development management personal statement

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 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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Development Management Personal Statement

Example Development Management Personal Statement

As a native of Thailand who has lived and studied in multiple international contexts, including Canada and the UK, I have witnessed first hand the way in which people’s social and economic context shape their lives in both developed and developing countries. As a country that exists in a ‘grey area’ somewhere between these two states, Thailand represents both challenges and opportunities when attempting to create a sustainable, equitable society. Having been bought up as the child of two dedicated civil servants, who have instilled in me a firm belief in the values of equality, dignity and human rights, I have worked hard to gain the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to contribute to the realisation of these values within Thai society.

A postgraduate course in Development Management from an internationally prestigious institution would allow me to integrate my previous academic studies and help me to develop towards realising my ultimate personal and professional goals. I am particularly attracted to the political economy approach of the course, which examines the institutional roots of development and non-development. I believe that this will allow me to gain the perspective I need to understand the way in which the structure of societies influences their economic development. This is particularly relevant to understanding a country like Thailand, which is not the most progressive state in the world and has many lessons to learn about integrating its traditions with its goals for the future. I am also attracted by the practical experience I will gain in the course, through the live group ‘consultancy project’ with a leading development agency. Gaining this sort of practical experience is entirely essential if I am to take part in the application of everything I have learnt upon graduation.

I am have already shown myself capable of postgraduate study within the UK, and am currently working towards an MSc in Management at UCL, for which I am predicted a Merit grade. This course covers a range of management theory and practice, including Business Economics and Organisation Behaviour, Project Management and Business Strategy and Decision and Risk Analysis; all of which will prove highly applicable to Development Management. Studying this course will also allow me to return to my original academic interests in Development, which I explored through undertaking a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science (International Relations). This course covered study of a wide range of international institutions and organisation, offering a truly global perspective on the field that complimented my own international experience of study and built a strong foundation of theoretical knowledge that underpins the more practical elements of management I have continued to study.

I am also aware that it is important to gain ‘hands on’ experience to gain a sense of the application of the knowledge and principles I have learnt in a real world context. In 2010 I undertook an internship at The Royal Thai Embassy in London, where I was responsible for providing a comprehensive support service to the First Secretary. This involved planning and organising successful arts and cultural events, analysing reports on bilateral relations issues between Thailand and the UK and proposing business strategy, and drafting correspondence to both organisations and individuals. It was a valuable chance to learn about cooperation and communication between states and to put into practice the International Relations knowledge I had gained up to that point.

I also undertook an Internship at the International Trade Service Department at Krung Thai Bank PLC in 2009, which offered an opportunity to explore international trade and banking from a financial perspective. This widened my understanding of all elements of international trade, including currency, import-export transaction and documentation, while also offering an insight into the unique management operations of partially state-owned organisation. This has prepared me for gaining further practical experience in a range of international institutions by offering additional knowledge of the complex relationship between the public and private sectors within the interrelated fields of Finance and Development.

As a hardworking and engaged student, I have also taken every opportunity to become involved in all elements of campus life. My four years as part of the faculty’s fundraising team during undergraduate study honed my ability to create and sustain relationships with people at all levels of industry and to exercise organisational and time management skills in the planning and execution of events. I have always been interested in engaging with a range of cultures and have explored this interest through membership of my university’s Model UN, which allowed me to gain experience of discussing and debating International Relations issues. I have also represented my university and school whenever possible, holding a number of secretarial and assistant positions in both faculty and student organisations and attending the World Youth Peace Summit (WYPS) in Bangkok in 2003 on behalf of my school.

As a passionate and engages student of Development, I have not only continually proven my ability to perform in academic study of the field but have also shown a determination to gain practical skills and experience in line with my ambition to make an impact on the sector in future. I believe my unique experience of living, studying and working across multiple developed and developing international contexts, combined with my fundamental beliefs in the goal of equality of human dignity and rights, is responsible for sustaining this ambition. By continuing my postgraduate study in the field, I hope to reach a point where I can return to Thailand armed with the knowledge to promote business development, trade and investment in a coordinating role between the public and private sectors and the wider international business context. In this way, I hope to make my own contribution to Thailand’s continuing economic and social development towards becoming a society that expresses my ultimate values as one of its proud citizens.

We hope this sample Development Management Personal Statement provides inspiration and a helping hand in shaping your own unique personal statement.

