chevening essay sample career plan

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My Chevening Journey, Part 4: Career Essay Plan

The final essay you will write for your Chevening scholarship application is on your career plan. The question you will be answering in this essay is; Chevening is looking for individuals who have a clear post-study career plan. Please outline your immediate plans upon returning home and your longer term career goals. You may wish…

More tips on the career plan essay on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PndU6Tcnjz8

In this essay you are required to demonstrate that you have a clear and defined career plan. This should be the easiest to write because you are writing about your future. However, the plan should be realistic for instance, although it’s in order to dream of being the president of your country, you should have demonstrated in your leadership and networking essays that you have started or at least you are interacting with the people who will help you actualise your dream.

Just like the other essays, it should start with an introduction on its own paragraph. Here you should introduce a problem in your country that you seek to solve by following your career plan. As explained in Studying in the UK essay, looking at DFID projects can provide a guideline but shouldn’t limit you. My introduction was as follows;

According to a 2017 report by Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, over 70% of Kenya’s poor and hunger-stricken people live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Growth in the agricultural sector has been estimated to be over ten times more effective in reducing poverty compared to growth in other sectors in poor countries. According to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the sector employs over 40% of Kenya’s population. This could increase if more efforts are directed there and this is why am seeking to build on my experience with rural poor communities to pursue a career in International Development. This will impart me with knowledge and skills to influence policies on poverty reduction through small-scale agriculture, rural development and research.

The career plan should be structured into short term, middle term and long term. In each you should mention the organizations you plan to work for/ or you plan to start, their objectives, your role/title and how the skills and training received will facilitate that. If shortlisted this will be the backbone of your answers in the following questions; where do you see yourself in x years? What’s your immediate/ long term plan after studying in the UK?

It is important that your community or country should be the focal point where your career plan should revolve. You will be representing your country as a Chevening scholar. Chevening awards are an important element in Britain’s public diplomacy effort and bring professionals, who have already displayed outstanding leadership abilities, to study in the UK. The objective of Chevening is to support foreign policy priorities and achieve FCO objectives by creating positive relationships with future leaders, influencers and decision makers. In addition, show how the UK will benefit by awarding you the scholarship and foster relations between the two countries although this should not be at the expense of your country. At this juncture, it’s also important to indicate you know what the UK is doing in your country.

My second paragraph covered my short term career plan (1-2 years although this is not standard) as it varies from one person to another.

I n the short term, I see myself starting a community-based organization in Murang’a County that will endeavour to transform agriculture into a viable businesses for rural small-scale farmers. I will achieve this by seeking partnerships with the county government and relevant social enterprises such as Juhudi Kilimo to increase smallholder farms productivity, enhance marketing systems and offering business, safety standards and technical skills training. These initiatives will turn small-scale farms to businesses, link them to regional and global food chains and create job opportunities.

My medium term career plan was in the third paragraph and covered 3-5 years after returning from the UK. As I said previously, this is not standard and will vary from one individual to the other.

I plan to serve in the next Murang’a County Government as a County Executive Committee Member in charge of Agriculture and Cooperatives. In this role, I will work with the County Assembly to improve the reliability of water supply for irrigation for small-scale farmers, build more wholesale market sheds, employ more extension officers, identify and invest in first-mover crops and improve on feeder roads to support agriculture.

My long term career plan covered was more detailed and was as follows;

In the long-term, with experience and skills gained in the local government, I plan to serve as Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, chairing the Agriculture, Trade and Cooperatives Committee. In this role, I will build on my success with the County Government to work closely with the Executive arm of government to spearhead legislation to transform Kenya’s Agricultural sector to ensure food security and create more jobs. I will lead negotiations with United Kingdom Multinationals such as Marks & Spencer to increase their fair-trade products in Kenya and rope in more tea and coffee factories in their supply chain. In addition, I will advocate for Diageo to replace imported grains with local crops such as sorghum and cassava for their beers. This will promote trade between Kenya and the United Kingdom, deepen our relations and create jobs in the country. By following this career progression, it will be possible to make necessary adjustments based on my experience and the prevailing circumstances.

