Taking the time to study examples of personal statements can be valuable when applying to a university or college course.
That’s because personal statement examples can teach you how to write and structure your application, and you can quickly learn how to write a personal statement by examining others.
But with so many university personal statement examples available, how do you know if you’re reading a good one?
Postgraduate personal statements should highlight relevant academic and practical experience, research skills and ambitions and their suitability for the course. This postgraduate personal statement example for Telecommunications considers these three critical elements.
Studying master’s degree personal statement examples can be especially valuable. They’re sometimes referred to as personal mission statements or statements of purpose, so if you’re tasked with writing a personal mission statement, the following example will work for you.
I’ve broken down this personal statement example section by section, with a commentary on each element.
That way, you’ll see its strengths and weaknesses and get some inspiration for your own personal statement.
Once you’ve read the personal statement example and analysis, you can download a pdf of the whole document to use as inspiration for your own!
Postgraduate Personal Statement Example: Telecommunications
Personal Statement Example: Introduction
“The electronics industry has played a critical and lasting role in technological development since the late twentieth century. It is a sector that will continue to be at the vanguard of social and technological transformation for generations. Given the significant role of telecommunications in human information dissemination and cultural exchange, I am determined to study this field at the highest level. My initial engagement came when I entered my college’s radio-building competition, which required me to apply independent welding and assembly skills. Most students failed to complete the task, but my finished radio received broadcasts successfully. The moment the beautiful music, broadcast thousands of miles away, played, I recognized the charm and power of the circuits in front of me. Consequently, I want to contribute to the development of technology and global information exchange through the postgraduate study of electronics within Telecommunications.”
My Commentary and Analysis
This is a highly compelling personal statement example. It starts with a concise overview of the subject and a demonstration of the appropriate use of vocabulary and knowledge. The initial impression given to the reader is of an applicant who would be well-suited to the academic demands of further study.
This is balanced well by the reference to practical engagement with electronics and telecommunications, which shows not only practical ability but also a personal connection with the subject.
This introduction is concise and engaging and underlines the writer’s suitability and motivation nicely. In that sense, it’s an excellent example.
If you’re struggling with your personal statement introduction, check out my article on how to write perfect opening paragraphs here.
Personal Statement Example: Academic Background
“Having completed a major in Communication Engineering, my rigorous undergraduate courses have provided me with a solid foundation in electronic engineering theory. Courses such as Circuit Analysis, Analog Circuits and Digital Circuits have allowed me to understand the characteristics of circuits and their related components from two different perspectives and to master the analysis and application of typical circuit types. Through the subsequent study of Digital Signal Processing and Communication Principles, I have gained a clearer understanding of the system structures and transmission processes related to electronic communication. Many of the courses I took as an undergraduate, such as Circuit Analysis, Signals and Systems and EMF and EM Waves, examined and analyzed circuit systems from different perspectives, allowing me to make valuable interdisciplinary connections. For example, I discovered that Maxwell’s equations in EMF and EM waves corresponded to analysis in the frequency domain.
I was frequently challenged with projects and experiments that allowed me to design, solder, and debug complete electronic systems independently through a combination of theory and practice. For example, working on wireless communication systems and digital radio helped me better understand circuit design details and improve my relevant theoretical and practical knowledge. Outside of the classroom, I actively participated in an array of lectures and skills training, aiding my understanding of contemporary industry developments and broadening my perspective of the electronics profession. Participating in the EDA design vacation training held by the college gave me detailed, applicable knowledge of EDA design software and design specifications. This also helped me to develop a solid foundation for meeting the demands of subsequent courses and competitions. These experiences, combined with my developing skill set, have increased my determination to study at the postgraduate level and to achieve my professional goals.”
My Commentary and Analysis
The first paragraph in this section is an important one. By referencing the relevant courses taken as an undergraduate, the writer does a good job of outlining their qualifications and suitability.
Importantly, they have indicated not just the subject-specific elements that qualify them but also considered the value of these: what they learned and how it is relevant. Connecting these experiences more fully with the content of the course being applied for would have further strengthened the validity of this personal statement.
The second paragraph continues in much the same fashion but makes greater reference to the practical skills developed through a range of co-curricular activities. Showing the range and value of courses taken beyond the formal curriculum is an important strategy, and this paragraph is both convincing and compelling as a result.
Again, making formal links to the content of the course being applied for – showing clearly how a skill or experience added to the applicant’s suitability for a particular aspect of a specific module – would have improved this section.
If you’d like to learn more about structuring your personal statement or statement of purpose, you can read my complete guide to writing a master’s degree personal statement here.
Alternatively, click on the image below to download a free template for structuring your writing.
Personal Statement Example: Practical Experience
“To continue to gain new insights into the front-end research aspects of my major, I attended summer camps at Marshall University. I was exposed to electromagnetic stealth cloaking and related theoretical research, such as cutting-edge developments in antenna design by professors such as Dr Miles Buckley, which clarified the direction of my future research.