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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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A guide to writing a Masters personal statement

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If you are considering postgraduate study, you will need to think about writing an application that demonstrates why you are the right candidate for the course and their university. This is where your personal statement comes in. 

You’ll already have written a personal statement for your undergraduate application, so the concept should be familiar. However, there are some things you should be aware of when it comes to writing specifically for postgraduate study. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how to write a stand-out Masters personal statement and provide you with some valuable insights from our Masters Recruitment Manager Danielle, here at Warwick Business School (WBS).

What is a Masters personal statement?

An MSc personal statement, also known as a ‘statement of purpose’, supports your application to study a postgraduate course at university. It should highlight your key skills and experience whilst demonstrating your understanding of the course and conveying your academic skills and interests.

From her experience in the Recruitment and Business Development team at WBS, Danielle gives her take on a personal statement: 

Your personal statement is your opportunity to sell yourself and differentiate yourself from any other applicant, share your passion for joining WBS and link your life experiences and skills to how you could contribute to a cohort.

How long should a Masters personal statement be?

A personal statement for postgraduate study should fit within two pages of A4. Whilst you won’t be penalised if it is slightly longer, you should always make sure the content is relevant and doesn’t repeat information elsewhere in your application. 

What do you need to prepare before writing a Masters personal statement? 

Before writing your personal statement for postgraduate study, there are a few things you should consider.

Research your options

Take the time to read through course pages and brochures. You’ll find in-depth information on what the course involves and how it might align with your career goals. Danielle explains how understanding what the course involves is key in demonstrating your suitability and passion for a course: 

All of our course webpages feature extensive information on the course modules, so take the time to show you’ve done your research in your personal statement. Your personal statement is your chance to relate yourself to our core values and demonstrate what a strong candidate you will be for one of our programmes. Ensure you also use this as an opportunity to link our programme to your future career.

Course titles should not be taken at face value. Whilst some universities will have courses with the same titles, the content will differ. You need to demonstrate you understand what the course entails and why you want to apply for a particular course as. Danielle adds:

Take time to look at the content of the course you are applying for; although course titles may be the same at different universities the course content can be different. Do your research and demonstrate this in your personal statement, showing how invested you are in studying at WBS.

Consider what you want from your studies

The range of choice when it comes to postgraduate study is vast, and it can feel overwhelming when deciding which course is right for you. 

Whilst opinions from your friends and family are important, they shouldn’t be the ultimate deciding factor when choosing a course. Ultimately you need to consider what you really want and whether it aligns with your career goals. 

Begin to prepare your application

Once you have decided which course you would like to apply for and you’ve ensured you meet the entry requirements, you will need to begin preparing your application. This includes collecting the correct documentation such as a CV, transcript, personal statement, and reference.

What should you include in a Masters personal statement?

Recruitment and admissions teams receive thousands of applications each year so it is important that your personal statement is to the point and demonstrates what they are looking for in their students. 

Danielle gives some insight into what our recruitment team looks for in a personal statement for a Masters degree:

Aim to keep your personal statement to the point by making sure you answer the following questions, addressing the key points our Selection Committee will be looking for:

• Why have you selected this course? What are your motivating factors?
• How do you see this course benefitting your career plans?
• What will you contribute to your cohort?

As well as addressing these key questions, you should also include the following:

Academic achievements 

You need to demonstrate how your undergraduate study has prepared you for a postgraduate course. You can do this by highlighting specific achievements, projects and pieces of work as well as mentioning any particular topics that interest you. 

Professional achievements

If you completed any professional work experience alongside your studies, it is a good idea to mention them here. Highlight any duties, tasks and responsibilities you had to demonstrate what you gained from this work experience. 

Relevant extracurricular activities

Including information about relevant extracurricular activities you are involved in can help to give a more rounded view of you as a person. This could include volunteering opportunities and any meaningful hobbies you have. 

Transferable skills

Your transferable skills should be highlighted throughout your personal statement. The types of things you could include are presentation skills, communication skills, analytical thinking and time management. Consider what you can bring to lectures and workshops. For example, if your course involves a lot of group work, use an example where you demonstrate your experience with this.

What should you avoid when writing a Masters personal statement?

Repetition of information.

When submitting both a CV and personal statement it can be easy to fall into the trap of just repeating the same information across both documents. Your personal statement is an opportunity for you to reflect and expand on what you have stated on your CV, rather than repeating the same information.