As you can note, my career plan had a progressive pattern and building up on skills and experience gained in previous roles.

Finally I had a conclusion that summed up everything as follows;

Generally, training in the United Kingdom will help me develop networks and collaborations that will contribute to Kenya’s agenda on food security while creating jobs especially among rural women and the youth. This is line with DFID’s initiatives in Kenya on hunger and prosperity which are also part of global goals for sustainable development.

This being your last essay, do not submit very early because you might get stronger examples in leadership or networking because as a leader you continue to evolve and grow. At the same time do not wait till the last day due to unforeseen circumstances such as power outage, network problems or computer crashing that can make you fail in submitting your essays in time.

Finally be authentic, give your story and do not copy essays of previously selected scholars. The readers can detect plagiarism (an academic offence ) and it makes your interviews in later stages easier when you own your story. In addition, use simple grammatically correct English sentences. Your essays are the opportune moment to create a first impression and writing skills are paramount in this. Have people to proofread your essays for guidance and where you use abbreviations, make sure you give their meaning initially.

Watch this video on common errors applicants make and how to avoid them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo7WIowfwO0&t=34s

Once shortlisted for the interview, check the blog article on interview preparation, and once selected there is also advice for you on how to navigate the next steps.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are purely mine and do not reflect the position of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and or its partner organizations.

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3 Chevening Essays: Career plan

This is an underrated essay. Anyone can write a career plan essay, but not everyone can write a winning Chevening career plan essay. As a leadership training award, Chevening is investing in your studies with the belief that you will return and apply your leadership skills in your home country.

How exactly do you want to impact your country? They want to know every plan for the next ten years. Mention your main post-study goal. Then break it down into three: short-term (1-2 years), mid-term (3-5 years), and long-term (6-10 years) goals.

Explain what you want to achieve in detail (as many details as you can fit in a 500-word essay). Make sure everything flows. Make sure one point leads to another. One story should lead to another.

Imagine this: You are a potential asset. I (the British Government) want to invest in you. Sell your pitch to me on why I should do that and why you will yield a great return on investment. Convince me why I should spend a hefty amount of money on you. Forget everyone else. It is your vision I want to see and invest in.

Make sure to use concrete goals and statistics. Numbers, names, dates. Make sure your passion is communicated well and felt by your readers.

Mention what the UK government is doing about your career goals in your country and link it to what you intend to do. Mention how you want to partner with the UK government to achieve that.

If you find it hard to get a project that the British government is doing in your field, I will advise you to research a person recognized by them who practices in your field and suggest partnering with him.

This is not just a winning strategy for you to write a winning Chevening career plan essay. This should be what you believe in and are set to do.

Give real thought to how you intend to make the most of the opportunity to study for a master’s degree at a UK university.
Share detailed examples of your short, mid, and long-term career goals.
You will get extra points if you can link your career goals with any of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Make sure your goals are ambitious but realistic. Walk the assessors through a clearly defined plan for achieving them.
Outstanding applicants demonstrate genuine enthusiasm about making a lasting, positive contribution to their home countries and have clear ideas about achieving it. Steer away from describing motivations to pursue a master’s degree as a stepping stone to studying for a Ph.D.

Check the newest Chevening Scholarship essay examples: click here .

“Career plan” Chevening Essay Example 1

See also: Ultimate Chevening Scholarship Resources

Upon completing my master’s degree in the UK, my immediate goal is to leverage the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired to significantly improve the public health landscape in Tanzania. My first step will be to collaborate with local NGOs that focus on public health initiatives, with a particular emphasis on addressing systemic challenges in rural areas. I have previously partnered with these organizations, but with my enhanced skills, I will be better equipped to drive innovative approaches, such as integrating digital health solutions to improve accessibility and quality of care in remote regions.

