration personal statement personal statement for masters in business administration

9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf masters degree personal statement examples for cyber security

10. personal statement for masters in finance msc finance personal statement examples

11. statement of purpose for masters in information technology pdf msc personal statement examples for information technology

12. international development personal statement statement of purpose for masters example

13. msc international business management personal statement international business management personal statement examples

14. computer science masters personal statement

statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf

15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics

16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration    

Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: •    Avoid negativity. •    Following an online template blindly. •    Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. •    Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. •    Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. •    Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. •    Do not make pleading statements. •    Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. •    Avoid using sentences that are too long. •    Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. •    Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. •    Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. •    Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.  

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How to Write a Great Personal Statement for the Global MPH

May 15, 2019

Imperial College London’s School of Public Health is renowned for conducting world-class research on today’s most pressing public health issues. No matter how compelling your research findings are, it is essential to communicate them clearly in order to promote positive change.

The same principle applies to your personal statement for the Global Master of Public Health (MPH) program . This personal statement is a chance to make the case that you belong at Imperial. Making that case clearly and effectively can be as important as your academic and professional qualifications.

Many students get anxious about this portion of the application, or worry that their writing skills aren’t up to the task. Our advice? Don’t panic!

You don’t have to be an outstanding writer to craft a great personal statement. Your task is to provide Imperial’s reviewers with the information they’re looking for in 1500 words or less. Let’s break the key points down into three specific areas: your past, present, and future.

1. Past: your background in public health

Start by introducing yourself. You’ve already provided a CV with your application, so this is an opportunity to put your experience in context. Tell us how and why you became interested in public health, the skills you’ve developed, and what you’re most proud of in your studies and career. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through!  

Key points:

• Previous academic and professional experience
• Relevant exposures to public health related work and research
• Areas of interest in healthcare and why they interest you

Examples from the MPH Class of 2018-19:

“Throughout my years at University and recent postgraduate studies, I have worked in a pharmacy as a pharmacy/ dispensing assistant, in both community and hospital settings with the latter being involved with cancer clinical trials. These roles have greatly advanced my knowledge of patient care, different treatment options and health awareness strategies within the NHS and local CCGs.”

“I worked on a retrospective study to examine the trends and outcomes of aortic valve replacements performed on veterans from 2005 to 2015. Prior coursework in statistics equipped me to interpret data analyses. I co-authored two abstracts. I often considered how researchers contribute towards reducing health inequities in specific populations.”

2. Present: why you are applying to the Imperial College MPH

After you’ve introduced yourself, explain your motivation for your application. What is driving you to take your career in public health to the next level, and why is the Imperial Online MPH right for you? Make a compelling case why you are applying to this program, specifically, and why now is the right time.

• Your motivation for your professional and/or research career in public health
• Why you are applying for the Online MPH program, specifically

Examples from MPH Class of 2018-19:

“My healthcare background has given me the drive to move my career from disease treatment to increasing awareness of disease prevention. With an increasing life expectancy and an uncertain national healthcare budget, prevention of poor health from preventable diseases has never been more imperative.”

“I am particularly interested in studying at Imperial College London due to its Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, as the research areas of the unit match my own areas of interest for future research which include big healthcare data, healthcare access and health policy; within these areas I have an interest in mental health, cancer and primary and secondary care.”

3. Future: goals for your research at Imperial and your career beyond graduation

Finally, show that you have a specific vision for your time at Imperial and your post-MPH career. Include a short proposal (150 words or less) for a research project that you would be interested in carrying out as part of your dissertation over approximately a three month period. This gives the team more of an idea of your research interests and motivation to undertake the online Global MPH program. If you are accepted, you will not be required to carry out the proposal from your application. If you’d like to pursue the proposal from your application as part of your research portfolio, you can.

Key Points:

• Your future career goals
• Your proposed research area

“I believe the course will be able to provide an opportunity to obtain a more in-depth knowledge within these areas, but also developing a strong theoretical understanding of health policy, epidemiology and research methods, which I will give me the underpinning knowledge to undertake a PhD in Public health evaluation and policy in the future.”

“I aim to perform research to evaluate and improve the effectiveness and accessibility of health services for chronic conditions in low-income communities.”

__________________________

One last piece of advice: write an honest statement that gets across your true character and motivations, rather than writing something you think the panel will want to hear. Imperial’s goal in requesting these personal statements is to get to know prospective applicants on a personal level. Focus on providing a clear account of who you are, why you’re applying, and what you plan to do during and after the program.

The Global MPH offers the opportunity to get a world-class graduate degree in public health from one of the top 10 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2019). The program is affordable, flexible, and 100% online. As such, it attracts a diverse, highly-qualified group of students from across the globe. With a great personal statement, you can significantly increase your chances of joining the next cohort!  

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Postgraduate Personal Statement Example: Gender, Development & Globalisation

Studying examples of personal statements is an invaluable strategy when applying to a university or college course. 

That’s because personal statement examples can teach you how to write and structure your application, and you can quickly learn how to write a personal statement by examining others.

But with so many university personal statement examples available, how do you know if you’re reading a good one?

Postgraduate personal statements should highlight relevant academic and practical experience, research skills and ambitions and their suitability for the course. This postgraduate personal statement example for Gender, Development & Globalisation considers these three critical elements.

Studying master’s degree personal statement examples can be especially valuable. They’re sometimes referred to as personal mission statements or statements of purpose , so if you’re tasked with writing a personal mission statement, the following example will work for you.

I’ve broken down this personal statement example section by section, with a commentary on each element. 

That way, you’ll see its strengths and weaknesses and get some inspiration for your own personal statement .

Once you’ve read the personal statement example and analysis, you can download a pdf of the whole document to use as inspiration for your own!

Personal Statement Example: Introduction

“In many families in my culture, it is common for the father to undertake significant financial responsibilities and the mother to undertake domestic and parental duties within the home. However, in my family, the opposite is true: my father stays at home, and my mother works outside. I didn’t see anything wrong with this family division until my childhood peers consciously brought up our differences, and some even commented on our family model in unpleasant terms. This was the origin of my gender consciousness and my confusion regarding gender stereotypes and traditional models of family collaboration.