To learn more about cutting-edge telecommunications technology, I participated in undergraduate research training, where I was responsible for designing antennas. The most challenging aspect of this project was optimizing the parameters to make the antenna reach the design goal. Unfortunately, the designed antenna did not meet the performance requirements after the usual optimization steps. To break the deadlock, I integrated some optimization methods and antenna structures from my previous research and adapted them to meet the newly designed antenna’s characteristics. After several improvements and tests, my design finally achieved the desired experimental results. This experience made me realize the importance of flexibly applying and adapting research literature, knowledge and engineering protocols. I hope to discover richer academic resources and examine increasingly cutting-edge research fields throughout this graduate program, and I look forward to transforming my sparks of innovation into realized and valuable outcomes.”
Commentary and Analysis
The writer outlines further study opportunities taken, which again indicates a commitment and engaged approach as well as further breadth of knowledge. They also use this as an opportunity to clarify the direction of their future research, which further adds to the convincing nature of this personal statement example.
The second paragraph shows further relevant practical skills. It also hints at transferable skills such as leadership and teamwork. Had these been made a little more explicit, it would have added a little more value and given an admissions team a fuller sense of the applicant as an individual.
This section ends with a clarification of further research aims but uses language that mirrors and complements that used in the course description.
As a result, the admissions team will almost subconsciously connect this applicant’s aims with what the course has to offer, making an achievable offer more likely.
Check out lots more examples of personal statements here, and see how they can inspire your application!
Personal Statement Example: Professional Ambitions
“My academic and practical experiences have strengthened my desire to pursue a career in electrical engineering. I hope to enter the industry and work as a hardware-related electronic designer in international companies with a far-reaching influence, such as HYSIS and SMIC. Ultimately, I aim to help the country achieve self-sufficiency in the design of high-end electronic products, minimizing the need to rely on imports. By promoting self-developed electronic technology products to the world stage, I aim to promote human information dissemination and cultural exchange and to achieve a revolutionary change in the development of human civilization.”
My Commentary and Analysis:
This paragraph shows that the applicant has a good understanding of the industry, the role the subject plays within it and their longer-term ambitions. They have some substantial goals, but the previous content is convincing enough that these do not seem impossible or unrealistic.
By identifying goals that match the outcomes shared by previous alums on the programme they are applying for, the writer positions themselves as a successful graduate, even before they have been accepted onto the course.
This is a successful strategy in this case, as the depth of skill and experience already indicated has clarified their potential.
The one thing that all successful personal statements have in common is that they are concise, engaging and accurate in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Consequently, I always recommend Grammarly to my students and clients.
It’s an outstanding tool for ensuring your personal statement is rich with detail whilst hitting those all-important word limits. Check out the free version of Grammarly here, or hit the banner for more information.
Personal Statement Example: Conclusion
“I am confident that my research interests and career goals align perfectly with the ethos and content of Slater’s MSc Telecommunications program. Internationally renowned research in the School of Engineering continues to generate discoveries within the field of fifth-generation cellular network technology and the Internet of Things. Equally, the institute provides cutting-edge research laboratories and infrastructure, such as the Slater Innovation Laboratory, the Huff Telekom System and Media Lab, and the Center for Wireless Information Technology. Accessing these advanced facilities will allow me to implement theories and develop my practical skills to the highest possible level.
I am also keen to engage with professors and visiting experts in the field of communication, especially those who have achieved outstanding research results in the field of power semiconductors and ICs. I am particularly looking forward to working with Professor Vincent Chan, whose research interests in high-frequency semiconductor devices are highly compatible with my target research direction. Lastly, the university’s longstanding collaborative partnership program with leading companies in the sector will provide me with numerous internship opportunities. This will expose me to cutting-edge industry technologies and allow me to build the networks necessary for a successful career in this vital sector.”
My Commentary and Analysis
This final paragraph does an excellent job of convincing the reader that the applicant has fully researched and prepared for the course.
By identifying specific modules and clarifying their value, the writer has made the link between their ambitions and the content offered on the course clear, reassuring the admissions team that they are likely to succeed if offered a place.
Identifying relevant resources and faculty members that would add value to the writer’s experience shows knowledge and ambition, and the range and depth of terminology used add to the convincing tone of the personal statement.
The writer shows that they are aware of a range of opportunities available on the course and connects these to their academic and professional advancement, showing that the course will have particular relevancy and value for them.
This is an excellent strategy to use in a conclusion and leaves the reader with a clear sense of connection and suitability.
Had the writer indicated the value they were likely to bring to the faculty and added more detailed examples of their capacity for formal academic research and writing, this would have been a truly outstanding personal statement example.
For more great advice, check out my article on writing an excellent final personal statement paragraph here.
Whether you’re looking for personal mission statement examples or an example of personal purpose statement, I hope this personal statement example has been helpful. Above all, I wish you every success in your academic career.
If you’d like to work with me to develop your personal statement 1:1 and write a powerful mission statement, I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Find out about my personal statement support services by clicking here or on the image below.
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