My primary focus will be on supporting Tanzania’s HIV/AIDS program. With Tanzania ranking among the top 30 high-burden countries, addressing this public health challenge remains critical. My plan is to initially take up a leadership role within the National Department of Health, focusing on improving the healthcare delivery system in rural provinces where resources are limited. With the advanced knowledge I will have gained, particularly in public health strategy and healthcare management, I will contribute to designing and implementing targeted interventions to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, while ensuring the program aligns with international best practices. A key aspect of my contribution will be ensuring that gender-sensitive approaches are integrated, as women and girls remain disproportionately affected by the epidemic.

In addition to working on the national HIV/AIDS program, I will prioritize the training and mentoring of healthcare professionals, particularly doctors and nurses in rural health centers. Capacity-building will be crucial in ensuring sustainable improvements to patient care, and I will draw on my newly acquired skills in leadership and medical education to establish a continuous professional development program. By creating a network of well-trained healthcare providers, I aim to foster long-term resilience in the healthcare system, ensuring that even after my involvement, the quality of care continues to improve.

Looking ahead, my three-year goal is to contribute to the establishment of a specialized HIV/AIDS clinical care center, a project that has been in the pipeline but remains unrealized due to a shortage of professionals with the necessary expertise. This center will not only provide comprehensive care to patients but will also serve as a hub for research and innovation in HIV/AIDS treatment, enabling Tanzania to develop locally relevant solutions to the epidemic. My role will be to provide strategic leadership in the planning and execution of this initiative, drawing on my training in health systems management and infectious disease control.

In the longer term, I aspire to contribute to broader public health efforts in Tanzania, aligning with the UK Department for International Development’s (DFID) mission to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all. By focusing on combating antimicrobial resistance and tackling neglected tropical diseases, I will work to develop cross-sector partnerships that bring together local governments, international donors, and the private sector. These efforts will not only improve health outcomes in Tanzania but also contribute to global health security, making my work relevant both locally and internationally.

Essay Sample 2 for Chevening Career Plan

I intend to put the new skills and knowledge I will have acquired from my education in the UK into good use in Kenya. Therefore, as soon as I return to the country, my immediate short-term career goal will be to use my new qualifications to search for a job commensurate with my master’s degree course. The position I already have in mind is that of a Personal Financial Advisor, as it is a financial/economics advisory role that interests me. I will also seek a job as a Financial Analyst, Budget Analyst, Management Analyst, and any other related job.

I anticipate that getting my first job after returning home will not be too difficult, given my existing professional experience and the master’s degree I will have obtained. Moreover, since I have already built excellent relationships at NIC Bank, it will be the first place I seek employment. In whatever new job I secure, I can put into practice everything I learned in the UK. My medium-term career goal is to establish a consultancy company where I will provide expert advice on everything business, finance, accounting, and economics. This will present an admittedly daunting yet rewarding challenge as it will be the first time I will be stepping out of formal employment to run my own business. This I plan to venture into after about five years of employment.

By this time, I expect to have gained enough knowledge and skills and should have saved enough capital to sustain my business for at least one year. This one-year grace year period will allow me to roll up my sleeves and build the necessary foundation for the business from the ground up before it becomes profitable and sustainable on its own. I quite look forward to this challenge. I will give myself about ten years in this capacity to develop my skills, expertise, and a strong network of professionals in the corporate world and government before eventually applying for a senior position such as Chief Financial Economist in the National Treasury. This is my ultimate long-term career goal. By this point, I will be in a much better position to use all the information I have accrued from my education and work experience to provide the requisite expert advice that the government and government bodies need.

These plans coalesce with everything the UK currently engages in Kenya. The UK has quite a healthy economic relationship with Kenya, even in the face of Brexit. It continues to export goods from Kenya and make significant investments in the country. For instance, in May 2019, the UK government committed to funding various high-impact projects across the nation, investments that are worth KSh14.5 billion (approximately £113,655,360). This came after a proposal to establish a UK- Kenya Economic Development Forum, which shall meet biannually.

