personal statement for civil engineering masters

Statement of Purpose

The most recent version of this article was developed by Ignacio Martin Arzuaga Garcia.

Criteria for Success

• Focus on the aim.  Convince a faculty committee that you are qualified for their program.
• Customize it.  Show the admission committee that you are a good fit for the particular program you are applying for.
• Stand out.  Highlight your skills and experiences that convey your strengths and differentiate you from other candidates.
• Be precise.  Focus on concrete and quantitative examples.
• Be concise.  Your Statement of Purpose should be no more than 2 pages. The MIT CEE graduate program recommends 1 – 1.5 pages.

Structure Diagram

The graduate school Statement of Purpose is a document that complements your resume and application form, describing your profile in a narrative way and convincing the admission committee that you would be a good match for a particular department or program. Take into account that matching goes both ways: they should be interested in you, and you should be interested in them. Your Statement of Purpose should make this match clear.

Analyze Your Audience

Your Statement of Purpose will be read by a graduate committee – a handful of faculty from the program. They’re trying to determine if you will be a successful graduate student in their department and a successful scientist after you graduate. They are interested in your qualifications as a researcher, your career goals, and how your personality matches their labs and department.

The graduate committee probably reads hundreds of applications every year. To make it easy for them to figure out that you are a good fit, consider the following suggestions:

• Make direct, concrete statements about your accomplishments and qualifications.
• Create a narrative that serves as a personal brand and helps them remember you.
• Give them some unique examples that describe you and make you stand out, and which will make them remember you as “that candidate that was so passionate about…’ or “who has lot of experience in…”, although they might not remember your name.

Create a narrative

PhD programs invest in the professional and scientific growth of their students. Get the committee excited about investing in you by opening your essay with a brief portrait of what drives you as a scientist. What research directions are you passionate about, and why? What do you picture yourself doing in 10 years?

Close your essay with a 2-3 sentence discussion of your long-term career interests. No one will hold you to this; this just helps your committee visualize your potential trajectory.

Describe your experiences

Experiences are the “what” of your essay. They are the most efficient and easiest way to prove your capabilities to the admissions committee.

• What experiences led you to develop your skill set and passions?
• Where have you demonstrated accomplishment, leadership, and collaboration?
• Include research, teaching, relevant extracurriculars and leadership positions.
• State concrete achievements and outcomes like awards, discoveries, or publications, or projects completed.

Achievements are not limited to research projects or publications. You can discuss, for example, a research-oriented class project in which you stood out, and that is related to the type of work you expect in graduate school. Think about experiences demonstrate your ability to conduct research.

Quantify your experiences to show concrete impact. How many people were on your team? How many protocols did you develop? How many people were in competition for an award? As a TA, how often did you meet with your students? Describe actions. Rather than share how important the company was or how renowned the professor you worked with is, always direct the message to highlight your performance, which may include both independent and collaborative work.

Demonstrate a match to the program

A key point on writing your Statement of Purpose is to demonstrate that you have done previous research about the program to which you’re applying, that you understand its characteristics and objectives, and that you are really interested in joining it and willing to do your best to be successful in it. To do this:

• Read the program’s website . Learn about its faculty members and the projects they are working on. Check what topics and high level goals the department is committed to. Identify the main research areas.
• Get in contact with faculty and students in your target program. If you have had a positive discussion with someone at the department, you can include in your essay how those interactions confirmed that you would be a good match for the program.

State which professors in the program you would be interested in working with. Show how their research areas align with your background and your goals. You can even describe potential research directions or projects.

 “Statement of Purpose” vs. “Personal Statement”

Many schools distinguish between the Statement of Purpose/Objective and the Personal Statement, providing different writing prompts for each. The main difference between these two types of essays is that the Statement of Purpose focuses on your professional background, goals and research interests, while the Personal Statement is more about your personal history and where your motivation for graduate school comes from.

Resources and Annotated Examples

Annotated example 1.

