masters in marketing personal statement

Sample Marketing Personal Statement (NYU, Cornell, ASU)

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to top doctoral programs in Marketing. Variations of this personal statement got accepted at NYU, Cornell, and ASU. Read this marketing personal statement to get inspiration and understand what a top essay should look like.

You might also be interested in reading this   Sample Ph.D. Personal Statement  that got admitted to MIT.

Sample Personal Statement in Marketing

‘Rationale’ stems from our understanding of the environment in which we reside. Amongst other quirks, I was most curious about how and why things were as they were: Why is the sky blue? Why do we grow old?

This curiosity kept increasing, and it was as if I was trying to find a reason for everything, an explanation, a mathematical formula for everything around me. I saw that notions about reality seem strongly influenced by contrasting paradigms and biases already set in motion by society leaders and people of influential vocations. I was fascinated by this unique influence and thus drawn to the study of human behavior that influenced their ability to make rational (or sometimes irrational) decisions.

Marketing and Sales thus became my obsession. I had my first sale at 13. It was a 1994 Nissan sunny – a big, massive but fuel-efficient car.

Silently observing client reactions, their responses to counter offers, and facial expressions, I learned how to make and close great deals. The more closely I watched, the more obvious things became; patterns emerged – confidence in the seller or the buyer greatly influenced the outcome of the entire process, honesty cemented strong relations with the client, etc.

My bachelor served as a guiding post and introduced several opportunities which anchored my interest in consumer behavior, leading me to a major in marketing. From organizing events for the Rotary society to acquiring sponsorships, the experience intensely focused on liaison skills and project management. Funds were arranged beforehand, but the efficiency of the marketing efforts couldn’t be measured.

Whether the attendees of such events had a great time? Were the goals of the event successfully met? Such questions kept me on edge while serving as the Director of Marketing in these events.

Nearing graduation, my professors urged me to participate in person at a research conference being held in the U.S. My pilot study based on the comparison of Instagram and Facebook was well received at the conference. It was here where I got to channel my curiosity revolving around consumer behavior, which was made possible through research.

This conference helped me in penning down a second paper. It encouraged me to learn more about research regarding the rudimentary concepts involved, such as developing a questionnaire.

However, since I was introduced to research, I have always felt a deficiency in quantitative and qualitative research skills. After graduation, I was able to explore my interests rigorously. Composing scripts, guest posting, and publishing on reputable websites helped me tailor my content according to the audience, understand what they disliked, and how they responded to different content – animated, trendy, etc.

Acquiring partnerships, bidding for projects, and winning them helped secure a grip on the fundamentals of efficiency of marketing efforts. This understanding was complemented by the deployment of advertisements on Facebook and Instagram. The digital environment allowed great freedom in measuring all the hard work involved in rendering such campaigns on social media platforms.

Later on, my thirst for data-driven marketing and research brought me to Rutgers, where I learned how to use Python and R for data processing and visualization. I didn’t know how to use SPSS before; this was a huge milestone.

I was finally able to clean and manage data and ultimately interpret results. After such a divergent endeavor, I focused on my family business alongside side projects such as an initiative on mental health and a home décor business. Such feats helped me in pursuing and understanding the customer at a much personal level.

After working with the customers via a direct channel, I wanted to attend a program that could help me fortify my research skills, which would facilitate the incorporation of all this professional experience and help me make sense of all the interactions I have had with customers. At the undergraduate level, I was always at a loss when teaching the concepts of moderation, mediation, and other quantitative techniques.

Moreover, we weren’t introduced to different qualitative research techniques such as coding of interviews, etc. As a result, I was admitted to the M.S. Marketing program offered at Rutgers. Unfortunately, due to covid-related issues, I was able to join the program four weeks late. But I didn’t let that get to me. I worked hard. I was introduced to statistical techniques such as Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Linear Regression, etc.

We learned about treating outliers and the skewness of the data via SPSS. In the second semester, we were introduced to great techniques that aided researchers in comprehending consumer perception about a brand and their buying habits. Research techniques such as conjoint and multidimensional analysis helped analyze consumer buying patterns and habits in great detail and in a systematic manner. Conjoint analysis fascinated me because it sophisticatedly separates questions and generates simulations which significantly helps in price-sensitivity analysis.

It allows researchers to predict customer behavior depending on different variables, such as different colors of the products, prices, etc. The multidimensional analysis gives a 360 approach to the customer perception when subjected to different variables such as the number of locations in a city, quality of the product, etc. I was excited to finally learn how to analyze customer perceptions and whether an action related to the product yielded a return on the invested efforts.

Coincidently and much to my joy, this semester brought an analytics course on the table, Business Analytics. We learned extensively about the basics, and a project was given to us based on our specialization. I used python in data wrangling; when I had to employ Panda’s library to correct the datasets and add product names to them. Concurrently, I came across great applications which could be used to visualize data for my thesis, such as Violin plots, Geographical plots, scattered line charts, etc.

As a result of my hard work, my project was selected as a sample for the following sessions, and I was told that I had scored the highest among the entire batch of MBA and other M.S. programs. This helped me further my passion for research by aiding me in learning the visualizations required for displaying results and making sense of the data at hand. These visualizations incorporate different statistical techniques, which would be helpful in the future, such as variance present in the data, skewness of data, etc.

Recently, I attended a workshop on Mendeley. As a result, I became a certified Mendeley advisor. Progressing forward, I participated in a workshop based on bibliometric research with the aid of the R package – bibliometrix. Other software involved included PowerBI, VOSviewer, Access, etc.

Currently, I’m working on the research topic for my thesis: Color Combination of packaging and its effect on the consumer buying pattern, with a professor, presently working as an editor at several reputable publishers such as Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, etc. I hope to take both quantitative and qualitative approaches in this research.

I yearn to enhance my research prowess in consumer behavior and digital marketing, including decision models, the efficiency of social media marketing, and various other fields I can explore. I want to work on streamlining the entire marketing process with the essence of understanding what the customer wants. And I believe the Ph.D. in Marketing program offered at NYU can help me acquire the professional skills required for the research I wish to conduct alongside providing a platform for much-needed experimentation in the field.

WANT MORE AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Outstanding Examples of Personal Statements
• The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Winning Personal Statement
• Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Personal Statement
• Writing a Killer Opening Paragraph for Your Personal Statement
• Ideal Length for a Graduate School Personal Statement
• 100 Inspiring Quotes to Jumpstart Your Personal Statement

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business My journey began amidst the kaleidoscope of Qatar's landscapes, setting the stage for a life attuned to cultural nuances. Transitioning to Riyadh in my teens, I absorbed a mosaic of traditions, sparking a...

Sample Personal Statement for Family Medicine Residency

Personal Statement Prompt: A personal letter is required. We are looking for mature, enthusiastic physicians who bring with them a broad range of life experiences, are committed to providing excellent patient care, and can embrace the depth and breadth of experiences...

[2024] 4 Law School Personal Statement Examples from Top Programs

In this article, I will discuss 4 law school personal statement samples. These statements have been written by successful applicants who gained admission to prestigious US Law schools like Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. The purpose of these examples is to demonstrate...

Sample Personal Statement Cybersecurity

In this article, I will be providing a sample grad school personal statement in the field of cybersecurity. This sample was written by an applicant who got admitted into George Mason, Northeastern and Arizona State University. This example aims to show how prospective...

100+ Grad School Personal Statement Examples

Introduction Importance of a Strong Personal Statement A personal statement is essential in the graduate school application process, as it plays a significant role in shaping the admissions committee's perception of you. In fact, a survey conducted by the Council of...

WANT AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Personal Statement Templates

Student Good Guide

The best UK online resource for students

• Marketing Personal Statement Examples

As you start your marketing journey, writing a good personal statement for marketing can make all the difference in standing out in the admission tutor’s eyes. 

To help you get inspired, we have gathered a collection of successful marketing personal statement examples from top marketing students. These examples showcase a variety of skills and achievements in the field, giving you a clear picture of what a winning marketing personal statement looks like. 

Whether you’re applying for a marketing course or related courses, these undergraduate and postgraduate examples will provide valuable insights and tips to help you create an impactful personal statement for marketing.

Marketing Personal Statement Example

My passion for marketing started at a young age, inspired by the popular TV show Mad Men and its portrayal of the advertising industry. The show sparked my interest in the art of persuasion and the power of effective communication, and I have since been motivated to learn more about the field.

During my high school years at Chew Valley School in Bath, I was the captain of the rugby team, where I developed valuable leadership skills and the ability to work well under pressure. These skills have translated well into my work experience, where I spent two summers at McDonald’s, where I learned how to be task-focused and improve my time management skills.

In terms of academics, I have taken A-Levels in English, Biology, and Chemistry. Although these subjects are not directly related to marketing, they have helped me to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which I believe will be beneficial in my future marketing career.

My long-term goal is to become a marketing manager and to make a meaningful impact on the industry. I am fascinated by the various aspects of marketing, including market research, branding, advertising, and promotions. I am eager to learn more about these topics and to gain practical experience through internships and real-world projects. I am also interested in writing a marketing book and sharing my knowledge and insights with others who are interested in the field.

In my free time, I enjoy playing rugby and reading books. I am also an avid traveller and have visited several countries, which has broadened my perspective and exposed me to different cultures and marketing strategies. These experiences have further fuelled my interest in marketing and have given me a deeper appreciation for the global impact of the industry.

I believe that a marketing course at a UK university will provide me with the education, skills, and network to pursue my dream career. I am confident that I have the determination and motivation to succeed in the programme, and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Recommended guides for reading:

• How to Write a Personal Statement for a Master’s
• How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD
• UCAS Personal Statement: A Writing Guide And Tips For Success
• Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for the University
• How to Write a Personal Statement That Stands Out
• UCAS Application: Process and Deadlines Explained in Details
• Personal Statement Examples UK

Undergraduate Marketing Personal Statement Example

Fueled by my fervour for marketing and backed by my hands-on experience and educational foundation, I am the ideal candidate to soar in this programme.

I first became interested in marketing while reading Seth Godin’s book “Purple Cow”. The book spoke to me on a personal level and helped me understand the importance of creativity and innovation in marketing. I was inspired by Godin’s approach to marketing, which emphasizes the need to stand out and be unique in a crowded market. This resonated with me, and I knew then that I wanted to pursue a career in marketing.

My work experience has also been a significant factor in shaping my interest in marketing. During my time at Cantell School, I worked part-time as a digital marketing coordinator for a secondary school web portal. In this role, I was responsible for creating and executing marketing campaigns, analyzing data, and maintaining a strong online presence for the school. This experience provided me with hands-on experience in the field of marketing and further solidified my interest in the subject.

In addition to my work experience, I have also been highly involved in various extracurricular activities, including playing basketball for my school’s team. I believe that my athletic background has taught me valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, which will be useful in my future marketing career. Furthermore, my A-level studies in English, Media, and Finance have given me a strong foundation in the areas of communication, analysis, and finance, which are essential skills in marketing.

My travels around the world during my gap year have also had a profound impact on my interest in marketing. I had the opportunity to meet and interact with many people, including marketing professionals, who shared their experiences and insights into the industry. This has given me a deeper appreciation for the dynamic and ever-changing nature of marketing and has motivated me to pursue a career in this field.

Philip Kotler, another marketing thought leader, has also had a significant impact on my motivation to pursue a career in marketing. I admire his approach to marketing, which emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and designing strategies that meet those needs. This has inspired me to approach marketing from a customer-centric perspective and to always prioritize the needs of my target audience.

Ultimately, my goal is to become a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and make a significant impact in the marketing industry. I am confident that with a degree in marketing from your esteemed university, I will be well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve this goal.

I am highly motivated and passionate about pursuing a degree in marketing. I believe that my work experience, academic background, and extracurricular activities make me a strong candidate for your programme. I look forward to the opportunity to further develop my skills and knowledge in marketing at your esteemed university.

Postgraduate Marketing Personal Statement Example

With over three years of working experience in the marketing sector, I believe I have gained the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue advanced studies in the field.

I have been working at Grey International Marketing Agency in London, where I have been involved in a variety of international marketing campaigns for both UK and international brands. This experience has provided me with a unique opportunity to work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and to understand the complexities of the global market. I have learned the importance of market research, consumer behaviour analysis, and creative branding strategies in developing effective marketing plans.

As a driven and ambitious individual, I am constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow. My interest in digital marketing has led me to specialize in this field, and I am now proficient in social media marketing, search engine optimization, and email marketing. I am also skilled in data analytics and use it to measure the effectiveness of my marketing campaigns and make data-driven decisions.