Example 3 for Career Plan Part of Chevening

According to a 2017 report by Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, over 70% of Kenya’s poor and hunger-stricken people live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Growth in the agricultural sector has been estimated to be over ten times more effective in reducing poverty compared to growth in other sectors in developing countries. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the sector employs over 40% of Kenya’s population. This could increase if more efforts are directed there, which is why I seek to build on my experience with poor rural communities to pursue a career in International Development. This will impart me with knowledge and skills to influence policies on poverty reduction through small-scale agriculture, rural development, and research.

In the short term, I see myself starting a community-based organization in Murang’a County that will transform agriculture into a viable business for rural small-scale farmers. I will achieve this by seeking partnerships with the county government and relevant social enterprises such as Juhudi Kilimo to increase smallholder farms’ productivity, enhance marketing systems and offer business, safety standards, and technical skills training. These initiatives will turn small-scale farms into businesses, link them to regional and global food chains and create job opportunities.

In the long-term, with experience and skills gained in the local government, I plan to serve as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, chairing the Agriculture, Trade and Cooperatives Committee. In this role, I will build on my success with the County Government to work closely with the Executive arm of government to spearhead legislation to transform Kenya’s Agricultural sector to ensure food security and create more jobs. I will lead negotiations with United Kingdom Multinationals such as Marks & Spencer to increase their fair-trade products in Kenya and rope in more tea and coffee factories in their supply chain. In addition, I will advocate for Diageo to replace imported grains with local crops such as sorghum and cassava for their beers. This will promote trade between Kenya and the United Kingdom, deepen our relations and create jobs in the country. By following this career progression, it will be possible to make necessary adjustments based on my experience and the prevailing circumstances.

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How to Write Powerful Chevening Scholarship Essays

Sanni Alausa-Issa
August 7, 2024
Grad School Applications

Take a moment to think of a scholarship that not only funds your education but also transforms your career, connects you with a global network of leaders, and empowers you to create positive change in your home country.

The Chevening Scholarship is precisely that—a prestigious opportunity designed to cultivate future leaders, influencers, and change-makers. Winning this scholarship can open doors you never thought possible, propelling you toward your academic and professional dreams.

However, the key to unlocking this opportunity lies in your ability to craft stellar essays that stand out from the crowd. Your essays are your chance to showcase your leadership potential, your networking prowess, and your vision for the future. They are the heart and soul of your application, making it crucial to get them right.

In this guide, we will walk you through how to write powerful Chevening Scholarship essays, providing you with examples and tips to help you shine.

Ready to take the first step towards a transformative journey? Let’s dive in.

1. Understand the Essay Questions

Decode the questions to reveal your potential.

The Chevening Scholarship application requires you to answer specific questions that delve into your leadership abilities, networking skills, aspirations for studying in the UK, and your career plans. Each question is meticulously designed to uncover different facets of your potential and experience. Here’s how to navigate them effectively:

The leadership question seeks to understand how you’ve taken initiative and driven results in various settings. Reflect on moments when you led a team, initiated a project, or inspired others to follow your vision. Remember, the selection panel is looking for authenticity and impact, not just grand titles or positions.

Example Question: Describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership. What was the outcome?

Tip: Think about a time when your leadership made a tangible difference. Maybe you organized a community event, led a successful campaign, or managed a challenging project at work. Focus on your actions and the results you achieved.

Networking is more than just making connections; it’s about building and sustaining relationships that help you and others grow. This question evaluates your ability to form valuable professional relationships and leverage them effectively.

Example Question: How do you build and maintain professional relationships? Provide an example.

Tip: Highlight instances where networking has played a crucial role in your career. Discuss how you’ve maintained these relationships and how they have contributed to your success. Consider mentioning your future plans to engage with the Chevening network.

Studying in the UK

This question is about your motivation to study in the UK and how it aligns with your career goals. The selection panel wants to see that you’ve thoroughly researched your chosen courses and institutions and understand how they fit into your career trajectory.

Example Question: Why do you want to study in the UK, and how will it benefit your career?