This statement of purpose resulted in admission to the CEE doctoral program. 101 KB

Annotated Example 2

This statement of purpose resulted in admission to the CEE doctoral program. 76 KB

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Civil Engineering Personal Statement

Submitted by Rishi

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Civil Engineering Personal Statement

Fascinated by how infrastructures, that were once design concepts, have become a reality, led me to choose civil engineering as my career path. By researching immense structural projects from The Great Wall of China to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, I established my interest in civil engineering.

My initial experience of design and construction came from the renovation of my house. I was given an insight into each stage, from the architectural designs to the final construction. This left me with unanswered questions such as what prevented a building from collapsing or how I can access clean water from a tap. These answers lie in civil engineering.

Civil engineering is involved in more than just building construction. I am particularly interested in geotechnics and application of practical skills to make and test materials. The importance of this topic was demonstrated to me when I discovered that the geology of the earth beneath London prevented civil engineers from constructing tall landmarks. I’m also interested in structures, specifically the solutions to foundation problems in a family residence. As a determined individual, I am eager to solve such complications methodically and logically: I enjoy tackling mathematical problems and embracing challenges and so this topic appeals to me most.

I believe my strengths lie in mathematics. I have been taking extra maths classes that have improved my organisation and problem-solving skills. Trigonometry is the area that I enjoy especially because of the challenge of solving problems that incorporate identities, algebraic methods, and trigonometric properties. I chose physics because of its link to engineering and over time I genuinely started to appreciate the subject for its logical reasoning. My mathematical understanding of physics is enhanced by choosing the Mechanics Module. I engaged greatly with the simple harmonic motions topic, more specifically how resonance can affect bridges. Last year I visited the CERN labs in Switzerland, where my passion for physics flourished. This enlightening experience furthered my knowledge of physics and allowed me to communicate with world-leading scientists. The engineering required to build the particle accelerator is truly inspiring and showcased how broad the engineering industry is.

I relished the opportunity to participate in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award where held a position of responsibility when leading my group on our two-day expedition. Motivation and the ability to communicate effectively was key. I also took part in the National Citizen Service scheme. Project management and critical thinking skills were put to the test when I organised a bake sale, contributing to the money raised for charity, which in total was £1,652. I volunteered to work with the Royal Voluntary Service, in the hospital shops which helped me to develop into a well-rounded person that enjoyed speaking with customers and helping others. I have gained transferable skills, such as responsibility, communication skills, and motivation, that are useful in civil engineering and many other industries.

My career ambition is to become a structural engineer and in doing so becoming a chartered civil engineer. In today’s society, civil engineering changes people’s lives for the better and I want to be a part of that change. I strongly believe that my flair for science, combined with my enthusiasm for problem-solving and overcoming difficult challenges will allow me to excel in this course. I have confidence that engineering is a field where I can apply my skills best and fully realise my potential.

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Writing a Personal Statement for Masters in Civil Engineering

Table of Contents

Are you considering applying for a Master’s in Civil Engineering? It goes without saying that crafting a compelling and successful personal statement will play an important role in improving your chances of acceptance.

This blog post aims to break down the critical elements of a successful personal statement for Masters in Civil Engineering . We will also provide valuable tips and examples to help you get started.

Let’s dive right in!

What Is a Personal Statement for Masters in Civil Engineering ?

A personal statement is essentially an essay or letter introducing yourself to admission committees before deciding whether to accept you into their program.

Your personal statement should state why you want to pursue a degree in civil engineering. Detail any relevant experiences or qualifications, and include your skills and goals for the future.

What Makes a Great Personal Statement?

When it comes to personal statements for Masters in Civil Engineering, several things will make your statement stand out from the rest. Here are a few key elements that you should include:

• A clear and concise explanation of why you chose this particular field of study
• An explanation of any relevant experience or qualifications you have which might improve your chances of being accepted into the program
• A description of any leadership roles or extracurricular activities that demonstrate commitment to civil engineering
• Any long-term goals or aspirations related to civil engineering and how you would pursue them through completing a Master’s degree
• Demonstration of research skills and an understanding of the current state of civil engineering

These are just a few elements that should be in your personal statement for Masters in Civil Engineering . Please include any other relevant information you feel will help demonstrate why you would make an ideal candidate for the program .

