I started writing my personal statement(below) a few months ago but have been stuck for a whole on how to complete it and what information to include or remove. My life has been mostly boring . . . not a lot of awards or great grades. I have worked the last 10 or so years in the field and wanting to get back into school full-time to further my studies. What I want is good suggestions or advice on how to tailor my statement(below), and finish it so I can finally submit the application this year. Thanks in advance.
I am writing to express my interesting in applying to the department of mathematical engineering and computer science Graduate program, in particular for PHD Candidacy. I have about 8 year of experience working experience as a computer programmer but I believe that a graduate degree in mathematics and computer engineering is what I really need to help me further achieve career goals and well as academic obligations I have.
I started out applying and attending medical doctor back over 16 years ago in my home country,XXXXXXXXX. Though I enjoyed the program and did very well in my courses, for the brief time I was there, I never really could picture myself as a doctor, even up to my third year. Fortunately, my family got the opportunity to move to the XXXXXXXXX, where I got my first exposure to computers and the world of programming, as an undergraduate. I switched from my pre-med program and started working towards a career in IT. Now for someone completely new to computers, in college, it was not an easy feat but I quickly took to programming and before long, I was able to earn for myself a minor in computer science.
I got an internship position working in the Physics department at the University of XXXXXXXX in the summer of 2003, where I was further exposed to the merits of a career in IT. I ran simulations in the lab for generating of diamonds in the lab, and decided that I would definitely work towards a career in such an area (scientific research). However on getting out of the academic walls, and into the walls outside, I found it hard to gain for myself a position in my cherished scientific research field. I have been involved in various development projects, in various industries (finance, food production, PR firms etc.) working on either web or windows applications but nothing challenging enough to require use of much of the skills I acquired in college (mathematics, algorithms etc.). Each and every time I tried to break into the science and research world, and R & D departments of major scientific companies, I instead got reminders of how much I was in need of advanced Mathematical and algorithm skills, in order to, not only compete with my peers, but also advance in this niche market.
In 2008, I decided to pursue a graduate program but was not sure I could go back to not working fulltime. Suffice to say, my many attempts, up to this point to try to joggle both career and education have not paid off. And it is to this end that I have decided to apply to the XXXXXXXXXXXXXX college of Engineering graduate program as a fulltime graduate student. I discover that I am happier back in college, getting skills and experience to actually move me closer to being more fulfilled than working and living knowing I am not moving forward at the pace I would prefer to be moving at.
I am highly aware of the superb reputation University of XXXXXX XXXXXXX's school of Mathematics and Engineering has, and my conversations with several of your alumni, and staff, have served to deepen my interest in attending. I know that, in addition to your excellent faculty, your computer facilities are among the best in the State of XXXXXXX, and the country. I hope you will give me the privilege of continuing my studies at your fine institution.
Hi Race,
PHD in any domain is very competitive and university look for students who has research background. Your essay might be good for a MS program but for phd it lacks content. I will suggest to pick one subject where you have done extensive work/research and explain it. And how you will fit into the current research going at the university and what you can contribute to their research.
This is what my understanding. I hope it is helpful.
-Abhijeet
What if I have't done extensive research in any particular area? That is why I think my essay is quite boring. Apart from the required internship during my undergrad years, I have not done much in terms of research of academics work. In fact it took the last 10 years working out in the field as a Software Engineer to make me realize that this is what I really want to do. What else can I use? How do I use my work history, if possible, to my advantage in this? How would I word that?
