Personal Statement for Msc Finance

Hi guys, can anyone give me some advice on how to write a good personal statement and what do they look for?

Masters In Finance Personal Statement

Your personal statement for your Masters in Finance should tell a story. People relate to stories and remember them. It needs to be a story that shows you in a good light and displays your strengths. It must not be dull. You want to find a way to make it stand out while keeping it simple.

User @IlliniProgrammer suggests:

How did you get where you are now? Why do you want to study finance? What do you bring to the table at XYZ University? What do you need at XYZ University? Now that you've answered the questions honestly, remember that your personal statement is a marketing document. You need to the tell the truth and nothing but the truth, but you don't need to tell the whole truth, and you should present things in the best light possible while still being mostly honest.

Watch the video below to learn more about personal statements from Wordvice

Remember that being honest can sometimes feel like you’re being arrogant and while you don’t want to self-aggrandize or go over the top, remember that making yourself small is not the point of this exercise.

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22 Comments
 

This is going to sound jack ass, but make it personal. This is where you write about how a MSc will benefit you, why such a specialized degree, why finance, etc. Simple as that.

 
Best Response

You've gotta tell a story. A story that makes you look strong and shows you in a good light.

How did you get where you are now? Why do you want to study finance? What do you bring to the table at XYZ University? What do you need at XYZ University? Now that you've answered the questions honestly, remember that your personal statement is a marketing document. You need to the tell the truth and nothing but the truth, but you don't need to tell the whole truth, and you should present things in the best light possible while still being mostly honest.

Bear in mind that honest doesn't mean humble, modest, or whatever. If you write a good essay, it might feel arrogant or self-aggrandizing. But if your parents and friends like it, it might be a good essay to submit.

 

It doesn't have to be all great and insightful. Make it personal, keep it simple, and outline your goals clearly and ways the program will help you towards your goals. I don't think European schools care too much about you're innate desires. But just make sure it's not a deal breaker.

 

I would say the best thing you could do is think about the perspective of the admission committee (they mostly care about employability). @"Esuric" has an excellent post on this.

Life's is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
 

I feel that most statements ask for the same thing: Why MSF, why our program, why now? Long/short term goals and how you think this program will help you achieve them.

I'm sure they also look at how you write -- your thought process, ability to convey thoughts effectively, grammar, etc.

 

You want to articulate why you are seeking a masters in finance and how it will help you achieve your career goals. I've seen and done countless of these and they are all essentially the same.

 

Think along these lines: SOP = Movie Initial Paragraph = Your story = Stuff before interval So what happens when you watch a boring/dull/story-less movie? You walk out. (auto-ding) Keep re-writing it till you get your story in order. It should be something related to your program of choice.

After you get this, also focus on your strengths (skills) and how they could be utilized to their full potential while studying for this program.

P.S. - 'since childhood' kind of stuff = auto-ding

 

Focus: How did you get interested in this field/program? (The First para aka Story) What are your skills? (subsequent paras) Have you participated in competitions/research/projects? (subsequent paras) Why do you want to join this university/program? (Last para. Keep it very brief and focus on main points only)

Overall: Keep it crisp and concise Cheers

 

I would like some more advice please. This is really important for me since I have graduated this year, and I would really like to have a really stellar letter of intent/purpose of study/personal statement that I can use now and for my future applications.

Thank you.

 

Explain what kind of programs you're applying to first. The "multiple programs by the same university" thing throws me off a little. MSF and Masters in Management or...?

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

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