Not providing enough context

Simply listing your achievements without providing context will not prove to the recruitment teams that you are the right candidate for the course. Provide hard evidence to back up the statements you make and try to give two or three in-depth examples, rather than several weak answers. 

Not tailoring your application to the specific university or course

Recruitment and admissions teams are keen to hear why you have chosen a specific course and why you want to attend their university. You need to provide clear examples of what excites you about their institution and how you can align with their particular values.  

What do recruitment teams look for in a Masters personal statement?

University recruitment teams and selection committees review thousands of applications each year. To ensure your application stands out, you must show that you have taken the time to prepare and research your chosen university.

Recruitment teams want to see your passion for the subject and motivations for joining their institution. Detailing your experience and the skills you can bring will help to emphasise this. Danielle also suggests not overlooking the obvious when it comes to writing a personal statement:

It may sound simple but the first answer to this question is that the Selection Committee wants to see a well written, clearly structured personal statement which demonstrates good preparation and research.

What else do I need to include with my Masters application?

The documents you need to include in your application may vary by institution and course. But generally, as well as your personal statement, you will also need to include: 

• Academic and professional references
• Copies of your undergraduate degree certificate and academic transcripts
• A list of final year modules if you're still studying for an undergraduate degree
• A research proposal (not all courses will require this)

If you are an international student, there are some additional things you will need to provide including: 

• A copy of your passport
• Proof of your language proficiency through either a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) certificate, or any others that meet requirements outlined on our course pages.

When are the deadlines for Masters applications?

Deadlines for Masters programmes vary quite widely between courses and universities. Information on specific deadlines can be found on their respective course pages and postgraduate brochures . You should aim to make an application early in the cycle to ensure there are still places available on the course.

Deadlines for scholarships and external scholarships can also vary, so if you wish to apply for these, you will also have to factor in these deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an interview for masters programmes.

At WBS, there are no interviews for MSc courses. Instead, all decisions are made based on the application you submit. Your undergraduate transcript will be reviewed in depth along with your CV and personal statement.

How many Masters can you apply for?

If you are applying to a UK university, you can apply for as many courses and universities as you like. However, you should not over-stretch yourself and you should only apply for courses that you are really passionate about.

Writing an appropriately tailored application can be time-consuming and attempting to write too many could jeopardise your chances of being successful. 

Do you have to pay for your Masters application?

We require an application fee of £75 to cover administrative costs. If you're applying to multiple Warwick courses, remember each course will warrant its own application fee. 

How do I apply for a Masters degree?

We have our own application system, and you can find linked 'how to apply' sections on all of our course pages. 

------------------------

Discover our range of MSc courses at Warwick Business School

Designed for the change makers of the future, our postgraduate courses will drive you to learn, question, debate and make an impact on the world around you.

Our challenging and rewarding courses will provide you with everything you need to take your personal and professional skills to the next level. 

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MSc Management student Aditya shares his advice on balancing his wellbeing alongside studies at Warwick Business School.

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Personal Statements

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Personal statements are used by graduate admission committees to establish an applicant’s writing ability. Personal statements also determine fit for a program, a scholarship, distinguish you from competing candidates by providing a more complete picture than found on your résumé, prove that you can write clearly & coherently, and can reveal your core values. Below are some resources and samples.

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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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Sample Public Policy Personal Statement (Harvard, Brown, Erasmus Mundus)

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following essay is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in public policy (MPP). Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Brown University, Harvard’s Kennedy School, UC Berkeley and Erasmus Mundus scholarship program. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in public policy should look like.

Related Personal Statement:  Sample Public Administration Personal Statement (MPA)

Here is the example personal statement for MPP

I grew up in Monrovia. People here are resourceful and hardworking, but many live in crushing poverty with little opportunity for upward mobility. Like many rural towns in Liberia, the overwhelming needs of the public are neglected by paradigmatically dysfunctional bureaucracies. So when I was in high school, I thought getting a degree wouldd lift me beyond my humble background. But a strange thing happened while I was doing my undergrad. I found that many people around me, including my professors, were using their education to improve the lives of people living in places like Monrovia.

As a result, education became about empowerment – giving me the language to diagnose social issues. It gave me the understanding to recognize fulcrum points in political hierarchies and the skills to research, propose, and implement strategies for improving social policies. Finally, it gave me the heart and the will to take on the difficult task of making a better life for Liberians in need.

