Writing the personal statement IV

If a student asks us:

How can I write a personal statement in English to apply for further studies, a fellowship, employment, or an internship?

We may reply:

Try to include mention of what is special or impressive about your life experience, including things that may not have happened to all other applicants. Did you have to conquer any personal or family problems? Did you meet any inspiring people who influenced you in your studies or professional goals?

The reason to mention personal experiences is to set the applicant apart from all other applicants. Mention when you first became interested in the academic or professional that you are asking to continue in. What gave you the impression that this field was appropriate for you? Did any previous classes or work experience reinforce this impression?

The student may wonder:

Should I mention all my learning experience, even in primary and secondary school?

We might say:

Generally, since space is limited in personal statements, it is better to discuss more recent experiences and not go as far back as primary or secondary school.

If the student inquires:

Is it okay to discuss religious or political issues in personal statements?

Our answer:

As a rule, any subjects that might possibly be controversial should not be included in personal statements.

There are other, more appropriate, places for discussing controversial religious or political issues, for example. The personal statement should focus entirely on why the applicant is well suited to an academic program or employment opportunity. For this reason, it is better to not risk offending whoever might be reading the personal statement by offering opinions that might be disagreed with.

If the student needs to know:

How much research should I do for each individual job or internship opportunity of graduate school?

We can tell them:

It is best to do enough research to be able to explain why the applicant has chosen a specific institution or employer, rather than another one. If you show that you know about, and are interested in, the specific things that an employer or university has to offer, whoever read the personal statement will be more confident that you will be happy if you are accepted.

If the job, internship, or opportunity for further studies is in a different part of the world outside the Kingdom, it is appropriate to mention this and explain why new cultural experiences would be of interest and value as part of your education.

If the student asks:

What kind of previous experience should I mention in the personal statement?

We can say:

During your work or study experiences, any time you have learned leadership or managerial skills would be helpful to mention. How have these experiences added to your personal and professional development?

If the student wonders:

Should I include any discussion of my career goals?

We might reply:

Certainly, but try not to evaluate any professional status only by the income that you may earn in future. Discuss research or professional opportunities in terms of what you hope to accomplish to make the world a better place, or improve conditions for others in society.

People on admissions committees or personnel departments who receive statements from applicants who only appear to care about money, are not usually impressed by these statements. Even if study at some institutions or employment at some corporation will definitely mean an increase in salary, it is better not to give the impression that this is the only, or even main, reason why you wish to do it.

(All images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)