Additionally, my experience as a basketball player in the Baker Early College team in Oregon, USA, has taught me the importance of teamwork and leadership. These skills are transferable to the marketing sector and have allowed me to work effectively with my colleagues and clients. I have also learned the importance of adaptability and resilience, especially when faced with unexpected challenges and obstacles.

I am confident that the postgraduate marketing course at your university will provide me with the advanced knowledge and practical skills to further my career and achieve my long-term goal of starting my marketing agency. I am particularly drawn to your university’s reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to providing students with real-world experiences. I am eager to learn from the experienced faculty and to engage with my peers from diverse cultural backgrounds.

I am passionate about marketing and believe that this postgraduate course will provide me with the foundation I need to make a significant impact in the industry. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my background and qualifications with you, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Thank you for your consideration.

Other Personal Statement Examples

• Animal Science Personal Statement Examples
• Anthropology personal statement examples
• Statistics Personal Statements
• PPE Oxford Personal Statement Example
• Classics Personal Statement Examples
• Theology Personal Statement Examples
• Physics Personal Statement Examples
• Chemical Engineering personal statement examples
• Oncology Personal Statement Examples
• Psychiatry Personal Statement Examples
• Earth Sciences Personal Statement Example
• History Personal Statement Examples
• Veterinary Personal Statement Examples For University
• Civil Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• User Experience Design Personal Statement Example
• Finance Personal Statement Examples
• Neuroscience Personal Statement Examples
• Graphic Design Personal Statement Examples
• Film Production Personal Statement Examples
• Events Management Personal Statement Examples
• Counselling Personal Statement Examples
• Forensic Science Personal Statement Examples
• Children’s Nursing Personal Statement Examples
• Chemistry Personal Statement Examples
• Sports Science Personal Statement Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Quantity Surveying Personal Statement Examples
• Social Work Personal Statement Examples
• Physiotherapy Personal Statement Examples
• Journalism Personal Statement Examples
• English Literature Personal Statement Examples
• Computer Science Personal Statement Examples
• Fashion Marketing Personal Statement Examples
• Dietetic Personal Statement Examples
• Product Design Personal Statement Examples
• Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Geography Personal Statement Examples
• Business Management Personal Statement Examples
• Politics Personal Statement Examples
• Psychology Personal Statement Examples
• Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples
• Zoology Personal Statement Example
• Sociology Personal Statement Example
• Fashion Personal Statement Example
• Mathematics Personal Statement Examples
• Software Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Philosophy Personal Statement
• International Relations Personal Statement Example
• Biochemistry Personal Statement Example
• Dentistry Personal Statement Examples
• Midwifery Personal Statement
• Law Personal Statement Example
• Medicine Personal Statement for Cambridge
• ICT Personal Statement
• Primary Teacher PGCE Personal Statement
• PGCE Personal Statement Example
• Games Design Personal Statement
• Paramedic Science Personal Statement Examples

How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 109,841 views

A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.

If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.

Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What is a personal statement?
• Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
• How to write a personal statement for masters
• Personal statement for masters sample
• Examples of personal statement for masters
• Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters

Read:  Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.

A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.

The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.

Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.

2. Plan Ahead

A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.

Let us throw more light on this…

For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.

In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.

No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.

3. Research Your Program Of Study

Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.

And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.

From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.

Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.

A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.

5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement

Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.

We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.

On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.

6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications

One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.

All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.

And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.

Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.

Check out:  How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.

If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.

There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:

1. Planning A Personal Statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.

Before You Start:

Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.

Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.

Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.

Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.

When Writing:

When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:

• Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
• How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
• How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
• What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
• How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?

On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

• Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
• How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
• How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.

We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…

My past educational experiences have always…

You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.

The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.

When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:  

• Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
• Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
• Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
• Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
• Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
• Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
• Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
• Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.

For Formatting:

• Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
• Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
• Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
• Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.

Language and tone to use:     

• The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
• Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
• Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
• Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
• Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.

Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.

To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.

Personal Statement PDF

You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.

While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.

1. msw personal statement

We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management .  , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement

7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy

8. business administration personal statement personal statement for masters in business administration

9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf masters degree personal statement examples for cyber security

10. personal statement for masters in finance msc finance personal statement examples

11. statement of purpose for masters in information technology pdf msc personal statement examples for information technology

12. international development personal statement statement of purpose for masters example

13. msc international business management personal statement international business management personal statement examples

14. computer science masters personal statement

statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf

15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics

16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration    

Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: •    Avoid negativity. •    Following an online template blindly. •    Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. •    Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. •    Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. •    Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. •    Do not make pleading statements. •    Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. •    Avoid using sentences that are too long. •    Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. •    Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. •    Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. •    Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.  

Related Articles:

How to Write a Good Letter of Recommendation for Students (10 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Financial Aid Appeal Letter (13 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Personal Statement for a Scholarship ( 7 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Good Motivation Letter For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Letter Of Intent For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample LOI Example).

Latest Blog Posts

• US Visa Types Fees & Requirements
• 20 Free Social Media Marketing Course
• 30 Best Medical Universities In The US 2024
• Tips To Find And Apply For Scholarships Online
• 30 Best Study Techniques To Try This 2024
• 26 Best Country To Teach English 2024
• 26 Best Free AI Chatbot 2024
• 20 Best Countries To Relocate 2024
• Best Scholarships
• DAAD MIPLC Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries (Germany) 2024
• University of Miami 2025 Stamps Scholarship (Fully-funded)
• University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program 2024
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia 2024
• Korea Advanced Institute Of Science and Technology (KAIST) Undergraduate Scholarship 2024
• King's College London Chevening Scholarship for International Students 2024
• Yenching Academy Masters Fellowships for International Students 2024
• UK Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries 2024

Scholarship Tips

Scholarships by country to study.

• United Kingdom
• United States
• South Africa
• New Zealand
• Netherlands

Scholarships by Category

• Postgraduate
• Undergraduate
• College School
• Entrepreneurs
• Bachelors Degree
• Women Scholarships
• Fully Funded

Scholarships by Country of Origin

• African Students
• Developing Countries

Scholarships by Institution / Company

• Flinders University
• German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• University of Edinburgh
• The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)

Scholarships by School

• University of Melbourne
• University of Kent
• University of Oxford
• University Of Queensland, Australia
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Scholarships

• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Masters Scholarships
• MBA Scholarships
• Ph.D Scholarships
• Fellowship Scholarships
• Fully Funded Scholarships
• F1 Visa Interview Questions And Answers
• Scholarship Application Letter
• Letter Of Intent For Scholarship
• Personal Statement For Masters
• Motivation Letter For Scholarship
• Scholarship Acceptance Letter

Other Locations

• Scholarships in UK
• Scholarships in Canada
• Scholarships for Nigerian Students
• Scholarships for African Students
• Study Abroad Community

MS Marketing (MSMKT) Admissions

Application criteria.

• Completed Graduate Application ($155 application fee)
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Official GMAT or GRE score(s)
• International Students only: TOEFL or IELTS score(s) (if applicable)

Note: All required application materials including transcripts must be received by USC before the application deadline in order for an admission decision to be made. USC cannot guarantee an admission decision for applicants who have not met the published deadlines.

2024 USC Marshall Grad Programs Open House

Join us at our upcoming Open House to explore the exceptional MBA and MS programs available at USC Marshall, a nationally ranked top 20 business school. Whether you are an early-career professional or seasoned executive, we offer a broad range of flexible programs to fit your academic and career goals with options to pursue your degree on-campus in the heart of Los Angeles, or online.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Round 1 and 2: Priority Consideration for scholarships. 

International Applicants: We highly encourage you to apply for admission in Round 1 or 2, as we cannot guarantee an admission decision in Round 4 for international applicants due to visa and immigration matters.

• REQUEST INFO
• ADMISSIONS EVENTS

Test Scores

All applicants, regardless of academic history and work experience, must submit a valid GMAT or GRE score.

Official scores must be received before the deadline and sent directly to USC by the testing service in order to be reviewed.

Submitting Scores: Upload electronic copies of your GMAT or GRE scores with your application in addition to sending official scores to USC Marshall through the testing service (GMAC or ETS).

Code: GRE: 4852 (No department code is required). GMAT: scores are sent to Marshall MBA Full Time school code 389-9C-283

Your scores are considered valid only if earned within five years to the month of your intended first term at USC.

English-Language proficiency –TOEFL/IELTS (International Students) International graduate applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency by submitting TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores. Minimum Requirement: TOEFL: Total 100; each band 20 IELTS: Overall 7; each band 6 Exceptions: International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement only under the circumstances outlined here . Submitting Scores: To avoid delays in the processing of your application, please have your TOEFL or IELTS scores sent to USC Marshall when you pre-register for the examination. Upload electronic copies of your TOEFL or IELTS scores with your application in addition to sending official scores to USC Marshall through the testing service. Official scores must be received directly from the testing service and dated no earlier than 2 years (24 months) prior to the month in which you submit your application to USC. Do not enter the name and contact information of your specific intended graduate department. Code: TOEFL: 4852 (no department code is required) IELTS: choose “University of Southern California, Graduate Programs” from the list of available institutions on the day you sit for the exam

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are used as a gauge of your professional achievements and managerial potential. We prefer your letters of recommendation be provided by a professor or direct supervisor. This person should provide specific observations and examples of your leadership, teamwork, analytical skills and personal qualities.

Two letters of recommendation on official letterhead are required, preferably one academic and one professional.

Letters of recommendation can only be accepted through the application system.

For your application to be complete, your recommenders must submit their letter by the application deadline. All letters of recommendation must be on official letterhead with a signature, or they will not be accepted.

Tips for Success: When you enter your recommender’s information in the system, you must select the date by which you request the recommendation be completed. Be sure to select a date which is prior to the application deadline.

Request your recommendation letters as soon as you start the online application to allow sufficient time for your recommenders to submit them on your behalf. For more information on recommendations and troubleshooting, please visit the Application Portal Help Center .

Kira Interview

Qualified candidates will be invited to complete an online video interview assessment via Kira Talent. The MS in Marketing Program Office will be in contact with qualified applicants who make it to this round.

1. Personal Statement: (500 words maximum): Upload a one-page personal statement using the 'Personal Statement' button below. A personal statement is your opportunity to articulate how your passions and experience will contribute to the MS in Marketing Program and how this program is the logical next step in your career development.What is a skill or experience you don't possess now but hope to develop in graduate school? 

2. Essay: (800 words maximum): Provide an example of a recent marketing campaign you observed that inspired you to pursue a career in marketing and apply for the MS in Marketing Program at USC. Make sure your answer is detailed and includes all of the following. Please be as specific as possible.

Program Cost and Scholarship

Tuition Tuition is calculated per unit based on the unit price of the given academic year. Tuition is subject to increase each academic year. For detailed information on tuition and mandatory fees please visit: https://classes.usc.edu/term-20223/tuition-and-fees/. Please keep in mind this information relates only to the listed academic year.

The MS Marketing program is a 30-unit program of Business Graduate (500 level and above) Coursework. In addition, we ask students to budget for approximately $1,000 in additional university and program fees. Students are also responsible for housing, food, transportation and student health insurance costs. Admitted Students Deposit A nonrefundable $2,000 deposit secures the student's space in the class. Once enrolled, the $2000 deposit will be credited as payment to your tuition and fees. Please note, once you have paid your deposit, you will not be granted a refund. Payment of your deposit secures your seat in the program and is non-refundable.

Transcripts

Transcript requirements are set forth by the Office of Graduate Admission . Please view their website for details.

Transcript submission is a two-step process: 1.You must upload scanned copies of official transcripts from all institutions attended to the online application. These must be official transcripts printed on university letterhead. Print-outs from online student portals are not acceptable. 2. After you submit your application and receive your 10-digit USC ID number, you must submit the official transcripts by mail, courier, or electronic services from all colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions you have previously attended.