Tip: Be specific about why the UK is your preferred study destination. Mention particular courses, professors, or academic resources that will benefit your career. Explain how studying in the UK will help you achieve your long-term goals.

Career Plan

Your career plan question should outline your professional aspirations and how the Chevening Scholarship will help you achieve them. This is your opportunity to show your ambition and how it ties into the broader impact you wish to make in your home country.

Example Question: What are your career plans, and how does the Chevening Scholarship fit into these plans?

Tip: Break down your career plans into short, mid, and long-term goals. Discuss how the scholarship will facilitate these goals and contribute to your ability to make a significant impact in your field.

By fully understanding and thoughtfully responding to each of these questions, you can present a well-rounded and compelling application that highlights your strengths and potential.

2. Use the STAR and SMART Frameworks

Structure your responses for maximum impact.

Crafting compelling Chevening Scholarship essays requires more than just sharing your experiences—it involves presenting them in a clear, organized, and impactful way. Two powerful frameworks to help you achieve this are the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) frameworks. Let’s break down how to use these frameworks to enhance your essays.

STAR Framework

The STAR framework helps you structure your responses by ensuring you provide a comprehensive narrative that showcases your abilities and achievements.

Situation: Begin by setting the scene. Describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge. This provides background and sets up the reader to understand the importance of your actions.

Task: Explain your responsibilities or what needed to be done. This part should clarify your role in the situation and what was at stake.

Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the task or challenge. Focus on what you did, how you did it, and why you chose those actions. This is your opportunity to showcase your decision-making process and problem-solving skills.

Result: Conclude with the outcomes of your actions. Discuss what was achieved, any tangible results or impacts, and what you learned from the experience. Quantify your results if possible (e.g., increased sales by 20%, led a team of 10, etc.).

Situation: During my internship at XYZ Company, the sales department was struggling to meet quarterly targets.

Task: As a team leader, my task was to devise a strategy to boost sales and motivate the team.

Action: I organized a series of workshops to train the team on new sales techniques, implemented a reward system to incentivize high performance, and personally mentored underperforming members.

Result: The team exceeded the sales targets by 30% that quarter, and employee satisfaction ratings improved significantly.

SMART Framework

The SMART framework helps you set clear, realistic, and relevant goals in your essays. This approach ensures your aspirations are well-defined and achievable.

Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve. Avoid vague statements and focus on concrete goals.

Measurable: Ensure your goals can be quantified or assessed. This allows you to track progress and demonstrate success.

Achievable: Set realistic goals that are within your capability. While ambition is important, your goals should be practical.

Relevant: Align your goals with your broader career aspirations and the mission of the Chevening Scholarship.

Time-bound: Set deadlines for your goals. This adds a sense of urgency and demonstrates your commitment to achieving them within a specified timeframe.

Specific: I aim to complete a Master’s degree in International Development at the University of Oxford.

Measurable: My goal is to graduate with distinction and publish my research in a reputable journal.

Achievable: With my academic background and professional experience in development projects, I am well-prepared for this program.

Relevant: This degree will enhance my ability to contribute to sustainable development projects in my home country, aligning with Chevening’s mission of creating positive change.

Time-bound: I plan to achieve these goals within the two-year duration of the Master’s program.

3. Showcase Authentic Leadership and Networking Skills

Demonstrate your unique contributions and connections.

The Chevening Scholarship values individuals who not only lead but also build and maintain valuable professional networks. In your essays, it’s essential to provide concrete examples of your leadership and networking abilities, showcasing how these skills have impacted your professional journey and how they align with the scholarship’s goals.

Highlight Personal Contributions and Impacts

When discussing your leadership experiences, avoid generic definitions of leadership. Instead, focus on specific instances where you’ve taken charge and driven significant results. Chevening wants to see your unique approach to leadership and the tangible outcomes of your efforts.

Project Leadership: Describe a project or initiative you led. Detail your role, the challenges faced, the actions you took, and the results achieved. Emphasize how your leadership made a difference.

