Sample Personal Statements
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MBA

Why do you wish to embark on an MBA?

Last year I decided to resign from my position as a Software Engineer at TMP software solutions. A number of events lead me onto this path. I was initially drawn to this profession by the fast growing ecommerce world in the late 1990’s.

The company was clearly innovative and forward thinking. The lure of a good wage and the promise of big promotions secured my ambitions that the computer industry was the future. The dreams I had during this time did not turn out well. The company struggled financially in the first year, and moved overseas to Holland to diversify into more markets.

Of course, with the promise of large profits and a bright future, I followed. A little over three months after funds had not been paid into my account I decided that the company would not survive. These times were extremely hard and it was clear that the business model could not cope with the competition around it.

I took the decision to move back to the UK and was fortunate to be offered a  position in consultancy. Taking this position, was the best decision that I made. I encountered new challenges and met business people that inspired me. After spending nine months working in this industry it is clear that an MBA is the next level and will secure a successful future. In my consultancy career to date I have learned allot about business but feel that a further degree will fulfill my quest for knowledge.

The following has been donated by www.getintouni.com

Science Personal Statement

After completing my A-level studies, I wanted serious exposure to hands-on science. For that reason, when a pharmaceutical company offered me a position, I jumped at the opportunity. For one year, I worked closely with a number of scientists as they researched existing diseases and conducted countless experiments to test the efficacy of new drugs.

I knew then that I wanted to devote my studies to learning how body mechanisms react to varying chemicals. Witnessing innovative pharmaceutical research had only intensified my passion for biochemistry, a subject I had become fascinated with in high school; it had intrigued me because it integrated my love of chemistry with my desire to learn more about biological processes. My A-level studies provided me with a solid introduction to biochemistry; I now seek a greater academic focus and more extensive research opportunities by pursuing a university degree.

Throughout high school, my extracurricular activities sharpened skills I will need in my biochemistry course-even if the activities often involved dance and music rather than science. Each week, I spent the majority of my spare time participating in {List school-related music and dance activities}.

I also participated in my local parish's band and was elected Band Leader by the other members. Serving in this leadership position has allowed me to shape a community music program and taught me just how much I have learned about time-management and commitment. My busy schedule has required me to carefully divide my time among my academics, extracurricular interests, family and friends; throughout it all, I have prioritised my academics while remaining firmly committed to my outside pursuits.

During my biochemistry studies, this balancing act will prove extremely useful as I seriously dedicate myself to my academics while also maintaining time for my hobbies and relationships. Five years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Birmingham, England - and I loved every minute of it. The people, the culture and the location all sparked my interest in one day living in England. I have also visited Japan; these experiences have made me realise that travelling is one of my great passions.

No matter where I study, I will pursue a rigorous scientific course. However, I want to immerse myself in a cross-cultural experience in a place that fascinates me. Based on my research and previous travel experiences, I know that England is this place.

Doctor personal statement

After working over one hundred hours a week for more than three months, I completed the project to great success. I had worked hard on this difficult assignment; on the surface, my job was going well. With an MA in Management and a covenant position with a Big Four accounting firm, I had impressive credentials. I had also gained substantial experience working with information systems and performing financial audits and reconciliations.

Why, then, was I not satisfied?

Upon entering my career, I had assumed that professional and financial success would surely bring personal fulfilment. After some time, however, I became frustrated because I did not enjoy my work. I decided to interview for similar positions. During this process, however, reality hit me: changing companies would not solve my problem because the entire career field did not meet my needs.

This realisation triggered a process of self-searching that led me to medicine. This decision did not come quickly or easily. After all, the commitment to provide others with healthcare is a serious decision for anyone, particularly someone with an established career. As I examined my interests and goals, however, I underwent a process of personal growth that has propelled me towards a career as a physician.

Upon examining my job responsibilities, I realised that I enjoyed the problem-solving duties of my corporate career much more than the specific subject matter. I had always worked hard to understand and communicate my company's line of business. Furthermore, my detailed programming and financial analysis had identified many profitable opportunities for the company amidst a constantly changing, complicated economy.