Official transcript: A transcript is considered official when it is received in the sealed envelope provided by the school, or when it is electronically transmitted (not emailed) from the institution. Even if it is mailed by the applicant, it can be considered official as long as the envelope has not been opened. Cover sheet: We recommend that you fill out the “College/University Transcript Cover Page” and send it to the registrar’s office of each post-secondary institution you have attended. Although it is not mandatory, including it along with your USC ID number will help match your transcripts to your file as quickly as possible. E-transcripts: USC accepts official electronic transcripts from all countries, provided that the transcript originates from a secure site formally linked to the sending institution. Please instruct the vendor to email the transcript to [email protected]. Do not send any other materials or correspondence to this email. Electronic transcripts e-mailed to any other address will not be downloaded, delaying review of your file and adding an extra expense because the transcript will need to be re-sent. Transcripts in original language of issuance: International students who have earned their degree outside the United States must check the country-specific requirements to determine if original-language copies of their academic records are needed. In such cases, a separate, word-for-word, English-language translation of all academic records must also be submitted. The translation should either be issued directly from the school itself or by a professional, certified translator. It must contain all information shown on the original-language documents and “mirror” them as precisely as possible. Dual-language transcripts are also acceptable. USC alumni or current students: USC degree holders do not need to submit USC transcripts to the Office of Graduate Admission. Please be sure to include your USC enrollment in the “Academic Background” section so that we may match your application to the academic records already on file. Credential evaluation: Please note that USC does not accept or recognize credential evaluation reports from outside agencies (e.g. WES, ECE, etc.) for the purposes of admission review. Mailing Instructions If sending your transcripts via regular mail, please use the following address: University of Southern California USC Office of Graduate Admission 3601 South Flower Street, Room 112 Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915 If sending your transcripts via courier service, such as DHL or FedEx, please use the following address: University of Southern California USC Office of Graduate Admission and Financial Aid 3601 South Flower Street, Tyler 112 Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915 Phone: (213) 740-1111

Application Fees

Nonrefundable application fee: $155

USC students/staff/alumni, US military veterans, and select other groups qualify for an application fee waiver. For Fee Waiver Categories and instructions on how to apply for a waiver, click here .

Online Application

Complete the online application and upload all required documents here . International applicants should also consult the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions website . When applying, we recommend using a personal email address that you will maintain access to for the foreseeable future rather than university or temporary accounts that you may lose access to. The program office is only able to communicate admissions decisions to the email address used at time of application.

Four-year Undergraduate Degree, or Equivalent

To be in the program the applicant must have earned the equivalent of a 4-year U.S. bachelor's degree with a competitive GPA. Applicants in the process of finishing an undergraduate degree may apply, with acceptance contingent on finishing the undergraduate degree and ability to be physically present at the start of the program. Please see here for degree requirements by country.

International Students only: Financial documentation and Passport

Admission to USC is based on merit rather than ability to pay. The U.S. government, however, requires that all international applicants provide proof of adequate financial support for the first year of study and passport copies for you and any applicable dependents before a formal letter of admission and an I-20 (or DS-2019) can be issued. It is not necessary to submit financial documents or a copy of a valid passport for your application to be reviewed or for an admission decision to be rendered. However, during application ‘busy season’ from February to May, students should be aware that processing time for these documents can take up to 8 weeks. For this reason, we strongly suggest you submit financial receipt of the I-20 document for admitted and certified students. Please read carefully through USC Graduate Admission Guidelines for Financial Documentation , particularly the Financial Statement Expense Figures as well as the detailed guidelines for submitting proof of financial support.

International Applicants FAQ

The MS in Marketing program boasts a large enrollment of international students. We’ve developed the below to help answer some frequently asked questions. Admissions & Eligibility Who is considered an international applicant? All applicants that are not United States nationals, and will be entering, or have already entered, the United States with an F-1 or J-1 student visa, should apply as an international student. Applicants who already reside in the United States and hold other non-immigrant visas (for example, E2, H2 or L2) are also considered international applicants. Permanent residents of the United States, naturalized U.S. citizens, and U.S. citizens residing abroad and attending a university outside the United States are not considered international students. *For more information see here When is the application deadline for international students? The final deadline for international students may be a bit earlier than for U.S. citizens. This is to ensure time for visa processing. Review the Dates and Deadlines above for all updated deadlines. What is the language requirement? Review the Test Scores section for complete information. How do I know if I am exempt from language testing? International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement only under the circumstances outlined under “English-Language Test Waiver” here. What are the minimum scores for the TOEFL and IELTS? Review the Test Scores section for complete information. I have a 3-year Bachelor's degree, can I apply? Country specific requirements are listed here What are the transcript requirements for International Institutions? Students who have earned their degree outside the United States must check the country-specific requirements to determine if original-language copies of their academic records are needed.

Please also review the Transcript section and be sure to submit all required documents as part of your initial application via the online portal. Transcripts regularly take up to 8 weeks to process. Requests for transcripts missing from the original application submitted can add significant processing time. Does USC accept WES evaluated transcripts? USC does NOT accept WES evaluated transcripts. If admitted, you will be required to submit your bachelor’s degree information to IERF for degree verification. Detailed information is available at www.ierf.org/usc What is the required International Degree Verification process? Students who choose to attend USC should be aware that the USC Office of Degree Progress requires verification of international bachelor’s degrees from the International Education Research Foundation (IERF). Students complete this process after admission to the program. Detailed information about IERF services, including application forms, fees, and required documents are available at www.ierf.org/usc . Please contact Degree Progress [email protected], 213.740.7070 if you have any questions, or need more information regarding prior degree verification. Does USC provide answers to other Frequent Asked Questions about admissions for an International Student? The Graduate Admissions Office website is an amazing resource for international applicants and students to help address frequently asked questions and concerns. Visit their FAQ page for international students! What is USC’s Office of International Service (OIS)? USC's Office of International Services (OIS) is the primary resource for USC's international students. This office has the most updated information regarding visas, events specifically for international students, and employment. They also have great information on pre-arrival, arrival, and life in Los Angeles! All new students should sign up for their newsletter . Financing Your Degree For financial documentation, how much money do I need to have? The cost of attendance at USC changes from year to year. The amount required for financial documentation is the estimated cost of living and studying in Los Angeles for one year, not the cost of tuition for the entire program.

Please carefully review the International Students only: Financial documentation and Passport section for details. What if I need help paying for school? Are there scholarships? The USC Marshall School of Business offers a limited number of partial tuition scholarships for students. These awards are highly competitive and are determined at the time of admission. U.S. citizens and international students are eligible. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration. Please review our Program Cost and Scholarship section for more details. Many of our students pay for their degrees using savings or loans. For more information on financial aid that is specific to international students, please see USC's Financial Aid Website .

PROGRESSIVE DEGREE PROGRAM

Progressive MSMKT students complete 30-33 units and customize their degree by selecting either the Consumer Behavior or Marketing Analytics program. The Marketing Analytics program is a STEM-designated program. The MSMKT PDP program is open to both business and non-business majors. The MSMKT program starts in the Fall term and follows a sequential order. Therefore, students interested in an MSMKT PDP must apply to start in a fall term only.

Marshall undergraduate business majors may qualify to have up to 9 units of MSMKT graduate electives count toward their undergraduate Marshall Upper Division Elective (MUDE) units.

Program Eligibility 

Applicants to the MSMKT Progressive Degree Program must meet the following qualifications

• Have reviewed USC’s PDP requirements on the PDP website .
• Have completed at least 64 total units of undergraduate coursework, excluding AP/IB units earned prior to high school graduation.
• Have at least a 3.0 cumulative USC GPA at the time of application. Applicants should be aware that the MSMKT Progressive Degree Program is very competitive, and successful applicants generally have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Plan to begin the MSMKT Progressive Degree Program in the Fall 2025 term (no exceptions).
• Students in the Consumer Behavior program should be able to enroll in 10.5 units of MSMKT coursework in Fall 2025 and 3 units of MSMKT coursework in Spring 2026. Students in the Marketing Analytics program should be able to enroll in 12 units of MSMKT coursework in Fall 2025 and 3 units of MSMKT coursework in Spring 2026. For both programs, be ready to complete 30-33 units over at least 3 semesters.
• Plan to enroll in only one Progressive Degree Program. Students who are currently enrolled in a PDP cannot apply for another one.
• Senior international students who wish to pursue a PDP are not allowed to apply for OPT for the summer between the completion of the Bachelor’s degree in May and the start of the Master’s program in August.

Application Process

If you meet the qualifications mentioned above, you may apply to the MSMKT Progressive Degree Program for Fall 2025. A completed application includes:

• Marshall Online PDP Application – you will be asked to upload the following documents:
• Draft of the USC Progressive Degree Application and Proposed Course Plan form , without any signatures
• complete to the best of your ability, up to where it says, “To be completed by the Undergraduate Program” (do not obtain any approval signatures)
• the Recommendation Forms are not required (leave them blank)
• STARS report
• Professional Resume
• Most recent course plan from your undergraduate advisor
• Two (2) short response essays (submitted through the online application)
• Essay #1: Personal Statement (no more than 500 words): Why you would like to pursue an MS MKT PDP and what are your career aspirations?
• Essay #2 (no more than 700 words): Describe a marketing campaign that truly inspired you and why it did.
• Two (2) Letters of Recommendation (preferably one academic and one professional) on letterhead, sent directly by your recommender to [email protected] , with your full name and USC ID in the subject line

*Qualified candidates will be invited to complete an online video interview assessment via Kira Talent. Final decisions are released about 8-10 weeks after each round deadline.

• The University of Warwick

A guide to writing a Masters personal statement

Share this article:

If you are considering postgraduate study, you will need to think about writing an application that demonstrates why you are the right candidate for the course and their university. This is where your personal statement comes in. 

You’ll already have written a personal statement for your undergraduate application, so the concept should be familiar. However, there are some things you should be aware of when it comes to writing specifically for postgraduate study. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how to write a stand-out Masters personal statement and provide you with some valuable insights from our Masters Recruitment Manager Danielle, here at Warwick Business School (WBS).

What is a Masters personal statement?

An MSc personal statement, also known as a ‘statement of purpose’, supports your application to study a postgraduate course at university. It should highlight your key skills and experience whilst demonstrating your understanding of the course and conveying your academic skills and interests.

From her experience in the Recruitment and Business Development team at WBS, Danielle gives her take on a personal statement: 

Your personal statement is your opportunity to sell yourself and differentiate yourself from any other applicant, share your passion for joining WBS and link your life experiences and skills to how you could contribute to a cohort.

How long should a Masters personal statement be?

A personal statement for postgraduate study should fit within two pages of A4. Whilst you won’t be penalised if it is slightly longer, you should always make sure the content is relevant and doesn’t repeat information elsewhere in your application. 

What do you need to prepare before writing a Masters personal statement? 

Before writing your personal statement for postgraduate study, there are a few things you should consider.

Research your options

Take the time to read through course pages and brochures. You’ll find in-depth information on what the course involves and how it might align with your career goals. Danielle explains how understanding what the course involves is key in demonstrating your suitability and passion for a course: 

All of our course webpages feature extensive information on the course modules, so take the time to show you’ve done your research in your personal statement. Your personal statement is your chance to relate yourself to our core values and demonstrate what a strong candidate you will be for one of our programmes. Ensure you also use this as an opportunity to link our programme to your future career.

Course titles should not be taken at face value. Whilst some universities will have courses with the same titles, the content will differ. You need to demonstrate you understand what the course entails and why you want to apply for a particular course as. Danielle adds:

Take time to look at the content of the course you are applying for; although course titles may be the same at different universities the course content can be different. Do your research and demonstrate this in your personal statement, showing how invested you are in studying at WBS.

Consider what you want from your studies

The range of choice when it comes to postgraduate study is vast, and it can feel overwhelming when deciding which course is right for you. 

Whilst opinions from your friends and family are important, they shouldn’t be the ultimate deciding factor when choosing a course. Ultimately you need to consider what you really want and whether it aligns with your career goals. 

Begin to prepare your application

Once you have decided which course you would like to apply for and you’ve ensured you meet the entry requirements, you will need to begin preparing your application. This includes collecting the correct documentation such as a CV, transcript, personal statement, and reference.

What should you include in a Masters personal statement?

Recruitment and admissions teams receive thousands of applications each year so it is important that your personal statement is to the point and demonstrates what they are looking for in their students. 

Danielle gives some insight into what our recruitment team looks for in a personal statement for a Masters degree:

Aim to keep your personal statement to the point by making sure you answer the following questions, addressing the key points our Selection Committee will be looking for:

• Why have you selected this course? What are your motivating factors?
• How do you see this course benefitting your career plans?
• What will you contribute to your cohort?

As well as addressing these key questions, you should also include the following:

Academic achievements 

You need to demonstrate how your undergraduate study has prepared you for a postgraduate course. You can do this by highlighting specific achievements, projects and pieces of work as well as mentioning any particular topics that interest you. 