This confusion increased as an undergraduate. In my first year, I ran for a position in the Student Union but lost the election. Of the eight candidates remaining in the final round of interviews, six were female, and two were male. Both male students won the election, to the exclusion of all the female candidates. When I asked the interviewer for feedback, she said, “You’re all excellent, but for the sake of the team’s gender balance, we need two boys.” I felt angry and helpless, and I began to question a system that rejects obviously brilliant women for the sake of so-called gender balance. Why is it more challenging for a woman’s potential to be recognised in both the family and the workplace? Why is it generally accepted that non-male labour is worthless? Why are women frequently unpaid, undervalued, and unrecognised? The need to find answers to questions like these and explore gender issues in the division of household and market labour is the motivation behind my application to read for an MSc in Gender, Development and Globalisation at Buckley University.”

My Commentary and Analysis 

This personal statement example begins by referencing the writer’s strong personal connection with the subject matter. This strategy of starting a statement with an inspirational moment or realisation can work very well, as it draws the reader into your world and adds some motivation and validity to your writing. 

In this case, it’s highly relevant, which is positive. Don’t use an example that doesn’t directly connect to the course you’re applying for!

The writer indicates that they were ‘confused’ by matters relating to gender and family. I would have used words such as ‘engaged’ or ‘intrigued’, as indicating a sense of confusion does slightly weaken the writer’s standing. 

The second paragraph above outlines a further personal experience of gender bias and is a logical development from the childhood questions raised in the opening paragraph. It also gives the writer the opportunity to mention undergraduate study and to show ambition and engagement in co-curricular activities.

However, I would suggest that this is slightly too long. The reader won’t be interested in the details here and will be looking instead for evidence of academic suitability for the course, which the writer has yet to provide.

If you’re struggling with your personal statement introduction, check out my article on how to write perfect opening paragraphs here .

Personal Statement Example: Academic Background

“We have witnessed intense academic and social debates on gender issues in recent years, and the university environment is no exception. I participated in many debates throughout my undergraduate years, researching topics such as gender equality in the workplace, women’s career ceilings, misogynistic speech and gender freedom. I found that these discussions were easily pushed to antagonistic extremes that reflect society’s obsession with stereotypical gender differences. I think it is superficial to attribute the inequality of social structure simply to the biological structure or opposition of gender. While clear in my convictions, I often felt that during debates, my argument lacked depth due to my lack of gender-specific academic studies.

Consequently, I declared an undergraduate major in Diplomacy. This laid a solid knowledge foundation in politics and international relations and allowed me to look beyond my own country and engage with wider aspects of global gender inequality. I was exposed to the history and development of feminist theory and began to examine gender biases and inequalities from both cultural and social perspectives, considering individual and institutional outcomes. However, as my university did not offer a specific course in gender studies, I lacked the opportunity for a systematic study of gender and its research methodology. As a result, I aim to learn more about social structures of gender and theories of power in your Gender Theories: An Interdisciplinary Approach course.”

My Commentary and Analysis

The first paragraph above is a stronger one, and moves this personal statement example into a more academic sphere. There’s some evidence of related vocabulary, and the writer discusses themes and theories that evidence suitability for the course being applied for.

It’s not done in traditional academic terms, and although the writer is showing a clear sense of engagement with the topics, I would like to see more formal academic content included.

The second paragraph does begin to focus on academic background, but in quite a general way. The writer shows some depth in the field and makes arguments about relevant theory, giving the reader some reassurance about their academic capacity.

The writer then makes a strong case for explaining how the course would be of value and quite skillfully turns a negative (lack of formal study in this area) into a positive (justifiable motivation for further study). 

A sense of a dynamic and highly motivated applicant is also emerging. This is someone who has discovered a passion and is taking every opportunity to prepare themselves for further study. Although their route isn’t totally logical, it’s evident that they are dedicated to this subject, and that counts for a great deal.

If you’d like to learn more about structuring your personal statement or statement of purpose , check out my awesome Personal Statement Template eBook here . It’s full of detailed examples of what to include!

Personal Statement Example: Research Experience 1

“Working on a project on First Lady diplomacy, I discovered that female leaders frequently set a positive and valued example when dealing with international affairs. They actively manage public affairs and advocate for sectors such as international issues, public services and charity. However, their public voices frequently remain underrepresented. This discovery inspired me to research the scope of female influence in developing countries, and I engaged in research examining rural poverty alleviation and construction in Hubei Province, China. Applying quantitative and qualitative techniques, my team and I distributed questionnaires and interviewed local officials during field research on the development of B&Bs in the area. The data analysis we undertook indicated that by empowering women, relative poverty could be alleviated and economic growth boosted. The products created by these women could then be sold to other countries, allowing them to participate in a global value chain. In cooperation with an international non-profit organisation, the local government subsequently explored a path for the employment of rural women in cultural and recreational activities, volunteer services and public affairs, ultimately achieving the goal of developing an effective rural employment policy. Gaining economic autonomy through employment will enable women to enter the public sphere and thus effectively eliminate gender inequalities.”

Commentary and Analysis

This is an excellent paragraph. After the slightly general paragraphs that preceded it, the writer now outlines a well-contextualised and highly relevant piece of academic research. This is exactly the kind of content important in a master’s personal statement. It shows engagement, academic strengths, commitment and a sense of purpose and action.

It’s an impressive account, although I would like to see slightly more content related to the research and analysis skills used, as it is, perhaps, slightly too descriptive of the outcome and not focused enough on how this experience adds to the writer’s suitability for postgraduate study.

Check out lots more examples of personal statements here , and see how they can inspire your application!

Personal Statement Example: Research Experience 2

“However, the questions of how to promote women’s economic autonomy, ensure female independence in the labour market and facilitate global development remain to be addressed. The current labour market model of equal pay for equal work allows corporations to reproduce, generate profit and develop a formal economy but exploits the underprivileged. So why is it that people are so frequently thrown out of this economic development track? My argument is that gender, labour and class are intertwined, and the process of gender socialisation leads to inequality. I believe this is one factor that leads to discussions involving gender issues becoming extreme in nature. Gender is not simply about gender. It requires us to analyse various power relations that are often interactive and fluidly intertwined. By studying this postgraduate course, I hope to identify more clearly the dilemmas associated with gender and power and apply the knowledge gained at Buckley in an increasingly impactful professional context.”

My Commentary and Analysis: 

This paragraph is almost all opinion. It’s informed but not referenced. It would have been far stronger if the writer had used texts or findings to validate their opinions and to show a depth of research knowledge. 

Accurate or compelling as they may be, whilst these arguments do indicate an astute and informed viewpoint, they don’t add enough value to this personal statement. By comparing the views of experts or drawing conclusions from identifiable research, the writer would have added some depth and credibility to their application.