Story: While leading a community health initiative, I noticed a lack of engagement from local residents. I organized a series of interactive workshops and leveraged local influencers to increase participation. As a result, the initiative reached over 1,000 residents, improving community health awareness and engagement.

Team Leadership: Discuss how you’ve managed a team, focusing on your ability to motivate, guide, and achieve collective goals. Highlight any innovative strategies you employed and the impact on the team’s performance.

Story: In my role as a team leader at ABC Company, I introduced a peer-mentoring system to improve team collaboration and performance. This approach not only increased productivity by 25% but also fostered a supportive work environment.

Showcase Your Networking Prowess

Networking is more than just collecting business cards; it’s about forming meaningful, strategic relationships that can help you and others achieve goals. Highlight instances where your networking skills have been instrumental in your professional growth.

Professional Networks: Discuss specific networks or professional groups you’ve been part of, how you’ve contributed to these communities, and how they’ve helped you progress in your career.

Story: As a member of the Global Development Network, I actively participated in conferences and workshops, sharing insights from my projects and learning from peers. This network has been invaluable in gaining new perspectives and forming partnerships for future initiatives.

Future Networking Plans: Explain how you plan to leverage the Chevening network to achieve your goals. Discuss your strategy for building relationships within the Chevening community and how you intend to contribute to it.

Story: I plan to actively engage with the Chevening network by participating in alumni events, contributing to discussions, and collaborating on international projects. This will not only enhance my professional growth but also allow me to give back to the community.

By providing specific, personal examples of your leadership and networking skills, you can demonstrate your suitability for the Chevening Scholarship. Focus on your unique contributions and the tangible impacts of your efforts, showing the selection panel why you stand out as a future leader and influencer.

4. Align Your Goals with Chevening’s Mission

Show how your ambitions reflect chevening’s values.

The Chevening Scholarship is not just about academic excellence; it’s about finding individuals who are committed to making a positive impact in their home countries. To strengthen your application, it’s crucial to clearly link your goals with Chevening’s mission and values. Here’s how to effectively align your aspirations with the scholarship’s objectives:

Demonstrate a Clear Link Between Your Course and Career Goals

Why This Course? Explain why you have chosen your specific course of study and how it aligns with your career ambitions. Chevening looks for candidates whose academic pursuits are directly related to their professional objectives and the needs of their home country.

Course Relevance: My choice to pursue a Master’s in International Development at the London School of Economics is driven by my goal to implement sustainable development projects in my home country. This course offers specialised modules in project management and policy analysis that are critical for my career plans.

Institutional Resources: The London School of Economics has a renowned faculty and research centres focused on development economics, providing me with access to cutting-edge knowledge and networks that will enhance my ability to drive change in my country.

Show Commitment to Positive Change

Making an Impact: Articulate how your studies and the Chevening Scholarship will help you contribute to the development and betterment of your home country. Highlight your dedication to creating positive change and how you plan to utilise your new skills and knowledge.

Career Vision: After completing my studies, I intend to return to my home country to work with the Ministry of Education, focusing on policy reforms that enhance access to quality education in rural areas. My aim is to develop and implement policies that increase literacy rates and educational opportunities for underprivileged communities.

Aligning with Chevening’s Values: This aligns with Chevening’s mission to support leaders who are committed to bringing about positive change. By improving education, I will be addressing one of the critical barriers to development in my country, contributing to social and economic progress.

Highlight Long-Term Commitment

Sustained Impact: Discuss your long-term career goals and how they align with Chevening’s vision of nurturing future leaders. Show that you have a strategic plan for leveraging your education and the Chevening network to achieve sustained impact.

Long-Term Goals: In the long term, I aspire to establish a non-profit organization that focuses on educational development and policy advocacy. By partnering with local governments and international bodies, I aim to create scalable solutions that address systemic issues in education.

Chevening Network: The Chevening network will provide me with invaluable resources and connections to support these initiatives. Collaborating with fellow Chevening scholars and alumni will enable me to exchange ideas and strategies, ensuring my projects are informed by global best practices.