Professional achievements

If you completed any professional work experience alongside your studies, it is a good idea to mention them here. Highlight any duties, tasks and responsibilities you had to demonstrate what you gained from this work experience. 

Relevant extracurricular activities

Including information about relevant extracurricular activities you are involved in can help to give a more rounded view of you as a person. This could include volunteering opportunities and any meaningful hobbies you have. 

Transferable skills

Your transferable skills should be highlighted throughout your personal statement. The types of things you could include are presentation skills, communication skills, analytical thinking and time management. Consider what you can bring to lectures and workshops. For example, if your course involves a lot of group work, use an example where you demonstrate your experience with this.

What should you avoid when writing a Masters personal statement?

Repetition of information.

When submitting both a CV and personal statement it can be easy to fall into the trap of just repeating the same information across both documents. Your personal statement is an opportunity for you to reflect and expand on what you have stated on your CV, rather than repeating the same information.

Not providing enough context

Simply listing your achievements without providing context will not prove to the recruitment teams that you are the right candidate for the course. Provide hard evidence to back up the statements you make and try to give two or three in-depth examples, rather than several weak answers. 

Not tailoring your application to the specific university or course

Recruitment and admissions teams are keen to hear why you have chosen a specific course and why you want to attend their university. You need to provide clear examples of what excites you about their institution and how you can align with their particular values.  

What do recruitment teams look for in a Masters personal statement?

University recruitment teams and selection committees review thousands of applications each year. To ensure your application stands out, you must show that you have taken the time to prepare and research your chosen university.

Recruitment teams want to see your passion for the subject and motivations for joining their institution. Detailing your experience and the skills you can bring will help to emphasise this. Danielle also suggests not overlooking the obvious when it comes to writing a personal statement:

It may sound simple but the first answer to this question is that the Selection Committee wants to see a well written, clearly structured personal statement which demonstrates good preparation and research.

What else do I need to include with my Masters application?

The documents you need to include in your application may vary by institution and course. But generally, as well as your personal statement, you will also need to include: 

• Academic and professional references
• Copies of your undergraduate degree certificate and academic transcripts
• A list of final year modules if you're still studying for an undergraduate degree
• A research proposal (not all courses will require this)

If you are an international student, there are some additional things you will need to provide including: 

• A copy of your passport
• Proof of your language proficiency through either a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) certificate, or any others that meet requirements outlined on our course pages.

When are the deadlines for Masters applications?

Deadlines for Masters programmes vary quite widely between courses and universities. Information on specific deadlines can be found on their respective course pages and postgraduate brochures . You should aim to make an application early in the cycle to ensure there are still places available on the course.

Deadlines for scholarships and external scholarships can also vary, so if you wish to apply for these, you will also have to factor in these deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an interview for masters programmes.

At WBS, there are no interviews for MSc courses. Instead, all decisions are made based on the application you submit. Your undergraduate transcript will be reviewed in depth along with your CV and personal statement.

How many Masters can you apply for?

If you are applying to a UK university, you can apply for as many courses and universities as you like. However, you should not over-stretch yourself and you should only apply for courses that you are really passionate about.

Writing an appropriately tailored application can be time-consuming and attempting to write too many could jeopardise your chances of being successful. 

Do you have to pay for your Masters application?

We require an application fee of £75 to cover administrative costs. If you're applying to multiple Warwick courses, remember each course will warrant its own application fee. 

How do I apply for a Masters degree?

We have our own application system, and you can find linked 'how to apply' sections on all of our course pages. 

------------------------

Discover our range of MSc courses at Warwick Business School

Designed for the change makers of the future, our postgraduate courses will drive you to learn, question, debate and make an impact on the world around you.

Our challenging and rewarding courses will provide you with everything you need to take your personal and professional skills to the next level. 

Related Blogs

Alum Sophia shares her incredible journey at WBS - dive into collaboration, new experiences, and distinct academic opportunities.

MSc Management student Aditya shares his advice on balancing his wellbeing alongside studies at Warwick Business School.

WBS MSc Mathematical Finance graduate Luxmi Kiran shares his top tips and advice for future students.

How to write a postgraduate marketing personal statement

How to start your postgraduate personal statement, dos and don’ts.

• Use active voice
• Ensure good spelling, punctuation, and grammar
• Only use truthful information
• Remain specific throughout
• Keep sentences short and concise
• Use paragraphing for easy readability
• Tailor everything specifically to the university
• Use clichés
• Copy online examples directly, do take inspiration
• Go off on a tangent, keep it concise
• Copy your CV word for word, keep it interesting

• October 26, 2020

Recent Blog Posts

Marketing lessons we can learn from the WWF’s marketing

What do I need to know about ethics and AI?

TikTok Shop: What is it, how businesses can make the most of it, pros and cons

B2B marketing strategies to implement in 2024

Get Involved

• Team Membership
• Partner With Us
• Create Resources
• Weekly Newsletter
• Free Courses
• Skills Audit

Join our Newsletter

Sign up to Socialtainment to receive marketing goodness straight to your inbox every other Monday 📩

Opt in to receive emails and updates from Girls in Marketing.

Please note you will need to check this box to receive Socialtainment.

*You can unsubscribe from emails at any time.

We guarantee you'll never miss a trick with Socialtainment by Girls in Marketing 🚀

Personal statement advice: marketing

Applying to university.

• Getting started
• UCAS Tariff points
• Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
• Amendments to the Tariff consultation
• Offer rate calculator
• How to use the offer rate calculator
• Understanding historical entry grades data
• Admissions tests
• Deferred entry
• Personal statement advice and example: computer science
• Personal statement advice: English
• Personal statement advice: Midwifery
• Personal statement advice: animal science
• Personal statement advice: biology
• Personal statement advice: business and management
• Personal statement advice: chemistry
• Personal statement advice: dance
• Personal statement advice: dentistry
• Personal statement advice: drama
• Personal statement advice: economics
• Personal statement advice: engineering
• Personal statement advice: geography
• Personal statement advice: history
• Personal statement advice: law
• Personal statement advice: maths
• Personal statement advice: media studies and journalism
• Personal statement advice: medicine
• Personal statement advice: modern languages
• Personal statement advice: music
• Personal statement advice: nursing
• Personal statement advice: pharmacy
• Personal statement advice: physiotherapy
• Personal statement advice: politics
• Personal statement advice: psychology
• Personal statement advice: social work
• Personal statement advice: sociology
• Personal statement advice: sports science
• Personal statement advice: statistics
• Personal statement advice: teacher training and education
• Personal statement advice: veterinary medicine
• Personal statement: finance and accounting
• Filling in your application
• Staying safe online
• How to write a personal statement that works for multiple courses
• The new personal statement for 2026 entry
• How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement
• Fraud and similarity
• How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber
• How to end your personal statement
• Introducing the personal statement tool
• Personal statement dos and don'ts
• Personal statement week
• What to include in a personal statement
• Using AI and ChatGPT to help you with your personal statement
• Using your personal statement beyond a university application
• Carers, estranged students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain
• Personal statement guides
• References for mature students

How you package yourself is important, but the bottom line is that you need to have done your market research and got your product right. It’s no good trying to hide behind waffle, platitudes or fancy words that don’t actually mean a lot, it’s what lies behind your words that matters.

Be honest and down-to-earth

An honest, well-researched, and engaging statement that shows you understand what you’re applying for, and that you’ve got relevant skills or experiences to offer, will usually fit the bill.

Write reflectively about your experience. That could be what you’ve gained from your Saturday job at a supermarket, the book you’ve just read on branding, the charity event you recently helped to organise, a business project you just undertook on your BTEC or A level course or why your Young Enterprise company didn't make a profit.

Your examples don't have to be high-flying. Even shadowing the marketing director of a multi-national company won't impress if you don't explain what you learned from it.

Bournemouth University highlights that demonstrating qualities like creativity, an understanding of the marketing and communications industry, your ability to work in a team as well as independently, good presentation and communication skills and computer literacy will help to give marketing students the edge .

Show your enthusiasm for marketing

Sheffield Hallam University expects you to demonstrate 'an interest in and awareness of business/marketing, or some level of practical experience'. Similarly, Leeds Metropolitan University’s sport marketing degree tutors will be scanning your statement for evidence of the 'personal attributes, experience and/or commitment to the area of study that will stand you out from the crowd'.

Note the word 'or' in those examples. Whilst it’s great if you've got some relevant work experience, it's not essential and there are other ways you can show you’ve got what it takes.

University of Bath says its management with marketing degree applicants should be able to demonstrate experience of working with others and relevant transferable skills, but that this could be achieved, for example, through your involvement in the running of a society or a position of responsibility at school or college if you haven't had direct experience.

York St John University flags the value of your reflections on any relevant workshops or seminars you've attended, or how you've shown leadership and teamwork skills through project work or awards such as Duke of Edinburgh.

Marketing personal statement dos and don'ts

Thanks to De Montfort University among others for these sound tips.

• Focus on why you want to study marketing and pursue a career in it – our marketing subject guide is a good starting point for this.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of business , the role you feel marketing plays in the success of any business operation, or an awareness of how marketing is responding to a changing world.
• Highlight any marketing or business operation you’ve been involved in yourself.
• Comment on something interesting you've found in newspapers or industry-related magazines, by following key industry figures on social media or when meeting business professionals face-to-face.
• Write something revealing about what you’ve learned from work experience or a part-time job where you've made some relevant observations or demonstrated skills or commitment.
• Include examples from enterprise schemes at school or college. This can be just as valuable as real workplace experience, as long as you say something interesting about it. Don’t worry if you weren’t successful: it’s ok to discuss what went wrong as well as what went right, provided you learned from it.
• Give them a balanced, rounded picture of yourself as a potential student: your achievements, evidence of your key strengths and qualities, a project you’ve undertaken, or the subjects you’ve found genuinely interesting and how they’ve enhanced your potential as well as your interests outside the academic world.
• List everything you’ve done.
• Exaggerate or make something up , as it may come back to haunt you.
• Over-sell yourself . Write in a calm tone and give clear, concise examples of activities you’ve been involved in.
• Go back more than two or three years . Keep it recent.
• Say you’re good at something . Demonstrate it instead.  

Sponsored articles UCAS Media Service

Do you need to take an english test to study at university in the uk, five reasons to sign up to the ucas newsletter, three reasons you should attend a ucas exhibition.

MS Marketing Application Requirements & Deadlines

For a   quick reference guide   on the application process,   download our checklist . 

Applications for the Mtichell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business must be completed using  Purdue's Graduate School online application   and will not be considered for review until all required materials have been received.

For more detailed information on how to submit your application,   please review the steps to apply .

Application Deadlines

We offer a rolling admissions process, with your application deadlines as follows:

Program Start Dates

Application Requirements

For a quick reference guide on the application process,  download our checklist .

If you are an international applicant, please carefully review both the requirements and international applicant information below.

Requirements at a Glance

• > 2.4 GPA for STEM degrees, > 2.6 for non-STEM degrees
• 500 GMAT score or equivalent GRE score
• Two letters of recommendation
• Two relevant internships or at least 12 months of work experience*
• Academic statement of purpose
• Personal history statement
• Kira self-recorded video (post-application submission)

*Recommended, not required

The Academic Statement of Purpose and the Personal History Statement are two of the most important documents in your graduate school application. Information in the Personal History Statement should complement but not duplicate information in the Academic Statement of Purpose. Each essay should be up to 500 well-crafted words. 

Academic Statement of Purpose (ASOP)

• What are your professional plans and career goals? How will attending graduate school assist you in reaching those goals?
• Describe your research, scholarly, or creative interests. What topics are of particular interest to you? Reviewers know that interests change over time but try to be as specific as possible.
• Discuss how your experiences, skills and abilities have prepared you for graduate study. Relevant topics may include coursework, work and research experiences, internships, presentations, exhibits, publications and community service. If you describe a research or scholarly experience, include information on the topic, research mentor, your role and outcomes.
• Describe how your skills, preparation, and interests are a match for the program to which you are applying. Identify faculty who share your research and scholarly interests. Reviewers will want to know that you have researched the program, faculty, and key focus areas.