Additionally, whilst there is a reference to the value of the course applied for, there is no real sense of connection made between the writer’s ambitions and the course content. As a consequence, this section is written in a bit of a vacuum. 

A postgraduate personal statement should always clearly indicate how the applicant’s skills, experiences or ambitions make them suitable for specific aspects of the course being applied for, and there’s no evidence of this here.

The one thing that all successful personal statements have in common is that they are concise, engaging and accurate in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Consequently, I always recommend Grammarly to my students and clients. 

It’s an outstanding tool for ensuring your personal statement is rich with detail whilst hitting those all-important word limits. Check out the free version of Grammarly here , or hit the banner for more information.

Personal Statement Example: Conclusion

“I believe that women should be involved in global value creation as subjects, not as invisible objects, and that everyone has the freedom to develop into the person they are capable of becoming. Consequently, I plan to work for international organisations such as UNDP or UN Women in the short term. My goal is to focus on female employment in the context of global integration and promote economic development through gender equality. Having developed the networks and experience required in this sector, I intend to establish my own NPO to empower women and facilitate gender equality. I expect to take a more open and multidimensional view of gender, challenge views and concepts that are taken for granted and dismantle traditional societal gender stereotypes and the violence they can generate. I am confident that the modules, networks, resources and opportunities your faculty offers represent a critical next step on my personal and professional journey.”

The writer restates their commitment to gender equality and then identifies the steps they plan to take to act on this conviction. This indicates a depth of dedication and ambition, and it’s implied that the master’s course would be of value in achieving these goals. 

However, this connection really needs to be made tangible, and the links between the writer’s ambitions and the ways in which the course will facilitate them made clear. There’s almost no reference at all to the course content in this personal statement example, so the admissions reader just can’t tell if the writer really understands the content and purpose of this postgraduate degree.

The final sentence makes a general reference to the course, but this is nowhere near enough.

In summary, this personal statement example gives the impression of a dedicated and committed applicant who has some tangible academic experience. However, this is really just a manifesto of opinion and vision, and not an informed personal statement. 

It doesn’t make connections with the course, show a range of skills or discuss the value that the applicant might bring to the faculty.

Consequently, it would be hard for an admissions team to make this applicant an offer.

For more great advice, check out my article on writing an excellent final personal statement paragraph here .

Click here or on the banner below to get your free download of this complete personal statement example . 

Whether you’re looking for personal mission statement examples or an example of personal purpose statement, I hope this personal statement example has been helpful. Above all, I wish you every success in your academic career. 

If you’d like to work with me to develop your personal statement 1:1 and write a powerful mission statement, I’d be delighted to hear from you. 

Find out about my personal statement support services by clicking here or on the image below.

David Hallen

I've worked in the Further Education and University Admissions sector for nearly 20 years as a teacher, department head, Head of Sixth Form, UCAS Admissions Advisor, UK Centre Lead and freelance personal statement advisor, editor and writer. And now I'm here for you...

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Bsc International Relations and History Personal Statement

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Bsc International Relations and History Personal Statement

Politics and History both trickle down into every aspect of one's life and I think understanding ideology, government, society, and international relations through different perspectives and within both the past and the present is the key to having a more fulfilled outlook on the world around us and perhaps a more proactive approach to change and development whether at a local or an international level. Moreover, I spent 5 months working for Human Appeal, a global charity that aids countries experiencing humanitarian crisis; this experience was exceptionally valuable as it gave me a greater insight into the workings of international relations and the causes and consequences of war and conflict.

My interest in History and politics also thrived when I was accepted into the Pembroke North Humanities Programme, which consisted of a summer school to Oxford and 6 seminars. I was introduced to readings and had to write an essay on inner qur'anic chronology; this programme encapsulated the intense discussions and work load of a university student which whilst daunting was also immensely enjoyable and rewarding. Likewise, I attended a pre-university global politics course at Manchester University which was extremely enlightening and spurred on my interest to study international politics.

My love for politics really began to spark during the 2015 election with the rise of the milifandom and the involvement social media had on the election; and ever since it seems the political world has never been more alight- Brexit, the rise of Trump, the death of Castro, an unforeseen snap election. The return of the left has also kept me enthused in politics; I am one of the many young people who have been inspired by Corbyn and encouraged to become a member of Labour and get involved, which I did during the 2017 election as I spoke to members of the community as well as campaigned via social media. Additionally, journalists such as Owen Jones have enlightened me on issues such as the class divide and the elite, especially when reading his book 'Chavs'; with the tragedy of Grenfell tower and the worsening Refugee crisis these ideas have really resonated with me. However, after attending the 2017 Conservative Conference I am keen to explore opposing views of political and historic events to widen my knowledge on an academic level. To look back on our past has never been as integral as now, as nuclear threats, genocides, and racial violence unravel on our TV screens.

Studying history- particularly when it comes to the civil rights movement and causes of war and conflict- has always felt like it came with an extra sort of significance unlike other subjects. As if I owed it to the many amazing figures (Queen Victoria to Muhammed Ali to Coco Chanel) to have existed and contributed to the world and attitudes we know today. More recently- on the 70th anniversary of Pakistan's partition from India I watched a BBC documentary on the experiences of those involved and am keen to explore the History of Asia and the Middle East where both my culture and religion is rooted. Furthermore, I am intrigued by the relationship between the East and West and how it has evolved; colonisation and assimilation, trade and resources, religion and tradition.

My EPQ focuses on aspects of this as I am exploring how western beauty standards have affected women of colour, and how imperialism and a history of white supremacy has left a deep scar on our mindset as even our subconscious is wired to favour a Eurocentric outlook. This also extends to my interest in the modern-day relationship between nations, I tend to keep up to date on international politics through both BBC News and Al Jazeera and try to get a broader view on current world affairs, since to acknowledge differing viewpoints of events is crucial when studying History and Politics. Overall, I know my enthusiasm, drive, and appreciation of these subjects will be a valuable addition to your university.

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How to Write a Top MBA Personal Statement (With Examples)

Working on your MBA application? You aren’t alone. In 2021, over 200,000 students graduated with an MBA degree making it the number one choice for graduate students for the 10th year in a row. And there’s good reason for this. According to the National Center for Education Statistics , post-MBA, grads can earn significantly more at work—experts estimate an additional $20,000 each year depending on the industry. 