My goal is to become a policy analyst for the government. This position would allow me to promote and implement innovative educational, health, and social welfare policies. I have looked at many schools, but I have found very few that seem as aptly suited to my educational goals as Brown. The course offerings support specialization while allowing room for meaningful electives. Institutions and Policy Making is exactly that kind.

I need to expand my theoretical and practical concepts of social policy and welfare in developing countries. Most impressive to me is the number of faculty who are not just teachers but policy practitioners. For example, Professor John Tyler’s work on returns to education is impressive and shares themes with my thesis research: Economics of Education. In addition, I believe the diverse university culture at Brown will promote my concepts of global culture, practices, and ethics.

A graduate degree is essential to my goal of affecting multiple dimensions of policy in Liberia. I have worked on this goal from the beginning of my undergraduate degree. During my first few semesters, I realized how a shortage of skilled professionals inside public offices had undermined Liberia’s development for a long time. I saw that policy framework serve as ‘paradigms,’ dictating a country’s growth and development rules. I looked for courses that could build on this understanding and help me formulate realistic ideas for improving the status quo.

Courses on policy issues explained how unequal growth patterns in a country could destroy class mobility and quality of life. Economics provided an area of study that brought all these social and political factors together in one implementable philosophy. The more I learned, the more I saw how a small innovation could go a long way in places like Monrovia. I also began to understand that properly implementing this support is key to its success.

I found many others who shared my interests in the Economics department during my undergrad, including Dr. Mishu Pati and Dr. Cmeha Konaya. Both Professors are extremely active in their field, contributing cutting-edge research in trade and education policy, healthcare, and governance. I was immediately impressed with the scope and focus of their ideas. However, only after a few semesters of academic exposure and experience with internships, I realized the most impressive aspect of their work: it was theoretically impressive and implementable.

Working with Dr. Mishu Pati, I discovered my passion and appreciation for research. As a result, I completed three major research projects during my undergraduate degree. Each addressed a unique and important aspect of economic policy across various social influences. First, I studied inefficient pricing mechanisms in the wheat industry that translate into inflated prices. Furthermore, as part of my thesis, I studied economic returns to secondary education, especially regarding the acquired human capital and associated externalities that have a bearing on social well-being. Finally, the most influential and accomplished study allowed me to work with the Trade Development Authority of Liberia (TDAL) to improve export statistics for sanitary and phyto-sanitary handling of citrus fruit. Upon the conclusion of this project, my findings were presented to the officials at TDAL.

After graduation, I started working with Dr. Nakhai Abramozid, an esteemed Public Policy professor in Liberia. As a Research Assistant, I am currently studying livestock micro-insurance, a concept still developing in Liberia that requires the attention of academics and practitioners. Micro-insurance provides low-income families with risk-averse methods to increase their financial independence and fosters growth in their enterprises. Therefore, I was especially excited when I discovered that there are currently only two pilot projects in Liberia.

My RAship analyzes these pilots and advises potential micro-insurance providers and other stakeholders. This experience has allowed me to stay connected with policy practitioners and academics by ensuring continued interaction in the field of Public Policy. It has also put me at the forefront of a developing policy that is beginning to show a lot of promise.

Since I have kept a clear direction and set of goals throughout most of my undergraduate degree, I have been able to do a lot to develop and grow my understanding of public policy, research, and ethics. I have undertaken extra responsibility whenever possible and focused my education on my goals. And yet, imagining all the experiences, classes, and projects I will be able to undertake at Brown University makes me feel like I still have so far to go.

Nevertheless, the holistic skill set developed in the Public Policy program will allow me to pursue my goals. I want to be equipped with a deep understanding of policy analysis, project management, financial management, and technology integration. I wish I had more opportunities to talk with you about the difference Brown would make in my education and the difference my education can make to the underserved people in Liberia.

