Sample Engineering Management Postgraduate Personal Statement
Several factors have been significant in my decision to apply to study for a Master’s degree in Engineering Management. Firstly, I love the science of engineering and I was among the first batch of students to graduate from Texas A&M Qatar in electrical engineering in 2008. The nature of engineering as a discipline means that it must always be much more than a purely academic study, so that it satisfies both intellectual and practical interests. At the same time I am very interested in the management role and feel that I have a natural aptitude for advising and guiding others in the workplace as well as a confidence in my own judgement when it comes to making important decisions about engineering projects, methods and planning. The third factor is the environment in which I plan to work, the dynamic world of Qatar, which is one of the engineering and structural wonders of the modern world. It is a working context which is full of challenges to the engineer, demanding solutions to innumerable questions about construction and the supply of services of all types which are needed to enable such a state to function successfully. My own experience has been with Kahramaa, the sole provider of electricity to Qatar, where I plan to continue my career after I complete my Master’s degree. One clear challenge which will have to be dealt with in the future is the World Cup event in 2022, which will call for enormous flexibility in the supply of power to the city. It is clear that traditional forms of management are unlikely to be adequate to cope with such dramatic changes, and I hope that, armed with a UK advanced degree in the field, I shall be able to make a major contribution to the success of this event and indeed to the continuing development of my homeland and its economy.
I began working with Kahramaa shortly after graduation and have been employed for the last three years as a design and development engineer. I have been responsible for the design of the 11kv electricity grid in Qatar, which has necessarily kept me closely in touch with current and forthcoming construction projects in Qatar and thus given me full knowledge of the likely power requirements in the area. In my section I am responsible for checking electrical system drawings and giving them official approval. I have learnt how to work with many types of people at many different levels of business, ranging from CEOs to site contractors, so that I feel that I already have a good sense of the sort of work management involves. Of course Qatar’s economy is focussed on the export of oil and gas, and the employment prospects in these industries are very attractive, particularly for Qatari graduates. I have chosen, however, to work for a utility, partly because I should like to be able to make a real contribution to the success of my homeland, and also because I believe that the company needs to change to cope with the challenges of the future. Most engineers in my company can take on a managerial role within five years of entering the firm, so that I have every confidence that I shall be in a strong position very soon to begin the process of modernisation and innovation. My plan is to move into the corporate planning department after completion of my Master’s.
My experience has already given me a taste for the management role and suggested to me that I have some ability in this area. I was chosen as the senior electrical engineering students’ representative in my final year at university, where I gained some skill in resolving conflicts and working with others as part of a team. I am efficient in my management of time, a sharp analyst when confronted with problems, and a creative thinker with good powers of invention. I am professional in my attitude and focussed in my career plans. The depth, range and indeed prestige of a degree from a UK university would prepare me perfectly for my planned role, and I hope you will consider my application.
We hope this sample Engineering Management Postgraduate Personal Statement will provide help to those who need some guidance whilst writing their personal statement.