During the application process, you’ll want to stand out. A well-crafted personal statement will help distinguish you from other applicants. It serves as a powerful tool to showcase your unique experiences, skills, and aspirations to admissions committees. To make a lasting impression, tailor your personal statement to each MBA program you’re applying to, highlighting how your background aligns with their values and goals. For additional support, keep reading for some MBA personal statement examples and guidance. 

Understanding the Foundations – Word Count, Templates, and Pricing

When you start your personal statement, keep the word count in mind. Make sure to write your statement succinctly. Templates can give crucial structure to a first draft and make sure you hit necessary points. Finally: is it worth it to hire a professional proofreader? We break down the pros and cons. 

Word Count Considerations

A well-written personal statement is often the deciding factor in the business school admissions process. Conveying your thoughts concisely is a crucial skill in the business world, and future peers will be grateful for your brevity.

One strategy is to start with a longer draft and edit it down when revising. Remove unnecessary details and tighten wordy language. Focus on improving the quality of your content over meeting the maximum word count. 

Templates as a Starting Point

Templates can help to organize your thoughts. Use them to provide structure and give your writing direction. By planning ahead, you can decide how much space you want to dedicate to each element—this can also help you meet the word count.

Remember: popular templates are popular for a reason, and following them too strictly can make your statement feel rigid and unoriginal. To avoid that pitfall, personalization is key. Your individual experiences, goals, and perspectives are all unique. What would a Master’s in Business Administration mean to you? Don’t be afraid to customize any template to fit your voice. 

Professional Proofreading

Graduate schools know what a well-written personal statement looks like—and so do professional proofreaders. Experts can help catch small grammatical errors and improve clarity in your writing. It can be challenging to review personal writing from an objective standpoint. A good proofreader will streamline your writing and ensure overall coherence, improving your odds with your preferred school of business. 

Unfortunately, this can be expensive. Pricing for these services can easily cost hundreds of dollars. If hiring one isn’t in the budget, here are some alternatives: 

• Find writing groups online or in person. Not only will you receive feedback, you’ll get a better idea of what other personal statements look like. Be prepared to help edit other statements.
• Reach out to peers and mentors. Turn to people who know your voice and can tell when your writing is authentic. Make sure they aren’t afraid to give negative feedback.
• Utilize free online resources. Writing tools like Grammarly or Hemingway help check grammar and sentence structure. They won’t help with essay format and aren’t infallible; double-check any changes they might suggest.
• Read your statement out loud. This can help make sure your statement has a good rhythm and flows naturally.
• Take breaks. Be your own set of fresh eyes. When you’re in the thick of writing, you might glaze over easy-to-spot details while you’re thinking of the big picture. Allow yourself to recharge and clear your head before you get back to it. 

Tailoring Your Personal Statement to Top MBA Programs

Make sure to personalize your essays to specific MBA programs . Include details about specific classes and faculty, unique opportunities, and the strengths that make this program stand out. 

Then, tie yourself into the narrative. What role would you fill as a graduate student or an alumnus? Consider your own strengths and where they align with this specific program. What career goals could this opportunity help you achieve? 

Remember to mention your soft skills and other details that may not show up elsewhere on your application. Finally, shine a spotlight on your unique contributions in past roles. 

Write a Captivating Introduction

A beautiful personal statement will be overlooked unless the introduction captivates the audience. You can begin with compelling anecdotes, personal stories, or influential quotes. Tie this introduction into your reason for pursuing an MBA. Make the reader care before launching into your achievements. Then, clearly state why you’re pursuing an MBA. Example: “From the dynamic intersections of global markets to the intricate strategies driving corporate success, the realm of business has always beckoned to me as a realm of boundless opportunity and perpetual evolution..” 

Discuss Academic and Professional Background

Now it’s time to discuss what you’re bringing to the table. It’s okay to brag! Think about any key achievements or acquired skills that are transferable to an MBA program. What motivated you to apply? Example : “As a project manager at XYZ Corp, I navigated intricate challenges, demonstrating resilience and strategic thinking – skills I am eager to refine in a top-tier MBA program.” 

Answer the Questions: Why an MBA? Why Now? 

What does an MBA mean for your career goals ? Break down your short and long-term goals to answer this essay question. How do the skills you gain from earning an MBA connect to your plan? Research the program you’re applying for and use examples from the curriculum. Example : “My immediate goal is to transition from project management to strategic consulting, and Crummer’s MBA program’s focus on experiential learning and global business strategy perfectly complements my aspirations.” 

Emphasize Soft Skills

Think about moments you demonstrated personal growth or teamwork. Are there any moments you stepped up to lead a project or team? Your past experiences will influence your habits in a graduate school setting. Example :  “Leading a cross-functional team on a high-stakes project not only honed my leadership skills but also taught me the importance of collaborative problem-solving, a cornerstone of Crummer’s MBA program. “

Spotlight Unique Contributions

What sets you apart from other applicants? Moreover, what impact will your unique perspective bring to the MBA cohort? Explain how your background will enrich the learning environment. Detail personal qualities and experiences that showcase your value. 

Key Elements for a Powerful Personal Statement

Take a holistic approach to strike the right chord in your personal statement. Give admissions committees a more concrete impression of you. Weave in your qualifications, experiences, and aspirations. Don’t just mention your professional achievements—detail all of your positive qualities. 

Showcase Work Experience 

Be strategic when discussing your real-world work experience. If you can, including measurable results is a great way to show your professional impact. Earnings numbers, statistics, and other metrics will show off your professional experiences. 

Articulate Career Goals and Aspirations

When discussing career goals for an MBA application, detail your short and long-term objectives clearly. Ambiguity can weaken your statement’s impact. Whether you’re joining a family business, starting your own business, or looking to go abroad for international business you should discuss how you see yourself navigating the business world. Connect these career aspirations to the MBA program. 

Incorporate Extracurricular and Real-World Experiences

Touch on any extracurricular experiences like internships or entrepreneurship. Explain how these real-world experiences impacted your analytical skills, business acumen, and decision-making. If you’re an entrepreneur, touch on your journey or discuss the vision for your next startup. 

You can also talk about moments where you demonstrated leadership and communication skills. Teamwork is critical to business leaders. Reflect on your leadership experience—the successes you’ve won and the lessons you learned. 

Maintain Authenticity

Write authentically. Admissions officers want genuine stories. Give readers a reason to empathize with you. Overly formal and generic language can depersonalize your statement and keep readers at arm’s length. 