Not only did my preferred career emphasise problem solving, but it also allowed me to work closely with others in a caretaking role. When I examined my past, I observed a pattern of volunteer work and leadership; for example, I have donated my time to {PROVIDE ONE OR TWO VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES and your DUTIES}.

Of course, many careers would allow me to solve problems and benefit others. How did I choose medicine?

A career in medicine will allow me to integrate thoroughly my passion for science into a public-service framework. Since childhood, I have loved acquiring scientific knowledge, particularly involving biological processes. I also have a keen interest in health care policy and public health; while serving as a physician, I plan to pursue additional roles in these fields.

My colleagues at work have commented on my idealism. While many motivate themselves with thoughts of maintaining a high salary or proving their worth through achievements, I have sought to shed those goals in favour of providing tangible health benefits to others. I have already had more fun than I deserve; I seek the long-term intellectual challenge and interpersonal rewards that accompany work in the medical field.

In making this career transition, I must show evidence of the prolonged commitment, intellectual maturity, and altruism required to excel in medical school and as a physician. During my undergraduate studies, I displayed my ability to juggle competing demands while still maintaining my academic focus; I have succeeded at school while volunteering part time, spending time with family and friends, and working part-time. To better serve my expected patient population, I plan to take some refresher Spanish classes while in medical school.

I have come to discover that a job and even a good income, absent another significant purpose, will not bring satisfaction. I plan to utilise my assets, namely my problem-solving affinity, strong work ethic, and interpersonal commitment, to craft a stimulating, personally rewarding career in medicine. Fortunately, I have an opportunity to make a change, and I could not be more grateful. I have taken stock of myself, considering my skills, experiences, and goals. I have looked to family and friends, some of whom are doctors, for advice. Because of this self-examination, I have decided to pursue a career in healthcare.

The process has been difficult at times but always illuminating. Throughout it all, I have never lost the confidence that I will actively absorb all available medical knowledge, forge friendships with fellow students, and emerge from my training as a skilful and caring physician.

Engineering

For as long as I can remember, computers and other electrical devices have fascinated me. Whenever I encounter such an item, I seek to understand every aspect of its operation and immediately begin adapting it to my own specifications.

Because of this sustained interest, I have an extensive history working with electrical objects. As part of my design and technology AS coursework, I have designed and built a retractable telephone cord. To complete this process, I composed a two-step plan of action. First, I wrote a computer programme. Next, I designed and built a printed circuit board so that the telephone cord automatically retracts into the telephone, thereby saving space, reducing clutter, and improving safety by reducing the number of wires around the telephone. Because I fully planned and executed this project, I acquired substantial knowledge of circuits and programming. I also had the satisfaction of seeing one of my own ideas transform into an innovative, fully functioning final product.

My interest in this field extends far beyond the requirements of my coursework; I have also worked on my own electrical engineering project during my spare time. For this project, I fitted light systems onto my car, connecting them to the main battery and building a remote control to operate the lights. To complement my studies and outside projects with intensive engineering experience, I have undertaken work at an engineering company in Cambridge. During my weeklong project, I got to experiment quite a bit, welding and using lasers and chemicals to work on a variety of materials.

Although electrical engineering constitutes my primary pursuit, I lead a life of varied interests, with music serving as a particularly rewarding hobby. In my spare time, I play the piano and keyboard, earning a grade five level in theory and grade three at piano. I routinely play by ear, working out songs that I have heard on the television or radio, and I enjoy composing pieces on my synthesiser. I have also begun to learn jazz piano songs requiring extensive improvisation.

True to form, I have even found a way to integrate my engineering interests into my musical activities: I often set up the lighting and speakers for my friend's mobile disco.

In pursuing a degree in the electrical engineering program, I seek to advance my knowledge of electrical systems and perfect my personal engineering skills. I have established the strong academic foundation necessary for success, excelling in A level courses in maths, physics and design technology. Through my intensive schoolwork, hands-on work experience, and prolonged personal interest, I have demonstrated my considerable commitment to electrical engineering.