Dear Forum Members and Moderators. I am applying for Masters in Development studies at Glasgow University. Please review my personal statement from both aspects content and english language... thanks in advance
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Being a business graduate, I started my career in banking sector but passion for working for people and making difference in society drove me in development sector. Now it's been five years in this sector and I am enjoying every second of it. My decision to pursue a degree in development studies is result of long and careful assessment of my career. While working in Bank, I realized that my professional activity in banking field did not meet my personal ambitions to do something that would make difference in society. I realized that I need a major career change and switched from banking to NGO. It was a first step in the process of redirecting my career. Now after five years of seriously re-evaluating my personal objectives, I came to the conclusion that I want to aim at a career in development sector. My goal is to work practically on programming and development projects for the United Nations programs, an INGO or a development agency.
My interest in development studies increased due to three reasons. Firstly, I always feel a knowledge gap while executing projects that might come from my instinct since I do not have any theoretical knowledge or degree in development. This is a big obstacle in advancing career in development sector. Secondly while reading and attending training workshops and seminars on developmental issues has developed a thrust to have global perspective on local issues and to have deep insights on the area to learn new strategies, course of actions and replicate the best practices from world to resolve local issues. That's the reason; I have decided to get a Master Degree in Development Studies.
I believe that studying Master degree in Development Studies at Glasgow University will perfectly fulfill my aspirations because it is an interdisciplinary program with full range of development modules i.e. Growth and development, Development policy which will solidify my theoretical foundation and also help me to learn about the complex socioeconomic developmental issues and contribute at policy level. In addition, programs' optional courses especially I am interested to learn more about Aid and development, foreign direct investment and development, and Policies for sustainability and development will broadly develop and improve my understanding of the contemporary issues affecting not only developing countries like Pakistan but also developed countries worldwide.
Professionally, I have worked for development organizations since last five years in different environments and capacities ranging from Volunteer to Program Manager. In course of my career I have worked on diversified projects and programs supported by International donors on i.e. Women Empowerment, Gender equity, Poverty Alleviation, Vocational Trainings, Youth Development, Afghan Refugees, Early Childhood Development and Education, Social Entrepreneurship and Disaster Management. These experiences have helped me to be a multi-skilled humanitarian worker. By working on different projects, interacting with diversified communities, and international donors, I learnt in detail about development and have developed leadership, coordination, monitoring, and project implementation skills. In addition, I also challenge myself by working in remote areas of Pakistan. It realizes me that I am successfully contributing in development and brining change in marginalized groups, which is indeed motivational for me. On other hand I also learnt about working on gross route, rural development and community mobilization.
Apart from working, I have diverse personal interests, for example volunteerism, reading, writing and photography. In volunteerism, I have organized and participated in charity events to promote volunteerism among youth and children to create socially responsible citizen. Being a active member of Pakistan Young Greens, I also exposed to green ideology and sustainable development. It is one of my interest areas where I also want to work in future. I also enjoy live music and theatre for entertainment. I have passion for reading history and social movements in subcontinent because it gives me an opportunity to know about great leaders, events, knowing about past generations and their culture, lifestyle and most importantly lessons and guidance for future. My extra curriculum activities would not be completed without playing cricket because it is my passion to watch and play cricket.
I am fully aware of the excellent reputation of Centre for Development Studies, Glasgow University, and after reading profiles of your faculty, course structure, research and teaching facilities have deepened my interest in attending Glasgow University. I hope you will give me the privilege of continuing my studies at your fine institution to improve myself academically perk up my career prospects and contribute to socioeconomic development of my country.