Also, use conversational language. If something sounds clunky or unnatural, it probably also reads that way. Plus, the way you speak naturally showcases your personality. While you should always use proper grammar, don’t suck the life out of your statement in the name of sounding more “academic.” Use this opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills. 

Navigating Common Challenges

Crafting your personal statements can be challenging! Let’s answer some FAQs. 

How Do I Balance the Personal and Professional Aspects?

Be intentional about what you choose to mention from your personal life. Use elements that either contrast or emphasize your professional experience. How does your background influence your business philosophy? Make sure to keep a professional tone and align your statement with the admissions committee’s expectations and be prepared for any questions the interviewer could ask.

How Do I Handle Sensitive Topics?

If you’re writing about a sensitive topic, do so thoughtfully. You don’t know what type of people will be reading your statement, so be considerate and intentional about any details you choose to share. 

However, your application essay should be a reflection of you. Sensitive subjects often play a major role in personal growth and development. Discuss what you learned from this challenging experience and how it influenced you. 

How Do I Make My Writing Stand Out? 

We’ve touched on all of the story elements you need—now trim the fat. Avoid common clichés and generic statements. Common phrases will dilute the unique perspectives in your personal statement. Make sure the language aligns with you. Avoid language that could apply to everyone when possible. 

Other MBA Application Process Essentials – GMAT Score, GPA, and Statement of Purpose

The MBA application process is multifaceted and holistic. Alongside your statement, admissions committees also consider your GMAT scores and GPA. GMAT scores are used to gauge applicants’ aptitude for business studies, while GPA showcases your readiness for MBA rigor. If you have a lower score in either category, address these challenges by highlighting your other strengths, relevant experience, and resiliency. Remember: committees consider the entire application, not just scores. 

The other factor in the application process is your Statement of Purpose or SOP. This will complement your personal statement. Make sure your SOP articulates your academic and career goals without echoing your other application essay. Avoid redundancy. Focus on the future: link the MBA program to your long-term plan. Take a forward-looking perspective and demonstrate how the MBA will work as a natural progression in your life. 

Your personal statement should be as unique as you are. Start with a compelling narrative and a plan. Proofread your essay, and don’t be afraid to seek help from peers or professionals. Explain how your personal and professional life gives you the necessary skills to thrive at your desired program and be specific about what you want to do there. This is your chance to differentiate yourself from other applicants—take advantage!

Crummer is the #1 ranked MBA program in Florida. You can learn more about what we offer and when you’re ready, start working on your application . 

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How to Write a Strong Personal Statement

• Ruth Gotian
• Ushma S. Neill

A few adjustments can get your application noticed.

Whether applying for a summer internship, a professional development opportunity, such as a Fulbright, an executive MBA program, or a senior leadership development course, a personal statement threads the ideas of your CV, and is longer and has a different tone and purpose than a traditional cover letter. A few adjustments to your personal statement can get your application noticed by the reviewer.

• Make sure you’re writing what they want to hear. Most organizations that offer a fellowship or internship are using the experience as a pipeline: It’s smart to spend 10 weeks and $15,000 on someone before committing five years and $300,000. Rarely are the organizations being charitable or altruistic, so align your stated goals with theirs
• Know when to bury the lead, and when to get to the point. It’s hard to paint a picture and explain your motivations in 200 words, but if you have two pages, give the reader a story arc or ease into your point by setting the scene.
• Recognize that the reviewer will be reading your statement subjectively, meaning you’re being assessed on unknowable criteria. Most people on evaluation committees are reading for whether or not you’re interesting. Stated differently, do they want to go out to dinner with you to hear more? Write it so that the person reading it wants to hear more.
• Address the elephant in the room (if there is one). Maybe your grades weren’t great in core courses, or perhaps you’ve never worked in the field you’re applying to. Make sure to address the deficiency rather than hoping the reader ignores it because they won’t. A few sentences suffice. Deficiencies do not need to be the cornerstone of the application.

At multiple points in your life, you will need to take action to transition from where you are to where you want to be. This process is layered and time-consuming, and getting yourself to stand out among the masses is an arduous but not impossible task. Having a polished resume that explains what you’ve done is the common first step. But, when an application asks for it, a personal statement can add color and depth to your list of accomplishments. It moves you from a one-dimensional indistinguishable candidate to someone with drive, interest, and nuance.

• Ruth Gotian is the chief learning officer and associate professor of education in anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, and the author of The Success Factor and Financial Times Guide to Mentoring . She was named the #1 emerging management thinker by Thinkers50. You can access her free list of conversation starters and test your mentoring impact . RuthGotian
• Ushma S. Neill is the Vice President, Scientific Education & Training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. She runs several summer internships and is involved with the NYC Marshall Scholar Selection Committee. ushmaneill

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Academic Personal Statement Guide + Examples for 2024

You have a bright future ahead of you in academia and you’ve already found the program of your dreams.

The only problem? 

You have to write an impressive academic personal statement that sets you apart from a sea of applicants.

We know that writing about yourself might not come naturally. And when the academic program you have your sights set on is on the line, it doesn’t make it any easier.

But there’s no need to worry!

We’ve prepared this guide to help you write your academic personal statement and secure your spot in your program of choice.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• What Is An Academic Personal Statement?
• 7 Steps to Writing the Best Academic Personal Statement
• An Example of a Stellar Academic Personal Statement

Let’s dive in.

You’ll need an academic CV alongside your personal statement. Create one with ease with Novorésumé !

What Is an Academic Personal Statement?

A personal statement is an essential part of the academic application process.

Much like a motivation letter , your academic personal statement serves to demonstrate why you’re the right candidate for the course and sell yourself as a capable student.

Your goal is to show the admissions committee that they’ll benefit from having you in their university as much as you’ll benefit from joining the program.

Academic Vs CV Personal Statement

The term ‘personal statement’ can mean different things depending on your field.

In the world of job hunting, a personal statement usually refers to a few sentences that go at the top of your CV . This paragraph is meant to convey your top skills, relevant experiences, and professional goals to a hiring manager from the get-go and increase your chances of getting an interview.

However, in the world of academia, a personal statement refers to a more in-depth description of you as a candidate. 

In a nutshell, an academic personal statement shows the admissions committee your academic achievements so far, as well as what motivated you to apply and pursue this position.