Personal History Statement (PHS)

Required of all applicants:

• Describe how your background and life experiences contribute to your ability to be both persistent and resourceful in graduate school.
• Describe how your life experiences have prepared you to contribute to an academic community where scholars with diverse research interests, abilities, backgrounds and experiences are supported, respected, and valued.
• Please address concerns that you may have that your academic record does not reflect your true capabilities and discuss mitigating factors that have affected your academic record. Reviewers will be interested in understanding your accomplishments relative to your opportunities.
• Two online recommendations are required in order for your application to be reviewed.  
• No paper recommendations will be accepted . We prefer that recommenders be faculty or instructors who are able to render an opinion on the basis of close, current and sustained observation. We strongly urge that one recommendation is from your direct supervisor. Recommendations from friends, family members, acquaintances and other sources unable to evaluate professional or academic qualifications for study are not acceptable. No more than two recommendations are needed.  

Providing Official Transcripts

If you are admitted and choose to enroll at Purdue University, you must submit official transcripts to the Purdue University Graduate School. Once you submit official transcripts to Purdue University, they become property of the University and will not be returned.

The Office of Graduate Admissions accepts electronic transcripts from accredited colleges and universities sent via Parchment Exchange , the National Student Clearinghouse , or directly from the accredited college and university . The transcript must be sent to [email protected] in order to verify the authenticity of the documents.

An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution. Transcripts and/or English translations may be mailed directly from a Registrar’s office to the Office of Graduate Admissions or you can choose to send the transcripts yourself.

Official documents may be mailed to:

Office of Graduate Admissions Purdue University Graduate School 155 South Grant Street, YONG 170 West Lafayette, IN 47907

Uploading Transcripts into Online Applications (international applicants, see international section):

You must upload to the online application transcript(s) and/or academic document(s) for every institution of higher education you attended regardless of whether or not a degree was received. If a transcript and diploma/degree certificate are not in English, an English translation (certified by the college or university which issued it) must be uploaded.

The uploaded transcript and/or academic document may be from the official or unofficial version of the document. An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution. An unofficial transcript printed from your current/previous institution(s) student system is not an acceptable document .

If personal identifying information such as a student identification number or social security number appears on the document, remove this information from your electronic version of your document or mark out the information in black ink before scanning your document.

All transcripts and/or academic documents uploaded to the online application system are considered unofficial . The Purdue University Graduate School reserves the right to require official transcripts and/or academic documents at any time during the admissions process . Transcripts will not be returned .

The MS Marketing program requires a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score of 500 or higher.

GMAT/GRE waivers may be available to domestic and U.S. military applicants. International applicants with two (2) years or more of professional experience and/or a U.S. equivalent graduate degree from an accredited university plus two (2) years of professional experience may also request a GMAT/GRE waiver.

**Please Note: A link for the required online Kira self-recorded video section is provided in the application portal once your application is submitted . Your application will not be reviewed until Kira and all other sections are complete, so plan to finalize all requirements prior to your preferred application deadline listed at the top of this page. Kira does not take the place of an admissions interview.  

In the process of completing the Daniels School of Business graduate application, you will respond to 3 to 5 video essay questions. The questions vary for each program and are developed to assess core competencies that align with your specific program. The video essays are used by the admissions committee to identify business school competencies that we believe are key to building a diverse and strong cohort. You will be asked questions that will give us insight into your position on the following topics:  

• Adaptability
• Leadership Potential
• Communication
• Self-Awareness  

Just like many other business schools, we find these are some of the key skills that highly qualified candidates share. Additionally, we feel we get to know each candidate a little better as a result of the essays and gain insight that simply cannot be viewed on a written application.  

Please talk to your program specialist prior to submitting your essays if you would like some guidance on how to best prepare.  

International Applicants:

Applications for the Daniels School of Business must be completed using Purdue’s Graduate School online application. International applicants must follow a slightly altered application process.  

Any individual who is not a permanent resident or citizen of the United States is classified as an international applicant. If you are a p ermanent resident, non-U.S. citizen , please upload a copy of your alien registration/green card within the online application. Permanent residents who do not provide a copy of an alien registration number will be reclassified as an international student for admission consideration and fees.  

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit one Language Assessment Test for admission to the Purdue University Graduate School. Students can choose from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The Graduate School accepts all valid forms of TOEFL testing. Daniels School of Business preferred scores are:

• Internet-based test (minimum score of Writing 20, Speaking 22, Listening 18, Reading 22, and Total 93)

For the Internet-based test, all 5 minimum scores must be satisfied. Only official TOEFL scores received directly from the Educational Testing Service are acceptable. For further information, visit www.toefl.org . TOEFL scores must be reported to Purdue University’s Graduate School. Please use institution code 1631 .

The Graduate School accepts the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. A copy of the official IELTS report must be scanned and uploaded into the online application . Daniels School of Business preferred scores are: An overall band score of 7.5 is required for admission, with 7.0 required per each section. For more information, visit www.ielts.org .

All scores must be documented by an official report from the Educational Testing Service. The TOEFL and IELTS must be no more than 24 months old at the time the application credentials are reviewed by the Graduate School.

We do accept Duolingo English test scores to meet English proficiency requirements. The Purdue Graduate School prefers a total score of 115 as well as 115 on each subsection for admission. The Daniels School of Business prefers a total score of 125 and prefers a score 125 on each subsection.

As an international student, you may be considered for an English language assessment test waiver only if you have obtained a baccalaureate degree, graduate or professional degree within the past 36 months from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, in a country where English is the native language. In order to meet this requirement, receipt of a degree must fall within the 36-month period when your documents are under review by the Daniels School of Business and Purdue University Graduate School. Test scores expire on the first day of the month in which they were taken.

If you were educated outside the United States, and the native language of the country where you were educated is not English, you must upload both a certified official transcript in the original language of instruction and a certified official English translation (certified by the college or university which issued it). *You must also upload a certified official copy of your diploma/degree certificate in the original language of instruction and a certified official English translation. A Provisional Certificate does not meet this requirement.

In order to be considered for admission to the Daniels School of Business, international applicants holding a 3-year degree from India are expected to complete the Part 1 exams of a university master's degree to be eligible for graduate consideration. Post-graduate diploma programs offered by universities are also acceptable to complete the 4-year requirement. Professional programs offered by external agencies, organizations or non-university groups are not acceptable.

APPLICATION FEE & WAIVERS

The Daniels School waives the program application fee for:

• Domestic applicants who are permanent legal residents of the United States
• Applicants who have successfully completed a Purdue University or Purdue Global baccalaureate degree
• Active service members and veterans of the U.S. military
• Individuals who participate in special programs (see full list as determined by the Purdue University Graduate School)

For additional information about tuition and program costs, please   contact the program   specialist   for details.

Note: If you pay the application fee before the fee has been waived, it is non-refundable.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Explore the estimated tuition and fees, financial aid opportunities, and return on investment.

CALCULATE THE ROI

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Testimonials

Free Resources

PrepScholar GRE Prep

Gre prep online guides and tips, 3 successful graduate school personal statement examples.

Looking for grad school personal statement examples? Look no further! In this total guide to graduate school personal statement examples, we’ll discuss why you need a personal statement for grad school and what makes a good one. Then we’ll provide three graduate school personal statement samples from our grad school experts. After that, we’ll do a deep dive on one of our personal statement for graduate school examples. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a list of other grad school personal statements you can find online.

Why Do You Need a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a chance for admissions committees to get to know you: your goals and passions, what you’ll bring to the program, and what you’re hoping to get out of the program.  You need to sell the admissions committee on what makes you a worthwhile applicant. The personal statement is a good chance to highlight significant things about you that don’t appear elsewhere on your application.

A personal statement is slightly different from a statement of purpose (also known as a letter of intent). A statement of purpose/letter of intent tends to be more tightly focused on your academic or professional credentials and your future research and/or professional interests.

While a personal statement also addresses your academic experiences and goals, you have more leeway to be a little more, well, personal. In a personal statement, it’s often appropriate to include information on significant life experiences or challenges that aren’t necessarily directly relevant to your field of interest.

Some programs ask for both a personal statement and a statement of purpose/letter of intent. In this case, the personal statement is likely to be much more tightly focused on your life experience and personality assets while the statement of purpose will focus in much more on your academic/research experiences and goals.

However, there’s not always a hard-and-fast demarcation between a personal statement and a statement of purpose. The two statement types should address a lot of the same themes, especially as relates to your future goals and the valuable assets you bring to the program. Some programs will ask for a personal statement but the prompt will be focused primarily on your research and professional experiences and interests. Some will ask for a statement of purpose but the prompt will be more focused on your general life experiences.

When in doubt, give the program what they are asking for in the prompt and don’t get too hung up on whether they call it a personal statement or statement of purpose. You can always call the admissions office to get more clarification on what they want you to address in your admissions essay.

Quick side note: we've created the world's leading online GRE prep program that adapts to you and your strengths and weaknesses. Not sure what to study? Confused by how to improve your score? We give you minute by minute guide.

You don't NEED a prep program to get a great GRE score. But we believe PrepScholar is the best GRE prep program available right now , especially if you find it hard to organize your study schedule and don't know what to study .

Click here to learn how you can improve your GRE score by 7 points, guaranteed .

What Makes a Good Grad School Personal Statement?

A great graduate school personal statement can come in many forms and styles. However, strong grad school personal statement examples all share the same following elements:

A Clear Narrative

Above all, a good personal statement communicates clear messages about what makes you a strong applicant who is likely to have success in graduate school. So to that extent, think about a couple of key points that you want to communicate about yourself and then drill down on how you can best communicate those points. (Your key points should of course be related to what you can bring to the field and to the program specifically).

You can also decide whether to address things like setbacks or gaps in your application as part of your narrative. Have a low GPA for a couple semesters due to a health issue? Been out of a job for a while taking care of a family member? If you do decide to explain an issue like this, make sure that the overall arc is more about demonstrating positive qualities like resilience and diligence than about providing excuses.

Specific Examples

A great statement of purpose uses specific examples to illustrate its key messages. This can include anecdotes that demonstrate particular traits or even references to scholars and works that have influenced your academic trajectory to show that you are familiar and insightful about the relevant literature in your field.

Just saying “I love plants,” is pretty vague. Describing how you worked in a plant lab during undergrad and then went home and carefully cultivated your own greenhouse where you cross-bred new flower colors by hand is much more specific and vivid, which makes for better evidence.

A strong personal statement will describe why you are a good fit for the program, and why the program is a good fit for you. It’s important to identify specific things about the program that appeal to you, and how you’ll take advantage of those opportunities. It’s also a good idea to talk about specific professors you might be interested in working with. This shows that you are informed about and genuinely invested in the program.

Strong Writing

Even quantitative and science disciplines typically require some writing, so it’s important that your personal statement shows strong writing skills. Make sure that you are communicating clearly and that you don’t have any grammar and spelling errors. It’s helpful to get other people to read your statement and provide feedback. Plan on going through multiple drafts.

Another important thing here is to avoid cliches and gimmicks. Don’t deploy overused phrases and openings like “ever since I was a child.” Don’t structure your statement in a gimmicky way (i.e., writing a faux legal brief about yourself for a law school statement of purpose). The first will make your writing banal; the second is likely to make you stand out in a bad way.

Appropriate Boundaries

While you can be more personal in a personal statement than in a statement of purpose, it’s important to maintain appropriate boundaries in your writing. Don’t overshare anything too personal about relationships, bodily functions, or illegal activities. Similarly, don’t share anything that makes it seem like you may be out of control, unstable, or an otherwise risky investment. The personal statement is not a confessional booth. If you share inappropriately, you may seem like you have bad judgment, which is a huge red flag to admissions committees.

You should also be careful with how you deploy humor and jokes. Your statement doesn’t have to be totally joyless and serious, but bear in mind that the person reading the statement may not have the same sense of humor as you do. When in doubt, err towards the side of being as inoffensive as possible.

Just as being too intimate in your statement can hurt you, it’s also important not to be overly formal or staid. You should be professional, but conversational.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

Our graduate school experts have been kind enough to provide some successful grad school personal statement examples. We’ll provide three examples here, along with brief analysis of what makes each one successful.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 1

PDF of Sample Personal Statement 1 – Japanese Studies

For this Japanese Studies master’s degree, the applicant had to provide a statement of purpose outlining her academic goals and experience with Japanese and a separate personal statement describing her personal relationship with Japanese Studies and what led her to pursue a master’s degree.