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Biden- ⁠ Harris Administration Announces Key AI Actions 180 Days Following President   Biden’s Landmark Executive   Order

Six months ago, President Biden issued a landmark Executive Order to ensure that America leads the way in seizing the promise and managing the risks of artificial intelligence (AI). Since then, agencies all across government have taken vital steps to manage AI’s safety and security risks, protect Americans’ privacy, advance equity and civil rights, stand up for consumers and workers, promote innovation and competition, advance American leadership around the world, and more.   Today, federal agencies reported that they completed all of the 180-day actions in the E.O. on schedule, following their recent successes completing each 90-day, 120-day, and 150-day action on time. Agencies also progressed on other work tasked by the E.O. over longer timeframes.   Actions that agencies reported today as complete include the following:   Managing Risks to Safety and Security: Over 180 days, the Executive Order directed agencies to address a broad range of AI’s safety and security risks, including risks related to dangerous biological materials, critical infrastructure, and software vulnerabilities. To mitigate these and other threats to safety, agencies have:

• Established a framework for nucleic acid synthesis screening to help prevent the misuse of AI for engineering dangerous biological materials. This work complements in-depth study by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Energy (DOE) and Office of Science and Technology Policy on AI’s potential to be misused for this purpose, as well as a DHS report that recommended mitigations for the misuse of AI to exacerbate chemical and biological threats. In parallel, the Department of Commerce has worked to engage the private sector to develop technical guidance to facilitate implementation. Starting 180 days after the framework is announced, agencies will require that grantees obtain synthetic nucleic acids from vendors that screen.
• Released for public comment draft documents on managing generative AI risks, securely developing generative AI systems and dual-use foundation models, expanding international standards development in AI, and reducing the risks posed by AI-generated content. When finalized, these documents by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will provide additional guidance that builds on NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework, which offered individuals, organizations, and society a framework to manage AI risks and has been widely adopted both in the U.S. and globally.
• Developed the first AI safety and security guidelines for critical infrastructure owners and operators. These guidelines are informed by the completed work of nine agencies to assess AI risks across all sixteen critical infrastructure sectors.
• Launched the AI Safety and Security Board to advise the Secretary of Homeland Security, the critical infrastructure community, other private sector stakeholders, and the broader public on the safe and secure development and deployment of AI technology in our nation’s critical infrastructure. The Board’s 22 inaugural members include representatives from a range of sectors, including software and hardware company executives, critical infrastructure operators, public officials, the civil rights community, and academia. 
• Piloted new AI tools for identifying vulnerabilities in vital government software systems. The Department of Defense (DoD) made progress on a pilot for AI that can find and address vulnerabilities in software used for national security and military purposes. Complementary to DoD’s efforts, DHS piloted different tools to identify and close vulnerabilities in other critical government software systems that Americans rely on every hour of every day.

Standing up for Workers, Consumers, and Civil Rights The Executive Order directed bold steps to mitigate other risks from AI—including risks to workers, to consumers, and to Americans’ civil rights—and ensure that AI’s development and deployment benefits all Americans. Today, agencies reported that they have:

• Developed bedrock principles and practices for employers and developers to build and deploy AI safely and in ways that empower workers. Agencies all across government are now starting work to establish these practices as requirements, where appropriate and authorized by law, for employers that receive federal funding.
• Released guidance to assist federal contractors and employers comply with worker protection laws as they deploy AI in the workplace. The Department of Labor (DOL) developed a guide for federal contractors and subcontractors to answer questions and share promising practices to clarify federal contractors’ legal obligations, promote equal employment opportunity, and mitigate the potentially harmful impacts of AI in employment decisions. DOL also provided guidance regarding the application of the Fair Labor Standards Act and other federal labor standards as employers increasingly use of AI and other automated technologies in the workplace.
• Released resources for job seekers, workers, and tech vendors and creators on how AI use could violate employment discrimination laws. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s resources clarify that existing laws apply the use of AI and other new technologies in employment just as they apply to other employment practices.
• Issued guidance on AI’s nondiscriminatory use in the housing sector. In two guidance documents, the Department of Housing and Urban Development affirmed that existing prohibitions against discrimination apply to AI’s use for tenant screening and advertisement of housing opportunities, and it explained how deployers of AI tools can comply with these obligations.
• Published guidance and principles that set guardrails for the responsible and equitable use of AI in administering public benefits programs. The Department of Agriculture’s guidance explains how State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments should manage risks for uses of AI and automated systems in benefits programs such as SNAP. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a plan with guidelines on similar topics for benefits programs it oversees. Both agencies’ documents prescribe actions that align with the Office of Management and Budget’s policies, published last month, for federal agencies to manage risks in their own use of AI and harness AI’s benefits.
• Announced a final rule clarifying that nondiscrimination requirements in health programs and activities continue to apply to the use of AI, clinical algorithms, predictive analytics, and other tools. Specifically, the rule applies the nondiscrimination principles under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act to the use of patient care decision support tools in clinical care, and it requires those covered by the rule to take steps to identify and mitigate discrimination when they use AI and other forms of decision support tools for care.
• Developed a strategy for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of AI deployed in the health care sector. The strategy outlines rigorous frameworks for AI testing and evaluation, and it outlines future actions for HHS to promote responsible AI development and deployment.