Personal statements are also often required when applying for certain jobs, much like writing a cover letter . If you’re looking at a position as a faculty member in a university or other academic institution, for example, you might be asked to provide an academic personal statement.

7 Steps to Write an Academic Personal Statement

Preparation is the key to success and this is exactly where our guide comes in handy.

So just follow these steps and you’re sure to secure your spot:

#1. Read the Brief (Carefully!)

Academic personal statements aren’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all piece of writing. 

Typically, every institution has its specific requirements on what candidates should include in their academic personal statement.

To make sure you’re on the right track with your academic personal statement, read the brief carefully. Consider taking notes and highlighting important points from your program’s brief as you go through it.

Pay attention to any specific question the university wants you to answer. If you don’t address everything the admissions board expects, your personal statement will look sloppy and you’ll be considered an inattentive candidate.

Be sure to re-read the brief after you’ve finished writing your academic personal statement, too. This way you can make sure you’ve answered everything adequately and you’ll have the opportunity to correct any slips.

#2. Research the Program

Make sure you do your homework on the academic program you’re applying to.

You can’t write a good academic personal statement without research, let alone a great one. Much like researching your employer , taking the time to learn more about your desired school and personalizing your application can make a huge difference.

For example, you can dive into how your values align with that of the school you’re applying to, and how your experience and interests relate to specific things about the program. The more you focus on how you’re the right fit for this specific position, in this specific program – the better.

Carefully read through the school and program’s official pages since everything you would need to know is probably on the school’s official website. You can also ask current and former students for help but remember that whatever they say should never replace official information when crafting your academic personal statement.

#3. Plan Your Statement

An academic personal statement is meant to explain your academic interests and shouldn’t contain irrelevant details about your personal life.

Focus on why you want to study the course you’ve chosen and provide any information about your achievements so far.

Ask yourself the following questions to get the ball rolling on what to write:

• Why do you want to study (or work) in this program? How will it benefit you?
• How do your skills match the position?
• What makes you stand out from other applicants?
• What are your exact career aspirations?
• How can you and your work benefit the institution you’re applying to?
• If you changed fields, how did you decide to apply in this direction?
• What insight can you bring thanks to your different experiences?
• How will this change of field help your future career?

Write down your answer to these questions in the first draft of your academic personal statement.

#4. Look at Example Statements

Don’t hesitate to read other people’s academic personal statements online. They’re a great source of inspiration and can help get rid of any remaining writer’s block.

If you’re struggling to understand how to meet the language and formatting requirements for your academic personal statement, seeing actual examples is the best way to learn.

But be careful – don’t copy any lines you read, no matter how impressive you think they are. 

Most universities run every academic personal statement through intensive plagiarism checking, and even a paraphrased sentence could lead to your application being rejected for plagiarism.

So pay more attention to the overall structure of the academic personal statements you read, rather than copying the exact wording.

#5. Structure the Contents

There should be a cohesive argument that your entire essay follows. Each sentence and paragraph should complement and build on the one that comes before it.

The structure of your personal statement should include:

An intriguing introduction to you as a candidate

The introductory paragraph should grab the admission committee’s attention and keep them engaged.

Here you should be sure to avoid cliches like saying how you’ve “always dreamt” of graduating from this university or of studying this exact program. Instead, give an example of what really influenced you to pursue this dream.

Here’s an example:

• I’ve always loved reading and since I was a child, it’s been my dream to graduate from Oxford University and contribute to the world of literary analysis. That’s why I spent the past year volunteering at my local writers’ society and giving constructive feedback during workshops and book discussions.
• It wasn’t until I failed my first essay assignment in secondary school that I realized the depth that lies beneath each sentence in a given text. I began to delve into the rich layers of literary texts and the intricacies of literary analysis became my passion. Although initially challenging, the depth of understanding that this field offers about human emotions, cultural contexts, and narrative structures enthralled me. I found myself questioning the narrative structures and character motivations that I had previously taken for granted, and I was eager to understand how the subtle and often overlooked elements within a text could have a profound impact on its overall interpretation. This need to fundamentally understand a given author’s work has stayed with me since and led me to pursue literary analysis as a postgraduate student.

An engaging body

The main part of your academic personal statement should detail your interests, experience, and knowledge, and how they make you suitable for the position.

This is where you should expand on your motivation and use the following tips:

• Why this university? Provide strong reasons for your choice, related to your future career or the institution’s reputation.
• Mention your relevant studies and experience. This includes projects, dissertations, essays, or work experience.
• Give evidence of key skills you have, such as research, critical thinking, communication, and time management, and explain how you can contribute to the department with them.
• Say what makes you unique as a candidate and provide an example.
• Explain who have been the main influences who put you on this path and why they’ve influenced you.
• Mention other relevant experiences, such as memberships in clubs related to the subject, awards you might have won, or impressive papers you’ve written.
• Talk about your career aspirations and how the program ties into your goal of achieving them.

Depending on the guidelines of the specific university, you could also divide your academic personal statement’s body with subheadings, such as:

• Academic background
• Research interests
• Methodological approaches
• Research experience
• Personal experience
• Extracurricular activities 
• Relevant skills
• Career aspirations

A logical conclusion

Your academic personal statement needs a conclusion that ends on an enthusiastic note.

Make sure the conclusion reiterates the main points from the body of your text.

Your relevant accomplishments and desire to attend this specific program should be clear to any reader.

#6. Pay Attention to the Language

When writing the first draft of your academic personal statement, pay attention to the language and tone you’re using.

An academic personal statement is also a formal text, so your writing should reflect that. Colloquialisms aren’t appropriate, as they would take away from the well-mannered impression you want to give the admissions committee.

However, you also want your personal statement to be straightforward and avoid any complex jargon from your field of study.

For example, your opening sentence shouldn’t be overly complicated. You should communicate everything as clearly as possible, and be inclusive to those outside of your field of study since they might be on the admissions board that’s reading your academic personal statement.

Make sure that the tone throughout your text is positive and conveys your enthusiasm for the program. Your academic personal statement should show the admissions committee that you really want to be there, and why that’s beneficial to everyone involved.

#7. Proofread Your Statement

This step probably isn’t surprising to you but it’s worth paying attention to.

Your academic personal statement is a very formal document and it should be spotless. 

So, make sure it adheres to academic writing conventions . For example, contractions like “I’m” instead of “I am” are informal, and should be avoided.

