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Personal statement example
Having grown up surrounded by business I have long been fascinated and inspired by the leadership exhibited by those in management. As the son of a successful businessman, I have not only observed this level of responsibility but have also been asked to accept a portion of it myself, both through work experience with my father’s company and through regular international travel and independent living. Particularly inspired by the prospect of combining my interests in management with my interests in new structures and techniques, including the use of Information Technology, I am driven to gain the skills and knowledge to make my own mark within business.
As a dedicated and ambitious student, I have been taught to continue working towards my goals in even the most testing of circumstances. At present, this includes working with Oxford Tutorial College to retake exams, after failing to secure the grades of which I know I am capable due to personal circumstances. My studies in Economics and Mathematics both have obvious applicability to Business and Management, while English Literature has improved my understanding of written and verbal communication and increased my confidence studying in the English Language.
These studies in the field have provided a theoretical underpinning for the principles of business that I have observed in operation through undertaking practical work experience from a young age. Since the age of 12, I have spent my summers working for my father’s business, beginning with manual tasks and working my way up to positions of ever greater responsibility. These have included strategic planning of employee social events, keeping within strict budgets, and administrative business tasks related to finance and accounting. Having worked my up through the company, I have a particular awareness of the importance of communication with all levels of staff to ensure effective, and efficient, management. Communication and teamwork have also proven to be central to the series of computer clubs set up by myself and three friends. Working closely with my team to conceive and implement a strategic plan for growth, our successful management of these clubs has seen their number grow from just 1 to 4 at present. We take joint responsibility for all aspects of management, including sourcing capital, creating income and resolving technical issues.
As this experience demonstrates, I like to use my free time to explore my interests in business and management, gaining experience whenever possible. Undertaking the Young Enterprise Scheme and attending regular lectures at the Oxford Union from prominent people in the field, I have gained both experience and knowledge of large and small scale business issues. I also read widely around the subject, including news media, such as The Economist, and contemporary and classic explorations of the relationship between business, economics and human psychology; from Machiavelli and Adam Smith to Joseph Stiglitz and John A. Hobson.
I am also a keen sportsman and play football and rugby, learning a great deal about determination, ambition and teamwork. My experience as an RAF cadet has also demonstrated the importance of a disciplined approach to achieving my goals, while taking part in regular debating workshops has demonstrated the importance of logical argument, improvisation and creativity in successful communication.
Having witnessed the importance of strong management and leadership in the pursuit of individual and corporate goals, I have grown into a student with the determination to acquire these skills. Having also already gained significant academic and practical experience, I believe that further study at a prestigious UK institution will offer the best possible foundation for achieving success in my future career.
Personal statement example