Tips and Examples

When crafting your personal statement , Bear in mind that quality is far more important than quantity. Always strive to showcase yourself as a capable and dedicated individual who seeks to improve society through their actions. Here are some tips and examples to help get you started:

• Start strong by writing an exciting opening sentence that immediately catches the reader’s attention
• Paint a picture of what your career path looks like by describing your goals in detail
• Showcase any relevant qualifications or experiences that demonstrate your dedication to the field
• Use concrete examples to prove why you would be a great addition to the program
• Make sure to proofread and edit after you finish writing, as this is an integral part of ensuring a successful personal statement.

My interest in civil engineering began at a young age when I helped rebuild my family’s home after natural disasters had destroyed it. This experience taught me the importance of robust infrastructure, which inspired me to pursue further education in this field. During my undergraduate degree, I completed many civil engineering projects, which developed my theoretical and practical skills. Also, I was a member of the university’s civil engineering society and was elected President in my final year. Through this role, I organized events that demonstrated my enthusiasm for the field and built strong relationships with many industry professionals.

I know that a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering will provide me with the skills and knowledge needed. This will be to pursue my goals of improving infrastructure and creating sustainable solutions. My long-term aspiration is to use these skills to help reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for people worldwide. With this goal in mind, pursuing a Master’s in Civil Engineering would be an excellent foundation for achieving success in this area.

 My passion for civil engineering began when I was in high school and helped my local community build a new bridge. This project allowed me to see firsthand the impact of civil engineering on society, and this experience inspired my interest in the field. At university, I took part in numerous projects related to civil engineering. This enabled me to acquire a strong understanding of the principles and theories behind the construction. In addition, I held several leadership roles, which helped develop my skills in communication and teamwork.

Completing a Masters in Civil Engineering would provide me with an excellent opportunity to further develop my skills. I’ll do this while pursuing my ambition of making positive societal changes through sustainable infrastructure solutions. As such, I am determined to use this degree program as a stepping stone toward achieving a successful career.

Your statement for a Master in Civil Engineering should reflect your commitment and enthusiasm for the field. Take your time to think about the important elements that define you as an individual.

Remember how this could benefit the program if you were accepted. Also, don’t forget to proofread and edit your statement once it is finished, as this will help ensure it is as strong as possible. Good luck!

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

Dirghayu Kaushik

28 August 2024

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• Introduction

When aspiring to become a civil engineer, one of the most critical steps in your academic journey is crafting a persuasive personal statement for your university application.

This document not only reflects your academic prowess but also your passion, experiences, and vision for a future in civil engineering. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating an impactful civil engineering personal statement, highlighting key elements to include and strategies to make your application stand out.

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• The Role of a Personal Statement in Civil Engineering Applications

Crafting a Compelling Introduction

The introduction of your civil engineering personal statement is your first opportunity to capture the attention of the admissions committee. It should immediately convey your enthusiasm for civil engineering.

Start with a hook – an intriguing anecdote, a fascinating fact about civil engineering, or a personal experience that sparked your interest in the field. Your opening sentences should set the tone for the rest of your statement, showcasing your passion and curiosity for civil engineering.

Illustrating Your Academic Background

Your academic achievements form the backbone of your personal statement. Discuss your proficiency in subjects vital to civil engineering, such as mathematics and physics.

Highlight any awards, recognitions, or exceptional grades that set you apart. Remember to not just list your achievements but also to reflect on how they have prepared you for a degree in civil engineering. Discuss any relevant projects or research you have undertaken, emphasizing your analytical and problem-solving skills.