Here’s what’s successful about this personal statement:

• An attention-grabbing beginning: The applicant begins with the statement that Japanese has never come easily to her and that it’s a brutal language to learn. Seeing as how this is an application for a Japanese Studies program, this is an intriguing beginning that makes the reader want to keep going.
• A compelling narrative: From this attention-grabbing beginning, the applicant builds a well-structured and dramatic narrative tracking her engagement with the Japanese language over time. The clear turning point is her experience studying abroad, leading to a resolution in which she has clarity about her plans. Seeing as how the applicant wants to be a translator of Japanese literature, the tight narrative structure here is a great way to show her writing skills.
• Specific examples that show important traits: The applicant clearly communicates both a deep passion for Japanese through examples of her continued engagement with Japanese and her determination and work ethic by highlighting the challenges she’s faced (and overcome) in her study of the language. This gives the impression that she is an engaged and dedicated student.

Overall, this is a very strong statement both in terms of style and content. It flows well, is memorable, and communicates that the applicant would make the most of the graduate school experience.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 2

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 2 – Musical Composition

This personal statement for a Music Composition master’s degree discusses the factors that motivate the applicant to pursue graduate study.

Here’s what works well in this statement:

• The applicant provides two clear reasons motivating the student to pursue graduate study: her experiences with music growing up, and her family’s musical history. She then supports those two reasons with examples and analysis.
• The description of her ancestors’ engagement with music is very compelling and memorable. The applicant paints her own involvement with music as almost inevitable based on her family’s long history with musical pursuits.
• The applicant gives thoughtful analysis of the advantages she has been afforded that have allowed her to study music so extensively. We get the sense that she is insightful and empathetic—qualities that would add greatly to any academic community.

This is a strong, serviceable personal statement. And in truth, given that this for a masters in music composition, other elements of the application (like work samples) are probably the most important.  However, here are two small changes I would make to improve it:

• I would probably to split the massive second paragraph into 2-3 separate paragraphs. I might use one paragraph to orient the reader to the family’s musical history, one paragraph to discuss Giacomo and Antonio, and one paragraph to discuss how the family has influenced the applicant. As it stands, it’s a little unwieldy and the second paragraph doesn’t have a super-clear focus even though it’s all loosely related to the applicant’s family history with music.
• I would also slightly shorten the anecdote about the applicant’s ancestors and expand more on how this family history has motivated the applicant’s interest in music. In what specific ways has her ancestors’ perseverance inspired her? Did she think about them during hard practice sessions? Is she interested in composing music in a style they might have played? More specific examples here would lend greater depth and clarity to the statement.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 3

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 3 – Public Health

This is my successful personal statement for Columbia’s Master’s program in Public Health. We’ll do a deep dive on this statement paragraph-by-paragraph in the next section, but I’ll highlight a couple of things that work in this statement here:

Want to improve your GRE score by 7 points?  We have the industry's leading GRE prep program. Built by world-class instructors with 99th percentile GRE scores , the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through machine learning data science, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible.

Try our 5-day full access trial for free:

• This statement is clearly organized. Almost every paragraph has a distinct focus and message, and when I move on to a new idea, I move on to a new paragraph with a logical transitions.
• This statement covers a lot of ground in a pretty short space. I discuss my family history, my goals, my educational background, and my professional background. But because the paragraphs are organized and I use specific examples, it doesn’t feel too vague or scattered.
• In addition to including information about my personal motivations, like my family, I also include some analysis about tailoring health interventions with my example of the Zande. This is a good way to show off what kinds of insights I might bring to the program based on my academic background.

Grad School Personal Statement Example: Deep Dive

Now let’s do a deep dive, paragraph-by-paragraph, on one of these sample graduate school personal statements. We’ll use my personal statement that I used when I applied to Columbia’s public health program.

Paragraph One: For twenty-three years, my grandmother (a Veterinarian and an Epidemiologist) ran the Communicable Disease Department of a mid-sized urban public health department. The stories of Grandma Betty doggedly tracking down the named sexual partners of the infected are part of our family lore. Grandma Betty would persuade people to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, encourage safer sexual practices, document the spread of infection and strive to contain and prevent it. Indeed, due to the large gay population in the city where she worked, Grandma Betty was at the forefront of the AIDS crises, and her analysis contributed greatly towards understanding how the disease was contracted and spread. My grandmother has always been a huge inspiration to me, and the reason why a career in public health was always on my radar.

This is an attention-grabbing opening anecdote that avoids most of the usual cliches about childhood dreams and proclivities. This story also subtly shows that I have a sense of public health history, given the significance of the AIDs crisis for public health as a field.

It’s good that I connect this family history to my own interests. However, if I were to revise this paragraph again, I might cut down on some of the detail because when it comes down to it, this story isn’t really about me. It’s important that even (sparingly used) anecdotes about other people ultimately reveal something about you in a personal statement.

Paragraph Two: Recent years have cemented that interest. In January 2012, my parents adopted my little brother Fred from China. Doctors in America subsequently diagnosed Fred with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). My parents were told that if Fred’s condition had been discovered in China, the (very poor) orphanage in which he spent the first 8+ years of his life would have recognized his DMD as a death sentence and denied him sustenance to hasten his demise.

Here’s another compelling anecdote to help explain my interest in public health. This is an appropriately personal detail for a personal statement—it’s a serious thing about my immediate family, but it doesn’t disclose anything that the admissions committee might find concerning or inappropriate.

If I were to take another pass through this paragraph, the main thing I would change is the last phrase. “Denied him sustenance to hasten his demise” is a little flowery. “Denied him food to hasten his death” is actually more powerful because it’s clearer and more direct.

Paragraph Three: It is not right that some people have access to the best doctors and treatment while others have no medical care. I want to pursue an MPH in Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia because studying social factors in health, with a particular focus on socio-health inequities, will prepare me to address these inequities. The interdisciplinary approach of the program appeals to me greatly as I believe interdisciplinary approaches are the most effective way to develop meaningful solutions to complex problems.

In this paragraph I make a neat and clear transition from discussing what sparked my interest in public health and health equity to what I am interested in about Columbia specifically: the interdisciplinary focus of the program, and how that focus will prepare me to solve complex health problems. This paragraph also serves as a good pivot point to start discussing my academic and professional background.

Paragraph Four: My undergraduate education has prepared me well for my chosen career. Understanding the underlying structure of a group’s culture is essential to successfully communicating with the group. In studying folklore and mythology, I’ve learned how to parse the unspoken structures of folk groups, and how those structures can be used to build bridges of understanding. For example, in a culture where most illnesses are believed to be caused by witchcraft, as is the case for the Zande people of central Africa, any successful health intervention or education program would of necessity take into account their very real belief in witchcraft.

In this paragraph, I link my undergraduate education and the skills I learned there to public health. The (very brief) analysis of tailoring health interventions to the Zande is a good way to show insight and show off the competencies I would bring to the program.

Paragraph Five: I now work in the healthcare industry for one of the largest providers of health benefits in the world. In addition to reigniting my passion for data and quantitative analytics, working for this company has immersed me in the business side of healthcare, a critical component of public health.

This brief paragraph highlights my relevant work experience in the healthcare industry. It also allows me to mention my work with data and quantitative analytics, which isn’t necessarily obvious from my academic background, which was primarily based in the social sciences.

Paragraph Six: I intend to pursue a PhD in order to become an expert in how social factors affect health, particularly as related to gender and sexuality. I intend to pursue a certificate in Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Reproduction. Working together with other experts to create effective interventions across cultures and societies, I want to help transform health landscapes both in America and abroad.

This final paragraph is about my future plans and intentions. Unfortunately, it’s a little disjointed, primarily because I discuss goals of pursuing a PhD before I talk about what certificate I want to pursue within the MPH program! Switching those two sentences and discussing my certificate goals within the MPH and then mentioning my PhD plans would make a lot more sense.

I also start two sentences in a row with “I intend,” which is repetitive.

The final sentence is a little bit generic; I might tailor it to specifically discuss a gender and sexual health issue, since that is the primary area of interest I’ve identified.

This was a successful personal statement; I got into (and attended!) the program. It has strong examples, clear organization, and outlines what interests me about the program (its interdisciplinary focus) and what competencies I would bring (a background in cultural analysis and experience with the business side of healthcare). However, a few slight tweaks would elevate this statement to the next level.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples You Can Find Online

So you need more samples for your personal statement for graduate school? Examples are everywhere on the internet, but they aren’t all of equal quality.

Most of examples are posted as part of writing guides published online by educational institutions. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones here if you are looking for more personal statement examples for graduate school.

Penn State Personal Statement Examples for Graduate School

This selection of ten short personal statements for graduate school and fellowship programs offers an interesting mix of approaches. Some focus more on personal adversity while others focus more closely on professional work within the field.

The writing in some of these statements is a little dry, and most deploy at least a few cliches. However, these are generally strong, serviceable statements that communicate clearly why the student is interested in the field, their skills and competencies, and what about the specific program appeals to them.

Cal State Sample Graduate School Personal Statements

These are good examples of personal statements for graduate school where students deploy lots of very vivid imagery and illustrative anecdotes of life experiences. There are also helpful comments about what works in each of these essays.

Want to improve your GRE score by 7+ points?

Check out our best-in-class online GRE prep program . We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your GRE score by 7 points or more.

PrepScholar GRE is entirely online, and it customizes your prep program to your strengths and weaknesses . We also feature 2,000 practice questions , official practice tests, 150 hours of interactive lessons, and 1-on-1 scoring and feedback on your AWA essays.

Check out our 5-day free trial now:

However, all of these statements are definitely pushing the boundaries of acceptable length, as all are above 1000 and one is almost 1500 words! Many programs limit you to 500 words; if you don’t have a limit, you should try to keep it to two single-spaced pages at most (which is about 1000 words).

University of Chicago Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples

These examples of successful essays to the University of Chicago law school cover a wide range of life experiences and topics. The writing in all is very vivid, and all communicate clear messages about the students’ strengths and competencies.

Note, however, that these are all essays that specifically worked for University of Chicago law school. That does not mean that they would work everywhere. In fact, one major thing to note is that many of these responses, while well-written and vivid, barely address the students’ interest in law school at all! This is something that might not work well for most graduate programs.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 10

This successful essay for law school from a Wheaton College undergraduate does a great job tracking the student’s interest in the law in a compelling and personal way. Wheaton offers other graduate school personal statement examples, but this one offers the most persuasive case for the students’ competencies. The student accomplishes this by using clear, well-elaborated examples, showing strong and vivid writing, and highlighting positive qualities like an interest in justice and empathy without seeming grandiose or out of touch.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 1

Based on the background information provided at the bottom of the essay, this essay was apparently successful for this applicant. However, I’ve actually included this essay because it demonstrates an extremely risky approach. While this personal statement is strikingly written and the story is very memorable, it could definitely communicate the wrong message to some admissions committees. The student’s decision not to report the drill sergeant may read incredibly poorly to some admissions committees. They may wonder if the student’s failure to report the sergeant’s violence will ultimately expose more soldiers-in-training to the same kinds of abuses. This incident perhaps reads especially poorly in light of the fact that the military has such a notable problem with violence against women being covered up and otherwise mishandled

It’s actually hard to get a complete picture of the student’s true motivations from this essay, and what we have might raise real questions about the student’s character to some admissions committees. This student took a risk and it paid off, but it could have just as easily backfired spectacularly.

Key Takeaways: Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

In this guide, we discussed why you need a personal statement and how it differs from a statement of purpose. (It’s more personal!)

We also discussed what you’ll find in a strong sample personal statement for graduate school:

• A clear narrative about the applicant and why they are qualified for graduate study.
• Specific examples to support that narrative.
• Compelling reasons why the applicant and the program are a good fit for each other.
• Strong writing, including clear organization and error-free, cliche-free language.
• Appropriate boundaries—sharing without over-sharing.

Then, we provided three strong graduate school personal statement examples for different fields, along with analysis. We did a deep-dive on the third statement.

Finally, we provided a list of other sample grad school personal statements online.

What’s Next?

Want more advice on writing a personal statement ? See our guide.

Writing a graduate school statement of purpose? See our statement of purpose samples  and a nine-step process for writing the best statement of purpose possible .

If you’re writing a graduate school CV or resume, see our how-to guide to writing a CV , a how-to guide to writing a resume , our list of sample resumes and CVs , resume and CV templates , and a special guide for writing resume objectives .

Need stellar graduate school recommendation letters ? See our guide.