Mistakes like these are very common when writing about yourself, particularly when you’re used to describing yourself in informal environments.

Carefully proofread your academic personal statement, then run it through a grammar checker like Grammarly or Quillbot, then proofread it again.

The tiniest grammar mistake or typo could make the admissions board reject your application.

Academic Personal Statement Example

Ever since my first encounter with the enchanting worlds spun by Flaubert, Balzac, and Proust, my intellectual pursuits have gravitated toward French literature. With an undergraduate degree focused on French Language and Literature, I have been fortunate to explore my passions both theoretically and empirically, embedding them within broader themes of cultural theory and comparative literature. It is with great excitement that I apply for the postgraduate research position in the French Literature program at Kent University, with the aim of contributing novel scholarly perspectives to this captivating field.

Academic Background and Research Interests

During my undergraduate studies, I delved deeply into the realms of 19th-century Realism and Naturalism. My senior thesis, which examined the dialectics of morality and social structures in Balzac's "La Comédie Humaine," was not merely an academic exercise; it served as a crucible where my theoretical understandings were rigorously tested. This research experience intensified my interest in the complex interplay between literature and societal norms, a theme I am eager to further explore in my postgraduate work.

Methodological Approaches

My academic approach is fundamentally interdisciplinary. I strongly believe that literature should not be studied in a vacuum; rather, it should be contextualized within historical, sociological, and psychological paradigms. During a semester abroad in Paris, I took courses in cultural anthropology and French history, an enriching experience that complemented my literature-focused studies. This holistic approach will enable me to contribute a multifaceted perspective to the research endeavors at Kent University.

Previous Research and Scholarly Engagements

My scholarly activities have also extended beyond the classroom. Last summer, I participated in an international conference on French Literature and Post-Colonial Theory, presenting a paper on the depictions of colonial landscapes in Dumas' adventure novels. The opportunity to engage with academics from various disciplines provided me with fresh insights and underscored the importance of collaborative research. Further, I've had the honor of having a review article published in the Sheffield Journal of Contemporary Literary Explorations, where I critiqued a groundbreaking new translation of Verne's works.

Extracurricular Contributions and Skills

In addition to my academic achievements, I have sought to enrich my department’s intellectual community. I served as the editor of our departmental journal and organized a series of seminars featuring guest speakers from the worlds of academia and publishing. My strong organizational skills, combined with proficiency in both written and spoken French and English, make me a versatile candidate capable of adding value to the French Literature program’s broader objectives.

To summarize, my deep-rooted passion for French literature, fortified by rigorous academic training and interdisciplinary methodologies, makes me an ideal candidate for the postgraduate research position in your esteemed program. The prospect of contributing to academic discourse at Kent University is an opportunity I find deeply compelling. I am especially excited about the potential for collaborative research and interdisciplinary inquiries, which aligns perfectly with my academic philosophy. I am fully committed to leveraging my skills, experiences, and enthusiasm to make a substantive scholarly contribution to the study of French Literature. Thank you for considering my application; I am keenly looking forward to the possibility of furthering my academic journey in this vibrant intellectual community.

FAQs on Academic Personal Statements

If you’re wondering anything else about academic personal statements, check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions related to them here:

#1. How do you start a personal statement for an academic job?

Applying for an academic job is different from applying for a position as a student. First, you need to establish your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role immediately.

Start by explaining your current status, for example, as a postdoctoral researcher or an experienced member of the faculty, and specify the position you are applying for. Then follow up with your research interests or personal philosophy towards teaching.

You can add a personal anecdote or compelling fact that summarizes your academic journey so far, or your passion for the field. After that, your academic personal statement can go deeper into the qualifications from your academic CV and how you’re a great fit for the position.

#2. How do I introduce myself in an academic personal statement?

The introduction of your academic personal statement is the key to grabbing the attention of the admissions committee.

Start by stating the field or subject that interests you, and why. You can share a specific personal anecdote or observation that led you to this academic pursuit and set the stage for the detailed explanation in your main body.

The goal of your introduction is to give the reader a sense of who you are, what drives you, and why you would be a valuable addition to their department.

#3. Is an academic personal statement like an essay?

Yes, an academic personal statement can be considered a type of essay.

Both essays and academic personal statements are structured forms of writing that are meant to deliver a coherent argument and are divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion. They provide supporting evidence to prove the point and maintain a logical flow to guide the reader to the final conclusion.

However, essays tend to be objective and explore a specific topic or question in depth. Academic personal statements use similar techniques but they present the candidate’s qualifications, experiences, and aspirations in a way that’s meant to persuade the admissions committee.

#4. How long is an academic personal statement?

Typically, an academic personal statement is between 500 and 1000 words long.

The exact length of the text varies depending on the university and program you’re applying to. You should always check the specific requirements for your desired program, and stick to the guidelines you find.

However, if the university you’re applying to doesn’t specify a word count, you should aim for one to two pages.

#5. What do I avoid in an academic personal statement?

Since your personal statement is a crucial part of your academic application, it’s important to avoid any common mistakes.

Make sure the content of your academic personal statement isn’t too generic. Its goal is to give insight into you as an individual, beyond what can be read in your CV . 

You should also avoid cramming too many points in your text. Your academic personal statement should follow a logical flow, and focus on the relevance of what you’re sharing about yourself and how it relates to the academic program you’re pursuing.

Key Takeaways

And that concludes our guide to writing an academic personal statement!

We hope you feel more confident when crafting your application for that academic program or faculty position you have your sights set on.

Now let’s recap what we talked about so far:

• Academic personal statements are very different from CV personal statements. While CV personal statements are brief paragraphs at the top of the page, an academic personal statement is an in-depth text that details why you’re interested in a given position, and what makes you a good candidate.
• The guidelines on academic personal statements vary according to the institution you’re applying to. Read the brief very carefully, and pay attention to what it says about word count and questions your personal statement should answer. Any mistakes here could result in rejection.
• There are differences between applying for a postgraduate program and applying for a faculty position. But in both cases, you should research the exact place you want to apply to and adjust your application accordingly to match the institution’s values.
• Always proofread your academic personal statement before sending it, even if you’re sure there are no errors.

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Geography and development studies personal statement example.

One of the reasons why I would like to major in geography and sustainable development is my interest in a wide range of topics. I enjoy reading about important global issues like climate change, food shortages and the population explosion, as well as global trends in economics. Recently I grew interested in urban geography and town planning, particularly in topics like public spaces and their uses, processes of suburbanization and shifting of the town centres, urban regeneration, slum development and gentrification.