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• Demonstrating Practical Experience and Skills

In the field of civil engineering, practical experience and skills are as important as academic knowledge. Your personal statement should clearly highlight these aspects. Here’s how you can effectively demonstrate your practical experience and skills:

• Detail Your Roles : Describe the specific roles and responsibilities you undertook during any work placements or internships related to civil engineering or construction.
• Project Contributions : Talk about specific projects you contributed to, emphasizing your role and the skills you utilized or developed.
• Learning Outcomes : Reflect on what these experiences taught you about civil engineering, like understanding project management, design principles, or teamwork in a professional setting.
• Community Projects : If you have volunteered in community projects involving construction or engineering, discuss your participation and the impact of the project.
• Skill Application : Highlight how you applied civil engineering principles or used technical skills during your volunteering.
• Personal Growth : Describe how these experiences contributed to your personal growth and reinforced your passion for civil engineering.
• Engineering Clubs or Societies : Participation in engineering clubs or societies at school or in your community can demonstrate your proactive interest in the field.
• Leadership Roles : If you held any leadership positions in these clubs, explain your role and any significant initiatives or projects you led.
• Team Projects : Discuss any team-based projects, such as building a model bridge or participating in engineering competitions, highlighting collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Software Proficiency : Mention any civil engineering-related software you are proficient in, like AutoCAD, Revit, or SAP2000.
• Certifications : If you have completed any relevant courses or certifications, such as in project management or CAD, include these to showcase your commitment to learning industry-relevant skills.
• Research Involvement : Describe any research projects you participated in, particularly those related to civil engineering, and what your contributions were.
• Academic Design Projects : Discuss any design projects you undertook as part of your coursework, focusing on how you applied civil engineering principles.
• Construction Site Exposure : If you had the opportunity to visit or work on a construction site, describe the experience and your key takeaways about the practical aspects of civil engineering.
• Technical Challenges : Talk about any technical challenges you faced and how you addressed them, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
• Communication Skills : Illustrate instances where you effectively communicated complex technical information, perhaps during a presentation or team meeting.
• Adaptability and Flexibility : Provide examples of how you adapted to changing situations or requirements, a common scenario in civil engineering projects.
• Time Management : Highlight how you managed your time efficiently during projects or internships, balancing multiple tasks or deadlines.

By structuring your practical experience and skills in these points, your personal statement will paint a comprehensive picture of your readiness and suitability for a civil engineering program.

This approach demonstrates not only your theoretical knowledge but also your hands-on experience and the soft skills crucial for success in the field of civil engineering.

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• Personal Motivations and Aspirations

Connecting Personal Interests with Civil Engineering

Your personal statement should include a section dedicated to your personal interests and how they align with civil engineering. Perhaps you have a passion for sustainable development, a fascination with architectural design, or a keen interest in urban planning. Describe how these interests fuel your desire to study civil engineering and contribute to the field.

Articulating Long-Term Career Goals

Discuss your long-term professional objectives. Are you aiming to specialize in a particular area of civil engineering, such as structural or environmental engineering?

Do you aspire to work on significant infrastructure projects or contribute to innovative sustainable designs? Clearly articulating your career goals shows the admissions committee that you have a direction and are committed to making a meaningful contribution to the field.

• Reflection and Personal Growth

Learning from Challenges and Setbacks

Reflect on any challenges or setbacks you have faced and how they have shaped your journey towards civil engineering. This could include academic hurdles, personal obstacles, or even changes in your career aspirations.

Discuss how these experiences have strengthened your resolve to pursue a career in civil engineering and contributed to your personal growth.

The Evolution of Your Interest in Civil Engineering

Describe how your interest in civil engineering has evolved over time. This could include early experiences that piqued your interest, subjects at school that deepened your understanding, or interactions with professionals in the field that solidified your career choice. This evolution provides a narrative arc to your statement, showing a well-thought-out and genuine commitment to the field.

Reinforcing Your Commitment to Civil Engineering

Conclude your personal statement by summarizing your strengths, experiences, and aspirations. Reiterate your passion for civil engineering and your eagerness to contribute to the field.

End with a confident and forward-looking statement, leaving the admissions committee with a lasting impression of your potential as a civil engineering student and future professional.