See our 29 tips for successfully applying to graduate school .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Ellen McCammon

Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

• Undergraduates
• Ph.Ds & Postdocs
• Faculty/Staff
• Prospective Students & Guests
• Student Athletes
• First Generation and/or Low Income Students
• International Students
• LGBTQ Students
• Students with Disabilities
• Students of Color
• Student Veterans
• Advertising, Marketing & PR
• Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
• General Management & Leadership Development Programs
• Law & Legal Services
• Startups, Entrepreneurship & Freelance Work
• Environment, Sustainability & Energy
• Media & Communications
• Policy & Think Tanks
• Engineering
• Healthcare, Biotech & Global Public Health
• Life & Physical Sciences
• Programming & Data Science
• Graduate School
• Business School
• Health Professions
• Cover Letters & Correspondence
• Interview Preparation
• Professional Conduct & Etiquette
• Job Offers & Salary Negotiations
• Navigating AI in the Job Search Process
• Yale Career Link
• CareerShift
• Gap Year & Short-Term Opportunities
• Planning an International Internship
• Funding Your Experience
• Career Fairs/Networking Events
• On-Campus Recruiting
• Resource Database
• Job Market Insights
• Informational Interviewing
• Peer Networking Lists
• Building Your LinkedIn Profile
• YC First Destinations
• YC Four-Year Out
• GSAS Program Statistics
• Statistics & Reports
• Meet with OCS
• Student Organizations Workshop Request
• Office of Fellowships
• OCS Podcast Series
• Contact OCS
• OCS Mission & Policies
• Additional Yale Career Offices
• Designing Your Career
• Faculty & Staff

Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School

• Share This: Share Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School on Facebook Share Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School on LinkedIn Share Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School on X

Personal Statements

Preparing a well-written and effective personal statement (sometimes referred to as statements of purpose or personal essays) that clearly articulates your preparation, goals, and motivation for pursuing that specific graduate degree is critically important. You will need to spend a considerable amount of time and effort in crafting these statements. The focus, structure, and length of personal statements vary from program to program. Some will have prompts or questions you need to answer, while others will leave the topic open-ended. The length varies widely as well. Read instructions carefully and make sure to adhere to all parameters laid out in the application guidelines.

Clear writing is the result of clear thinking. The first and most important task is to decide on a message. Consider carefully which two or three points you wish to impress upon the reader, remembering that your audience is composed of academics who are experts in their fields. Your statement should show that you are able to think logically and express your thoughts in a clear and concise manner. Remember that the reader already has a record of your activities and your transcript; avoid simply restating your resume and transcript. Writing your statement will take time; start early and give yourself more than enough time for revisions. If no prompts are given, you can use the questions below to begin brainstorming content to include in your statement.

• What experiences and academic preparation do you have that are relevant to the degree you’re seeking?
• Why are you choosing to pursue a graduate degree at this time?
• Why do you want to pursue this particular degree and how will this degree and the specific program fit into your career plans and your long-term goals?
• What specific topics are you aiming to explore and what does the current literature say about those topics?

After you’ve written a first draft, start the work of editing, refining, simplifying, and polishing. Provide specific examples that will help illustrate your points and convey your interests, intentions, and motivations. Is any section, sentence, or word superfluous, ambiguous, apologetic, or awkward? Are your verbs strong and active? Have you removed most of the qualifiers? Are you sure that each activity or interest you mention supports one of your main ideas? Spelling and grammatical errors are inexcusable. Don’t rely on spell-check to catch all errors; read your statement aloud and have it reviewed by multiple people whose opinion you trust. If possible, have your statement reviewed by a writing tutor. For individual assistance with writing your personal statement, consult with the writing tutor in your residential college  or the Writing Center within the Yale Center for Teaching and Learning .

Office of Career Strategy

Visiting yale.

• FindAMasters
• Postgraduate Personal Statements

Written by Ben Taylor

Once you’ve found the perfect Masters programme, the next step is to begin the application process. You’ll usually have to write a postgraduate personal statement that highlights your strengths, skills and experience, giving you the perfect opportunity to sell yourself and to show the admissions tutor that you’ll thrive at their university.

This page provides some practical tips on writing a successful personal statement for a Masters application, from the typical structure to avoidable mistakes – along with some examples of what to do and what not to do! We’ve also included links to several postgraduate personal statement examples in subjects including Business, Psychology and International Relations.

On this page

What is a masters personal statement.

If you’re applying for a Masters, it’s likely that you’ve already written a personal statement for a Bachelors degree and will have a good idea of how one works. Normally, a Masters personal statement won’t be wildly different to what you wrote back then.

You should say why you’re applying for this particular course and institution , talking about what makes it such an appealing place to study. Perhaps there’s a member of staff who you’re especially excited about working with, or a unique element of the curriculum that jumps out at you.

Demonstrate how and why you are invested in your subject. It’s important to mention your academic and employment history, explaining its impact on your choice of a postgraduate course.

What should I include in a Masters personal statement?

Give examples of some of the skills and experience you’ve developed at university or at work, and how they’ll help you succeed with a Masters degree. These could include:

• Time management
• Communication
• Internships
• Public engagement
• Conference attendance
• Relevant extracurricular activities

Your personal statement is an opportunity to write about your future career goals, and how you think this Masters will help you achieve them. You can also discuss preliminary ideas you might have for your Masters dissertation , giving the admissions tutor an indication of the specialist knowledge you have in your discipline.

If there are any significant gaps in your education or employment, you should offer a brief explanation of those extenuating situations (for example, illness or a gap year). Don’t dwell on any unfortunate circumstances though – always strike a positive, optimistic tone.

In most (but not all) cases, you’ll apply directly to the university for a Masters rather than through a centralised system like UCAS. This means you can tailor each personal statement to the institution and programme in question (rather than submitting a single personal statement for five courses, like at undergraduate level in the UK).

You don’t necessarily have to a completely new personal statement for each Masters programme you apply to (there will usually be a degree of overlap between them), but it’s worth putting the extra effort in to make sure your application doesn’t seem like a generic copy-and-paste job to the admissions tutor reading it. You can do this by mentioning the university and department by name, and by providing specific examples of their syllabus that you find intriguing. Pay attention to what makes this particular Masters unique and refer to this in your statement.

How long should a Masters personal statement be?

When writing a postgraduate personal statement, you should aim for a word count of around 500 words (one A4 side of text). Some universities will have more specific requirements, however – for example, they might ask you to submit your personal statement via a form on their website with a character limit.

The relatively short nature of a Masters personal statement means that you should focus on being as succinct as possible, getting straight to the point and avoiding unnecessary detail.

Frequently asked questions about Masters applications

If you have any other questions or concerns about applying for a Masters, our FAQ page features lots of useful information on the application process and beyond. Find out more .

How should I write a personal statement?

How you write your personal statement is just as important as the content; a clear, structured statement is proof of your ability to communicate effectively.

These are some of the most essential attributes of a successful postgraduate personal statement:

• Positive, enthusiastic language
• Professional tone of voice
• Compelling evidence to back up your claims
• Concise and clear sentences

Meanwhile, this is a list of the tendencies to avoid in your personal statement:

• Clichés – think of a way to put it that the admissions tutor won’t have seen lots of times before!
• Waffle – don’t use meandering, vague sentences
• Poor spelling and grammar – check, check and check again, running it past someone with a trustworthy pair of eyes

Don't : After falling in love with the Artemis Fowl series as a young child I have been driven to pursue the study of literature and I think your Masters would be the perfect place for me to continue my journey, given it’s world-leading status and your outstanding academic staff who’s expertise is aligned with my own personal interest in novels and poetry.

Do : Since graduating in 2015 with a First in Advertising from the University of Ogdenville, I’ve been working full-time as a copywriter for Hutz&co (one of Shelbyville’s largest marketing agencies). I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the company, learning a great deal about the importance of clear, compelling language. I’ve honed the communication skills I developed at university and feel well-equipped to continue my studies at North Haverbrook University.

Don’t make the mistake of using your undergraduate personal statement as a template for your Masters application. A Masters is a big step up from your undergraduate degree, and the admissions tutor will be looking for evidence that you’ve developed academically since then. Find out more about the differences between undergraduate and postgraduate courses .

Always give yourself enough time to complete your personal statement (and the application process in general) well before the deadline — don’t leave things to the last minute! It’s crucial to get another pair of eyes on your statement, so ask a friend or relative to proofread the text. It’s also worth checking if you have access to a careers adviser through your current (or previous) university who can help you with the application.

How should I structure a personal statement?

By carefully structuring your personal statement, you’ll present the admissions tutor with a logical and easy-to-follow text that shows exactly why you’re a perfect fit for a Masters. Make sure there’s a clear thread of argument linking each paragraph – avoid jumping from topic to topic.

Jot down a short plan before you begin working on the statement (don’t make it up as you go along!). In general, you should aim to write around five or six paragraphs, covering three broad categories:

• An attention-grabbing introduction that sums up your academic and employment background. Don’t be tempted to use a gimmicky inspirational quote or cheesy opener, you’ll stand out for all the wrong reasons!
• An engaging middle section that expands on your interests and provides concrete evidence of your strengths and skills.
• A concise conclusion that draws together the most important elements of your application and will leave a lasting, positive impression of your motivation for study on this particular Masters programme.

Bear in mind that admissions tutors will be reading dozens (if not hundreds) of personal statements. They’ll appreciate a well-organised, methodical text that signposts all the significant parts of your experience and skills.

Postgraduate personal statement examples

We’ve written a selection of postgraduate personal statement samples for several popular subjects.

If you’re working on a personal statement for your Masters application, hopefully they’ll give you some inspiration – but don’t forget that they’re certainly not a substitute for your own unique experiences and background!

• Business Studies
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Forensic Psychology
• Graphic Design
• International Relations
• Library Science
• Public Administration
• Public Health

Want more advice on postgraduate applications?

Check out our full guide to applying for a Masters or visit our pages on entry requirements and postgraduate references .

Find your perfect Masters!

Search from over 20,000 Masters degrees on our website to find one that is right for you

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

Ben worked in the FindAMasters content team from 2017 to 2022, starting as an Assistant Content Writer and leaving as Student Content Manager. He focused on producing well-researched advice across a range of topics related to postgraduate study. Ben has a Bachelors degree in English Literature from the University of Sheffield and a Masters from the University of Amsterdam. Having also spent a semester at the University of Helsinki through the Erasmus programme, he’s no stranger to study abroad (or cold weather!).

Thinking of applying for a Masters? Our guide explains the process, personal statements, references and deadlines for Masters applications.

The main requirement to apply for a Masters is usually a Bachelors degree in a relevant subject. Our guide explains the admissions requirements for postgraduate courses.

You may need a language certificate to apply for a Masters abroad. A range of tests are accepted in different countries around the world.

Applying for a Masters can feel a bit daunting. Here is a checklist of all the things you need to do to make sure you have everything covered in your Masters application.

Masters programmes are delivered in English at universities around the world, but you may need to submit a test score if this isn't your first language. Common tests include the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Cambridge English.

Find out more about how different graduate entry tests for Masters degrees work, with information on the GMAT, GRE and other admissions exams.

FindAMasters. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about Masters study?

Select your nearest city

• Aberystwyth
• Beaconsfield
• Bishop Burton
• Bournemouth
• Bridlington
• Chatham Maritime
• Cirencester
• East Malling
• Hemel Hempstead
• High Wycombe
• Huddersfield
• Isle of Man
• Jordanstown
• London Central
• London East
• London South
• London West
• Londonderry
• Loughborough
• Middlesbrough
• Milton Keynes
• Musselburgh
• Northampton
• Potters Bar
• Saffron Waldon
• Scarborough
• Southampton
• St Leonards on Sea
• Stoke on Trent
• Wolverhampton

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAMasters, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, application tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAMasters.com

or begin browsing FindAMasters.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Create your account

Looking to list your Masters courses? Log in here .

Let us help you find a Masters

Never miss a course

Enter our ambassador competition

Get funding news, tips and advice

Hear about upcoming events

Sign up to our newsletter today

We've been helping students find the right postgraduate course for over a decade.

Login to your account

Enter your username below to login to your account.