Harnessing AI for Good President Biden’s Executive Order also directed work to seize AI’s enormous promise, including by advancing AI’s use for scientific research, deepening collaboration with the private sector, and piloting uses of AI. Over the past 180 days, agencies have done the following:

• Announced DOE funding opportunities to support the application of AI for science , including energy-efficient AI algorithms and hardware. 
• Prepared convenings for the next several months with utilities, clean energy developers, data center owners and operators, and regulators in localities experiencing large load growth. Today, DOE announced new actions to assess the potential energy opportunities and challenges of AI, accelerate deployment of clean energy, and advance AI innovation to manage the growing energy demand of AI.
• Launched pilots, partnerships, and new AI tools to address energy challenges and advance clean energy. For example, DOE is piloting AI tools to streamline permitting processes and improving siting for clean energy infrastructure, and it has developed other powerful AI tools with applications at the intersection of energy, science, and security. Today, DOE also published a report outlining opportunities AI brings to advance the clean energy economy and modernize the electric grid.
• Initiated a sustained effort to analyze the potential risks that deployment of AI may pose to the grid. DOE has started the process of convening energy stakeholders and technical experts over the coming months to collaboratively assess potential risks to the grid, as well as ways in which AI could potentially strengthen grid resilience and our ability to respond to threats—building off a new public assessment .
• Authored a report on AI’s role in advancing scientific research to help tackle major societal challenges, written by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Bringing AI Talent into Government The AI and Tech Talent Task Force has made substantial progress on hiring through the AI Talent Surge. Since President Biden signed the E.O., federal agencies have hired over 150 AI and AI-enabling professionals and, along with the tech talent programs, are on track to hire hundreds by Summer 2024. Individuals hired thus far are already working on critical AI missions, such as informing efforts to use AI for permitting, advising on AI investments across the federal government, and writing policy for the use of AI in government.

• The General Services Administration has onboarded a new cohort of Presidential Innovation Fellows (PIF) and also announced their first-ever PIF AI cohort starting this summer.
• DHS has launched the DHS AI Corps , which will hire 50 AI professionals to build safe, responsible, and trustworthy AI to improve service delivery and homeland security.
• The Office of Personnel Management has issued guidance on skills-based hiring to increase access to federal AI roles for individuals with non-traditional academic backgrounds.
• For more on the AI Talent Surge’s progress, read its report to the President . To explore opportunities, visit https://ai.gov/apply The table below summarizes many of the activities that federal agencies have completed in response to the Executive Order.

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What is a business management personal statement?

You are required to write a business and management personal statement to showcase your main strengths, skills, experience and career goals to your chosen universities.

Admissions tutors want to see candidates with business and/or management experience that they can apply to their course.

It should also convey your passion for the subject, as well as why you want to pursue a degree in this area.

How do I write a business management personal statement?

It’s a good idea to start your statement with why you want to study business and and management at university (rather than just business ). For example, you may want to focus on the management part and why this interests you.

Make sure you back up everything with examples, which means having a good list of notes about your experience.

A good business and management personal statement should be written concisely, with a clear structure, including a memorable conclusion.

For inspiration on how to write your own unique statement, take a look at some of our business and management personal statement examples above (please don't copy them!), which will help you decide what to include.

What should I include in my business management personal statement?

It’s important you talk about skills and experience from all areas of your life and try to relate them to hobbies or extracurricular activities, especially if they are relevant to your course.

Think about how any work experience has helped you, what you have learned from it, and how it might be useful in your degree.

University admissions tutors want students on their course that are going to work hard and be of benefit to their department.

For more help and advice on what to include in your business and management personal statement, please see:

• Personal Statement Editing Services
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• The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
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• What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.

Further resources

For more information about business management degrees and careers, please visit the following:

• Business & Finance - National Careers Service
• What jobs can you get with a busines degree in the UK?
• 18 Career Paths in Business
• Business careers advice for school leavers
• What can you do with a business degree?