How do I start my civil engineering personal statement?

Begin with a compelling anecdote or fact that reflects your interest in civil engineering and sets the tone for your statement.

What should I include in my personal statement for civil engineering?

Include your academic achievements, practical experiences, personal motivations, and how they align with your civil engineering aspirations.

Can I include personal challenges in my statement?

Yes, discussing personal challenges and how you overcame them can add depth to your statement and showcase resilience.

How important are extracurricular activities in a personal statement?

They are important as they demonstrate transferable skills and a well-rounded personality, which are valuable in civil engineering.

How do I conclude my civil engineering personal statement ?

Conclude by summarizing your key points and reiterating your passion and commitment to pursuing a career in civil engineering.

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Table of Contents

• • Introduction
• • The Role of a Personal Statement in Civil Engineering Applications
• • Demonstrating Practical Experience and Skills
• • Personal Motivations and Aspirations
• • Reflection and Personal Growth
• • Conclusion

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Civil engineering personal statement example 1.

Modern life is almost wholly dependent on engineering. It is everywhere and it is always changing, and it is this in particular which attracts me to civil engineering.

I hope that in this field I can combine my knowledge and skills in physics and maths, two subjects which particularly interest me, and also work in an area which is both diverse and exciting.

I am attracted to the prospect of a job which enables me to shape the world around me for the future and make a difference to people’s lives. Whilst I anticipate a challenging and demanding career, I also expect it to be very rewarding, especially when I can see projects I have worked on being built from start to completion.

I first encountered civil engineering during work experience with a local firm in October 2003. Whilst there, I was inspired by the opportunity to apply my existing skills to real-life problems, and as a result decided to participate in the Engineering Education Scheme.

As part of a team of five, I worked closely with qualified engineers on a railway embankment stabilisation project, and relished the chance to become fully involved in an actual engineering problem from start to finish. I experienced project management and report writing and gained invaluable team-working, time-management and presentation skills, producing a report which was commended by a number of senior engineers.

Following this I attended a Headstart course at Heriot Watt University, and also visited Fairfield Mabey, where I saw ongoing work on various bridges, both in the design office and on site. During the summer I was interviewed by Costain and subsequently offered a Building Awareness Sixth Form Scholarship for my academic achievements and keen interest in civil engineering.

In March 2004 I was one of thirty students selected to participate in a five-day maths and physics event at Oxford University, and this Easter I also attended a maths course at Leeds University. At both of these I enjoyed developing my problem-solving ability and adapting my knowledge to new and challenging situations beyond the scope of my schoolwork.

At Leeds I found I was not attracted to the more theoretical approach of studying maths and preferred problems relating to real-life situations, particularly a lecture on the instability of London’s Millennium Bridge, and I hope that this is something I can continue to enjoy throughout my engineering career.

I am currently working towards my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, in which I particularly enjoy the challenge of planning and undertaking the expeditions, and the sense of achievement afterwards.

As part of the award I have set-up and run my school’s first sixth form netball team, further utilising my team-working and organisational skills. I am working towards the European Computer Driving Licence in order to extend my IT skills, and I am also a Young Leader at a local Guide Unit, where I enjoy working with the girls and motivating them to acquire new skills.

Last October I was one of twenty Guides and Scouts who participated in the 12th International Space Olympics in Moscow, achieving one of the highest non-Russian scores in the competition’s history. This involved exams and a group presentation, and through research and preparation for these I was able to extend my knowledge of maths and physics into new, more advanced areas.

Through my experiences I am already beginning to appreciate the diversity which civil engineering will offer, and I hope to build on this by securing a work placement next summer as well as sponsorship for my degree. I have enjoyed my time at school and now look forward to the challenge of university and to a varied and exciting career in civil engineering.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by lisa_2k for application in 2006.

lisa_2k's university choices Cambridge University The University of Durham University of Newcastle Upon Tyne The University of Warwick The University of Nottingham The University of Manchester

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Degree MEng Engineering at Cambridge University

lisa_2k's Comments

Used this PS to apply for 3 civil engineering courses and 3 general ones. Must have worked cos I came out with 6 offers

Related Personal Statements

Great- puts mine to shame

Tue, 19/09/2006 - 00:00

Tue, 24/10/2006 - 20:20

this cool let's keep helping each other

civil engineering

Wed, 06/12/2006 - 01:47

applying to uni to do civil engineering and i really need help to write a neat PS.