When you clearly align your goals with Chevening’s mission, you demonstrate your understanding of the scholarship’s purpose and your commitment to making a meaningful impact. This alignment not only strengthens your application but also shows that you are a well-rounded candidate who embodies the values Chevening seeks to promote.

5. Be Personal and Genuine

Let your authentic self shine through.

Authenticity is key when writing your Chevening Scholarship essays. The selection panel wants to see the real you—your true personality, values, and motivations. Here’s how to ensure your essays are personal and genuine:

Share Personal Stories and Experiences

Bring Your Essays to Life: Personal stories make your essays memorable and relatable. They provide insight into who you are beyond your achievements and qualifications.

Personal Story: Growing up in a rural village, I saw firsthand the struggles of my community with limited access to education. This personal experience ignited my passion for educational development. When I led a local initiative to build a community library, I realized the profound impact of providing resources and learning opportunities to underprivileged children.

Impact: Sharing this story not only illustrates your commitment to education but also highlights your personal connection to the cause, making your motivation clear and compelling.

Avoid Clichés and Overly Embellished Language

Keep It Real: Avoid clichés and embellishments that can make your essays sound insincere. Focus on genuine experiences and honest reflections.

Authentic Reflection: Instead of saying, “I have always been a natural leader,” describe a specific moment that showcases your leadership. For instance, “During a critical project, our team faced a significant setback. I organized a brainstorming session to identify solutions and motivated my team to push through the challenges, leading us to successfully complete the project on time.”

Honesty: This approach provides a concrete example of your leadership while avoiding vague and overused statements.

Reflect Your True Self

Show Your Personality: Your essays should reflect your unique voice and personality. This helps the selection panel connect with you on a personal level.

Personal Touch: If you are passionate about environmental sustainability, don’t just mention it briefly. Share how this passion influences your daily life, your career choices, and your future aspirations. For example, “As an avid environmentalist, I not only advocate for sustainable practices in my workplace but also volunteer with local conservation groups on weekends. This commitment to sustainability drives my career goal of developing green technologies in my home country.”

Genuine Motivation: This detailed explanation shows the depth of your commitment and gives the panel a clearer picture of who you are.

Avoid Over-embellishment

Stay True to Your Experiences: While it’s important to highlight your achievements, resist the urge to exaggerate. Over-embellished language can come across as insincere and may undermine your credibility.

Realistic Achievements: Instead of saying, “I single-handedly transformed my organization,” explain your role in a team effort and your specific contributions. For instance, “As part of a dedicated team, I played a crucial role in overhauling our organization’s communication strategy, which led to a 40% increase in stakeholder engagement.”

6. Detailed Planning and Clarity

Map out your path with precision.

A well-thought-out plan demonstrates your commitment and foresight. By clearly outlining your career goals and course selection, you show the Chevening selection panel that you are serious about your future and have a strategic approach to achieving your aspirations. Here’s how to ensure your essays reflect detailed planning and clarity:

Career Plans: Outline Short, Mid, and Long-Term Goals

Ambitious Yet Realistic: Detailing your career plans shows that you have a clear vision for your future. Break down your goals into short, mid, and long-term objectives to demonstrate a comprehensive plan.

Short-Term Goals: Within the next two years, I aim to complete my Master’s in International Relations at the University of Cambridge. This will provide me with the academic foundation and analytical skills necessary for a career in diplomacy.

Mid-Term Goals: Over the next five years, I plan to work with my country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on international trade relations. My goal is to develop policies that enhance my country’s trade partnerships and economic growth.

Long-Term Goals: In the next ten years, I aspire to become an ambassador, representing my country on the global stage. I aim to influence international policy and foster diplomatic relationships that promote peace and development.

UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Linking your career goals to the UN’s SDGs can show your broader impact and alignment with global priorities.

Alignment with SDGs: My career goals align with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By working on international trade policies, I aim to boost economic development in my home country, contributing to global economic stability and fostering international cooperation.