In my childhood I was fascinated by maps, and tried to draw them myself - in fact, I mapped out the streets of my grandmother's village at the age of ten. Reading the National Geographic Magazine turned geography into a passion long before I went to high school. When I started high school, though, I began expanding my idea of geography. When I read Jared Diamond' Guns, Germs and Steel, I was fascinated by the scope of research a geographical question could entail, tapping into so many different fields. Then I read articles of criticism about it and realized how much more I have to learn in order to be able to critically evaluate information and approaches to research topics. During my high school years I participated twice in the International Olympiad in Geography (iGeo) as a member of the national team, in 2014 and 2015. Participation in iGeo was a truly useful experience for me, as I had the chance to apply my geographical knowledge in a series of challenging tasks and improve my field research, data analysis, problem-solving, cartography and English communication skills. During iGeo 2015's fieldwork segment, I used my knowledge of the principles of sustainable development into making a plan for an economic revitalization of a Russian town with a negative migration balance, researching the possibility of development based on tourist resources and local eco farming. My interest in sustainable development was also furthered by a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg in March 2015, which was a prize for winning a school competition, where I debated on the future prospects for development of Europe with young people from all over the EU, and by a participation in a national youth economics conference, where my team was given the task to make a plan for tourism development in Bulgaria.

Attending a class with an academic emphasis in Mathematics for eight years has enabled me to understand statistical data and make scientific calculations well. I also have a keen interest in history, which I find to be quite helpful in understanding the tendencies in human geography. I enjoy reading books like Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns and Barbara Demick's Nothing To Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea, which vividly describe societies like the Afghan and the North Korean one, and showcase their problems. My passion for geography has led me to enjoy traveling and hiking, and I strive to maintain a good level of fitness by frequently visiting the local gym. I have decided to pursue my interest in geography and sustainable development at university with no firm career ambitions but mostly out of pure passion for these subjects. Yet, I believe that somehow my university studies will help me a lot in preparing for some of the careers I find truly attractive, such as a travel writer, an urban planner, a sustainable development counselor, a politician and many others.

I have chosen to study in UK because of its long tradition of high standards in education and the multicultural environment. An added benefit is the abundance of historical heritage, which makes for a very inspiring study environment.

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• Personal statement - MSc International Management
• Sample personal statement

07 July, 2022

Personal statement - msc international management share.

• 12 May, 2013

I am keen to pursue MSc International Management at University of Brighton. By researching the course curriculum available at university website, I become to know that this course helps students to develop the global business knowledge which will help me to achieve my future career goal. Moreover, I believe getting a chance to pursue my study career in thisUniversity will progress me both professionally and intellectually. Besides the opportunity to apply my theories and ideas in practice will benefit me to enhance my skills and to achieve a deeper understanding of the field of InternationalManagement.

According to my research I have found that this course will be the perfect opportunity for me to continue to hone my communication and management skills, empowering me to be a more powerful and confident leader. Through hands-on exercises and projects designed to closely mimic those that I will encounter in my future career, this program will provide me with the accurate training and preparations I need to handle such tough challenges in the future. I believe this MSc will provide me with the knowledge of business concepts as well as the understanding of the matters that I will need to become a successful business professional. Intuition alone is not good enough to run a business. I believe that a strong business education is very crucial to successful business management in this Modern age, for this reason I hope to be able to acquire an MSc International Management. Moreover, my previous academic qualifications will give me an upper hand to obtain better score in this course. If I can successfully complete the course, it will create a platform for me to explore different career opportunities such as Policy advisor or analyst, Management analyst, public relations (PR) account executive and Compliance officer. For this reason, this MSc International Management will be the right choice for my future career progression.

Following my SSC and HSC I studied Bachelor of Business Studies from National University, Gazipur, Bangladesh in May 2012. Then I studied Master of Business Administration in HRM from Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh in September 2014. Later on, I started my working career as a HR officer at Nassa Group in December 2014. I am still working with this company, and it was really a fascinating experience for me to work with them. My work experiences have led me to identify all my potentials including my strengths and weaknesses. I have also come to understand the need to be well equipped with the knowledge in the field of business. For this reason, I have decided to continue my further study with this course at University of Brighton.As I have gained a lot of experiences it will be easier for me secure a suitable position in if I have this degree.

University of Brighton offers International Leadership and Management, International Logistics and Finance, Sustainable Strategic Management, Managing Organisational Behaviour, Marketing in an International Context, Research Methods for master’s degrees and Management Integration OR Work Experience. Moreover, I will also have an opportunity to study some of the optional modules which include Entrepreneurship and New Venture Planning, Consultancy or Business Solutions in Action. All the modules are highly demanding and suitable in today’s business world.

I am determined to continue my study in this course in the UK as the study environment in my country is quite different and we get to study with only the national students. Furthermore, the political chaos makes it harder for students to get the degree without any delay. On the other hand, the UK has a great multicultural and diversified student community which is an opportunity for me to learn with lot of students from different nationalities. UK education brand is highly respected by employers in our country as UK degree prepare graduates with academic competencies, developed personal and professional skills that are imperative for organizational success. The transferrable skills graduates carry forward from UK are pivotal for transforming organisational growth and gain competitive advantages. This is also a reason to study again in UK. In a recent Survey of International Graduate Outcomes 2019 by Universities UK International produced by iGraduate shows that 82% international graduates say that their UK degree are worth the financial investment and similar number of graduates say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their careers. Nearly 83% feel that UK degree has helped them to get jobs. These aspects have driven my ambition to gain the degree from a UK institution.

The University of Brighton is a public university dependent on four campuses in Brighton and Eastbourne on the south shoreline of England. Brighton University is known all through the world as a result of its great courses and dedication to instruction quality and execution. It has a boundless number of excellent mentors where I can arrive at the equivalent precise top-quality training. Moreover, The University of Brighton is ranked as a top 5 university for world-leading research impact in business and management studies (REF 2014). I can discover my desired course I need in this University. University of Brighton is one of the first UK universities which use Job Teaser, a new online placements system presenting placement options in the UK and Europe, which gathers together all the job opportunities, events and resources I will need to help me with my professional development. Also, I found one more unique feature which is Bee purple event that run throughout the academic year which that will improve my employability and help me grow a successful business. I will look no further if I get this opportunity to study at University of Brighton.

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