Regarding PS...

Wed, 07/03/2007 - 07:04

Remember, when constructing your PS, it may be a good idea to reflect on your mathematical skills. For example, within the PS, identify your mathematical experience - that doesn't include General Mathematics.

My GF's friend works within the universities Admission Centre and stated "the markers like to see the potential student reflect on their mathematical experiences"...

first paragraph states the

Sat, 15/09/2007 - 11:28

first paragraph states the obvious, failed to mention who you are going to "secure a work placement with" which gives it a poor start and finish, apart from that its quite good

i really like this personal

Tue, 16/10/2007 - 10:54

i really like this personal statement, it looks and sounds good, well done, glad u got into ur 1st choice...

helps being sorta way

Sun, 21/10/2007 - 22:10

helps being sorta way intelligent but this is a damn good ps.

I am so jealous of the

Tue, 27/11/2007 - 17:54

I am so jealous of the content. How can I compare without utterly lying about my achievements?

Hmmm, you think the

Tue, 11/12/2007 - 14:46

Hmmm, you think the university read this statement or just looked at the AAAAA this girl most likely had!

I've seen much better personal statements!!

Nice, very nice!

Thu, 10/01/2008 - 13:30

beautiful....

Tue, 15/04/2008 - 09:08

Wed, 28/05/2008 - 19:26

i am still trying to come out with one like this great job

daniel swain

Fri, 20/06/2008 - 11:47

god your bloody brill:P i love you

lisa 2k, what were your a

Sat, 28/06/2008 - 13:35

lisa 2k, what were your a-level grades?

Absolutely blooody fanstastic

Thu, 02/10/2008 - 12:42

Absolutely blooody fanstastic. After reading that and re-reading mine I have definitely realised that mine is absolutely bloody crap

WOW. Very nice. u hve done so

Thu, 09/10/2008 - 00:19

WOW. Very nice. u hve done so much around the subject before u even started uni. I however, hve done nothing cause i am lazy, so i hve got nothing much to write about. NOOO!!

did u have to do any

Sun, 19/10/2008 - 17:32

did u have to do any interviews ???????????????????????????????

Univerisities dont always

Sun, 02/11/2008 - 16:08

Univerisities dont always want someone like this 'perfect' student with her 5 A's. they want people who have lives outside their work aswell, and people who are not wholly obsessed with what thier doing. well balanced people is what their looking for!

Thu, 26/11/2009 - 23:26

Congrats... you have ruined all hope of me getting an education anywhere other than the bloody adult learning centre... but seriously, good job 5*

Fri, 27/11/2009 - 10:57

Get a life mate!!

Mon, 23/08/2010 - 15:42

This is a really good one. I think its funny to see the comments like:

"Univerisities dont always want someone like this 'perfect' student with her 5 A's. they want people who have lives outside their work aswell, and people who are not wholly obsessed with what thier doing. well balanced people is what their looking for!"

There just jealous ;)

I like this personal

Fri, 15/10/2010 - 04:06

I like this personal statement help me construct my personal statement..nice

really good statement, i

Thu, 15/12/2011 - 15:17

really good statement, i picked up many tips from it. Thank you.

plz help me to write a nice

Thu, 03/01/2013 - 17:23

plz help me to write a nice ps

European Computer Driving

Thu, 17/01/2013 - 02:20

European Computer Driving Licence!? Fresh out of school and can't use a computer, gets into Cambridge eek.

its not that good I guess you

Wed, 18/09/2013 - 21:34

its not that good I guess you got accepted because of your A's :O

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