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Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor: Computer Management Specialist

Solicitation No.: 72016924R10004

Issuance Date: 5/10/2024

Closing Date: 5/24/2024

General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

Full management responsibility for providing a technological vision through Information Systems Administration, Technology, and Information Services Support. Core duties are in the areas of Systems administration, account management, budgeting and procurement, asset management, network operations, security operations, and technology adoption and application support. Is the subject matter expert for the Mission and its AIDNet Network, in charge of the technical oversight of all information technology and related activities, which may include, but are not limited to hardware/software installation and maintenance, application testing, installation, updating, and support, mobile devices configuration and support, client/helpdesk services, and system backup/recovery. Primary implementer of computer systems policies regarding information systems security and computer systems usage.

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Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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Miss USA's resignation letter accuses the organization of toxic work culture

The Miss USA who gave up her crown and title this week accused the pageant’s CEO of failing to take an incident of sexual harassment seriously and creating a toxic work environment, according to a copy of her resignation letter obtained Thursday by NBC News.

“There is a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization that, at best, is poor management and, at worst, is bullying and harassment,” Noelia Voigt wrote in the letter. “This started soon after winning the title of Miss USA 2023.”

Voigt announced Monday on Instagram that she was relinquishing her crown, citing her mental health. Two days later, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava, 17, announced she was also stepping down in a statement that said her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”

Fans who were shocked by the unprecedented resignations noticed that the first letter in every sentence of Voigt’s online statement spelled out “ I am silenced .”

In her resignation letter, Voigt said that Miss USA CEO and President Laylah Rose consistently failed to communicate and that when she did, she was “often cold and unnecessarily aggressive.”

“It’s incredibly jarring to be trying to do my job and constantly be threatened with disciplinary action, including taking away my salary, for things that were never discussed with me and, if it related to a public-facing post for example, were causing no issue other than not meeting her personal preference,” Voigt wrote.

Representatives for the Miss USA organization did not immediately respond to request for comment Thursday evening.

Rose said in a statement Wednesday that “the well-being of all individuals associated with Miss USA is my top priority.”

“All along, my personal goal as the head of this organization has been to inspire women to always create new dreams, have the courage to explore it all, and continue to preserve integrity along the way. I hold myself to these same high standards and I take these allegations seriously,” she said.

Voigt included in her letter details about an alleged incident of sexual harassment at a Christmas event in Florida. She wrote that she was left alone in a car with a man who “made several inappropriate statements to me about his desire to enter into a relationship with me.”

Voigt said that when Rose was made aware of the situation, she told Voigt, “We cannot prevent people saying things to you at public appearances, it is, unfortunately, part of the role you’re in as a public figure.” 

Rose is also accused in the letter of badmouthing Voigt to others in the organization and painting her as “uninterested” in her job.

“I have heard that comments have ranged from her describing me as difficult to work with for various untrue reasons, to weaponizing my mental health struggles brought on by my experience as Miss USA 2023, calling me ‘mentally ill’ in a derogatory way, to expressing that she hoped I would get hit in the face by a baseball at an event where I would throw out the first pitch at a baseball game,” Voigt wrote in her letter.

Despite the environment, Voigt said, she was committed to the Miss USA brand, but her mental and physical health continued to erode.

“I am now diagnosed with Anxiety and have to take two medications daily to manage the symptoms due to consistently being on edge, worrying about what Laylah will pop up with and choose to harass me about daily,” the letter said.

She wrote that she had flare-ups of a pre-existing condition that is worsened by stress and that she is experiencing “heart palpitations, full body shakes, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, loss of sleep, loss of hair, and more.”

Voigt cited a toxic work environment at Miss USA that she said is unsafe for future Miss Universe Organization title holders.

“Every statement you have ever put out about MUO’s morals and integrity directly contradicts what is happening within the USA organization,” the letter said.

Claudia Michelle, a former social media manager who said she submitted her resignation last week, echoed similar sentiments about Miss USA management in an interview with NBC News on Thursday.

“Leaders in women’s empowerment organizations need to be held accountable,” Michelle said. “How do you not take the mental health of the face of your brand seriously?”

Michelle said she was aware that Voigt had raised concerns over her safety and traveling alone and that she began to travel more with Miss USA in March and April.

Michelle said that Rose was inconsistent with her communication and that the organization’s management was unprofessional.

Brittany Lane is a booker for NBC News.

Doha Madani is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Pronouns: she/her.