• Masters Degrees
• Bachelors Degrees
• Associate Degrees
• Career Pathways Bridge Program
• Online Degree Programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s & Associate’s
• Global Offerings
• Faculty Spotlight
• Faculty Directory
• Open Faculty Positions
• Policies and Documents
• Professional Studies
• Continuing Education
• Executive Education for Industry Leaders
• High School Academy
• Areas of study
• Divisions & Departments
• Professional Pathways
• Degree Directory
• General Graduate Application Requirements
• Graduate Application Requirements and Deadlines
• Graduate Financial Aid
• Summer Publishing Institute
• Undergraduate
• General Undergraduate Application Requirements
• Undergraduate Application Requirements and Deadlines
• Undergraduate Financial Aid
• Transfer Students
• Adult Learning
• Your Community
• New Students
• DAUS: Military Veterans
• Global Perspective
• Graduate Events
• Undergraduate Events
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Student Success
• Academic Advising
• Student Life
• Resources and Services
• Student Support Center
• University Life
• Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
• Health and Wellness
• Studying in New York City
• Travel and Transportation
• Policies and Procedures
• NYU SPS Wasserman Center
• Career Success
• Industry Engagement
• Hire NYU Talent
• Faculty Engagement
• STUDENTS & ALUMNI: GET STARTED
• Events Central
• Office of Events
• Meet the Team
• SPS Conference Room and Event Spaces
• Event Request Form
• Event Guidelines
• Conferences
• Hospitality Conference
• Capital Markets in Real Estate
• Women in Real Estate
• REIT Symposium
• NYU Coaching and Technology Summit
• Future Workforce Global Summit
• NYU SPS Events
• Undergraduate Convocation
• Graduate Convocation
• Student Events
• Capstone Fair
• Alumni Advantage
• Alumni Stories
• Current Alumni
• Give to NYU SPS
• Parents Council
• SPS Reunion
• NYU SPS Home
• MS in Integrated Marketing

Masters (MS) in Integrated Marketing

Study on-site.

The MS in Integrated Marketing offered by the NYU SPS Division of Programs in Business , Department of Integrated Marketing and Communications provides you with the marketing strategies and best practices to ensure a competitive advantage in today’s global business environment. Marketing is a growth driver with a broad range of applications—brand management, digital marketing, content marketing, marketing analytics, and search engine optimization—to name a few. Integrating all of these skills, this degree prepares you for a wide range of marketing jobs, teaching you to translate business concepts into competitive and differentiated products and services. You may consider other MS in Marketing degrees, but none can provide the networking opportunities, internships at top NYC ad agencies and digital firms, combined with a renowned NYU education.

Degree Advantage

• Degree core curriculum that prepares you for marketing jobs in digital marketing, social media marketing, adver- tising, branding, marketing research, marketing analysis, SEO and SEM, creative management, and more.
• Three degree concentrations in Brand Management, Digital Marketing, and Marketing Analytics
• Internships at advertising agencies, media organizations, digital marketing firms, in-house marketing departments, SEO and SEM agencies, among others
• Flexible full- or part-time study options
• Can be completed in as little as 18 months

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

You can find the full curriculum details for this program on this page of the University Bulletin. All other content, including this web page is for informational purposes only.

Discover NYU SPS: Graduate Admissions Information Session

Join an online session to learn more about our graduate degree programs, including the MS in Integrated Marketing. Our admissions team will give you insights into the NYU SPS experience, share details about the application process, and offer tips for creating a successful application. Current students will also share their personal experiences, providing a firsthand perspective on life as an SPS student.

7:00 PM until 8:00 PM EDT

7:00 PM until 8:00 PM EST

NYU SPS Graduate Open House

Join us in person on our New York City campus to learn more about our academic offerings, admissions, and financial aid. You will have the opportunity to meet representatives from the MS in Integrated Marketing program during this event.

9:00 AM until 1:00 PM EDT

Who Should Consider Earning the MS in Integrated Marketing?

If you seek a degree that will build your skills as a marketing strategist, while providing the tools needed to design and implement digital marketing campaigns, enhance brand value, influence consumer behavior, and measure marketing impact, this degree is for you. Those who can problem solve, ask smart questions, think creatively and strategically, and influence outcomes will benefit most from this comprehensive course of study.

Degree Overview Video

Sps start @ nyu shanghai program.

Through a partnership between NYU SPS and NYU Shanghai, newly admitted Integrated Marketing students have the option of pursuing their first-semester coursework at NYU Shanghai and then traveling to New York for the completion of their degree. This program, known as SPS Start @ NYU Shanghai, will be attractive to students who are interested in having a unique two-campus, international study experience for their master’s degree. Students will live in Shanghai, be enrolled full-time during their SPS Start @ NYU Shanghai semester, and enjoy a special cohort-based experience.

At NYU Shanghai, SPS Start @ NYU Shanghai is supported in collaboration with the Graduate Semester Study Office which can be contacted at  s [email protected] . For more information about the Graduate Semester Study Office and to hear testimonials from past participating students, visit the link below.

Choose From Three Marketing Concentrations

The MS in Integrated Marketing offers degree concentrations in: Brand Strategy, Digital Media, and Marketing Analytics. Each area of specialty provides distinct marketing skills combined with the business and technical acumen to make you highly competitive and ready to take on the work required to position and promote products, services, and causes to the audience targets and market segments that will provide the strongest results.

Learn From Marketing Experts Across Specialty Areas

You will study with faculty members who are marketing experts and whose careers and insights span across the full range of marketing fields. Taught through a mixture of classroom learning and real-world experience, this degree provides immediately applicable marketing skills and the benefit of learning from those who solve complex marketing challenges every day. Prominent guest lecturers add breadth and depth to the classroom experience, providing the advice, insights, and connections to get ahead.

Gain Global Skill Sets

While marketing strategies and tactics differ based upon audience, market segments, and marketing campaign goals and objectives, they share many common threads with an underlying purpose of influencing consumer behavior, elevating brand awareness, building customer loyalty, and positioning products in the marketplace. The skill sets you acquire through the MS in Integrated Marketing can be used anywhere in the world, increasing your job opportunities. The diversity of the student body makes for rich classroom discussion and a global perspective that provides a professional advantage.

Internships and Job Opportunities

Through the Division of Programs in Business and the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development at NYU SPS , MS in Integrated Marketing, students can complete internships that provide the hands-on experience needed to compete for marketing and advertising jobs while building a portfolio of marketing projects that demonstrates their ability to address a wide range of marketing challenges. Many of these internships evolve into permanent positions or marketing consulting jobs. Over 96% of our students reported being employed within six months of graduation. Our graduates go on to a wide range of careers in a broad array of companies and organizations including:

• American Express
• AUDITOIRE China
• Bank of China
• BET Networks
• BNP Paribad
• Coca Cola Company
• PBJ Marketing
• OMD Worldwide
• Ralph Lauren
• United Nations

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is integrated marketing.

Marketers need to reach and engage consumers who learn about and interact with a company’s products and services through multiple touchpoints.  Integrated Marketing brings together communications, advertising, retail, experience, product design etc., into a coordinated program, to drive growth, centered around the consumer’s needs.

What Jobs Can You Get With an Integrated Marketing Degree?

Students who graduate with a Marketing Degree are trained to design, manage, and measure impactful marketing campaigns across multiple media e.g., digital, TV, social media etc. and set strategies to grow brands, services, products, and organizations.

Students who graduate with a marketing degree go on to be brand managers, digital marketing managers, social media managers, marketing analysts, marketing strategists, media planners, campaign managers, among several other roles.

What is an Integrated Marketing Campaign?

An Integrated Marketing Campaign starts with a deep understanding of a consumer’s needs, attitudes, and behaviors, matching them with business and marketing objectives, in order to develop a set of initiatives and activities that create, communicate and capture value for consumers, integrated across multiple touchpoints.

What is a Typical Marketing Manager Salary?

The median salary for Marketing Manager in New York is $129,000 according to salary.com, and across the US the median salary is $107,000.

How Does This Degree Differ From an MBA?

A masters degree in marketing provides the graduate student more functional, practical and detailed knowledge about the professional field of marketing, and will typically be less theoretical and more applied than many MBA programs.  An MBA is designed to be a more generalized business degree with study of many subjects outside marketing.

• Personal Statements
• Marketing Personal Statement

Marketing Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

Is marketing an art or a science? Is it an informative blessing or an intrusive curse? Everyone has a different opinion on the subject, but for me, marketing is one thing above all; marketing is fun. I believe it has to be, or it simply won’t work. The days of information style announcements are long gone.

These days the advertiser must entertain and amuse their target audience if they want to have any hope of getting their message heard in the melee of modern media. This is the unspoken bargain that we all enter into.

I love the combination of strategy and creativity that makes a really good campaign. I always smile at clever, inventive media buying, where the company has really worked hard to match their product to the TV show or environment that it is being advertised in. I admire teaser campaigns that intrigue you and draw you in, despite our natural cynicism. And I love clever creative ideas that make you laugh and make you buy something, both at the same time.

I have always been a good persuader, and have been able to talk my way into, or out of, pretty much anything from an early age. I have developed this ability into the written word, writing copy that captures the imagination and gets people to act. Whenever there is a school production or a fundraising drive, I am usually called upon to come up with the words, and often the overall theme too.

To back up my interest in marketing, I have chosen my A-levels carefully. I chose psychology to help me understand how people’s minds work and mathematics, so that I could understand the inevitable figures and statistics that are needed to analyse a campaign. I also studied English Literature, partly to hone my writing skills, but also because I love to study other writing styles.

I wish I could say that I had the art skills to back up my marketing aspirations, but sadly I cannot create pictures with pencils and paints as easily as I can with words. Nonetheless, I have taken GCSE Art in my free periods to try and improve what ability I have, so that I can at least communicate my ideas to more skilled artists within a creative team.

I am keen on amateur dramatics, and love the way that a whole team has to pull together to make a production work, from the actors to the kid who works the curtains. I think that this has been good experience for a career in an advertising agency where teamwork is equally important. I also have a part time job at the local Tesco store, where I get to observe first hand how consumers react to the hundreds of different marketing messages they are bombarded with in the store. I am fascinated by human behaviour and relish the chance to see it up close as I anonymously stack the shelves nearby.

My ambition is to work my way up through the industry, building a reputation, until one day I am able to open an advertising agency of my own. 

University Guides

• Accommodation
• + much more!

Sign up for news & advice about applying to uni

• Universities
• Fees & Finance
• For Parents
• International Students
• Terms and Conditions

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Clearing Guide

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

Marketing personal statement example 1.

A degree in marketing is something which interests me; it's exciting and stimulating and will provide me with the key requirements to begin a successful career in the field.

The marketing profession requires individuals with good interpersonal skills, who are dedicated, quick thinking, robust, diplomatic, articulate and have a competitive flare, all of which are skills and attributes that I recognise in myself.

Marketing appeals to me because it is arguably the most invigorating and vital department of any business with a responsibility to initiate new challenges and opportunities

My experience in the workplace and in non academic activities has helped me develop a strong interest in working in the corporate world

In 1999 I was the youngest successful applicant to become a member of the Youth Council for the Millennium Dome. For two summers I did work experience at my local MP's Westminster office. My main duty was researching specific topics and producing reports on my findings, my work was used in parliamentary reports on issues such as teenage pregnancy and drug abuse in foreign countries.

first job was as a waitress at a local restaurant and I am currently working for Sainsbury's. In the past year one of my extra curricular commitments has been volunteer work as a classroom assistant at a local primary school. This year I have also been given the position of form prefect, which means I provide additional support to a form group and to members of staff

Through these experiences I have been able to discover, develop and demonstrate skills which are central to succeeding in marketing, including both oral and written communication, creativity, working to deadlines, perseverance, dedication and adaptability. I have also learnt the importance of a good client-employee relationship and how personal integrity is a fundamental requirement for any successful business or organisation

Sports has always been a keen interest of mine, it has given me an understanding how a team of people can work effectively together towards a common goal.

For the last two years my house elected me the Head of my House netball team. This experience has helped me again develop skills including organisation and leadership. It has also given me the opportunity to motivate others to succeed. In school I am a trained "peer listener", which means I am trained to listen to younger students problems and encourage them to think through a solution for themselves. I have spent my Sixth Form years at a boarding school which has taught me how a group of people must live and function closely together with respect, maturity and co-operation

At my previous school I covered the portfolio work for an intermediate level GNVQ in leisure and tourism and a foundation level GNVQ in health and social care. Currently I am an enthusiastic member of the Debating Society and Reading Group at school

Next summer I am going to continue to develop my knowledge and experience of the commercial workplace through an internship at a public affairs firm. This will undoubtedly give me a better grounding in the marketing and PR world, and enable me to progress to university with first-hand knowledge and experience which will be invaluable for a degree in Marketing.

Profile info

There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Very good but i thought you.

Thu, 28/06/2007 - 15:03

very good but i thought you shouldnt talk about what you are going to do????

Add new comment