Course Selection: Justify Your Choices

Make a Strong Case: Explain why you have chosen specific courses and how they will help you achieve your career goals. Mention any unique modules, professors, or resources that attracted you to the program.

Course Relevance: The Master’s program in International Relations at the University of Cambridge offers a unique module on Global Trade Policies, taught by Professor Jane Doe, a leading expert in the field. This module is directly relevant to my career goal of working in international trade relations.

Institutional Resources: Additionally, the university’s Centre for International Trade and Economics provides unparalleled research opportunities and networking events, which will be invaluable for my professional development.

Detailed and Clear

Clarity in Communication: Ensure that your career plans and course selection are presented clearly and logically. Use straightforward language and avoid unnecessary jargon to make your essays easy to understand.

Clear and Direct: I have chosen the Master’s program in International Relations at the University of Cambridge because it offers specialized modules in global trade policies and access to leading experts in the field. This program will equip me with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop effective trade policies and advance my career in diplomacy.

Avoid Jargon: Instead of saying, “I aim to leverage my interdisciplinary expertise to catalyze systemic change,” say, “I plan to use my knowledge from this program to create impactful trade policies that will benefit my country’s economy.”

7. Proofread and Seek Feedback

Perfect your essays with a refined touch.

Your Chevening Scholarship essays need to be polished and professional to make a strong impression on the selection panel. Even the most compelling story can lose its impact if marred by grammatical errors or unclear language. Here’s how to ensure your essays are impeccably presented:

Seek Feedback from Mentors, Professors, or Peers

Get Different Perspectives: Having others review your essays can provide valuable insights and catch errors you might have missed. Choose people who understand your goals and can provide constructive feedback.

Mentor Feedback: Ask a mentor or professional in your field to review your essays. They can offer insights into whether your career goals are clearly articulated and if your examples effectively showcase your leadership and networking skills.

Peer Review: Your peers can provide a different perspective, highlighting any areas that are confusing or need more detail. They can also help ensure your voice and personality come through authentically.

Proofread Meticulously

Eliminate Errors: Carefully proofread your essays multiple times to catch any grammatical errors, typos, or awkward phrasing. Consider using tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to help identify mistakes and improve clarity.

Step-by-Step Proofreading:

First Pass: Focus on content and structure. Ensure each section flows logically and covers the key points.
Second Pass: Look for grammatical errors and typos. Check for subject-verb agreement, proper punctuation, and correct use of tenses.
Final Pass: Read your essays aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or areas where the language could be smoother.

Tips for Effective Proofreading:

Take Breaks: Step away from your essays for a day or two before proofreading. This helps you return with fresh eyes and catch errors more effectively.
Read Backwards: Start from the end of your essay and read each sentence backwards. This technique helps you focus on individual sentences and spot errors.

Refine for Clarity

Enhance Readability: Ensure that your essays are clear and concise. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Your goal is to make your essays easy to read and understand, while still showcasing your intellect and insights.

Simplify Language: Instead of writing, “My professional trajectory has been significantly influenced by multifaceted interdisciplinary engagements,” say, “My career has been shaped by diverse experiences across multiple fields.”

Be Direct: Clearly state your points without unnecessary filler. For example, “I want to study at the University of Oxford because its International Development program will help me improve educational policies in my home country.”

Final Checklist

Ensure Completeness: Before submitting your essays, go through a final checklist to ensure all aspects are covered.

Final Checklist:

Have I answered all the essay questions fully?
Are my essays structured using the STAR and SMART frameworks?
Do my essays showcase my leadership and networking skills with specific examples?
Have I clearly linked my goals with Chevening’s mission?
Is my personality and authenticity reflected in my writing?
Are my essays free from grammatical errors and typos?

8. Practical Application Tips

Master the application process with these key strategies.

The Chevening Scholarship application process is competitive and challenging. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to approach it strategically and thoughtfully. Here are some practical tips to guide you through the process:

Start Early

Give Yourself Time: Starting early allows you ample time to brainstorm, draft, and refine your essays. Rushing through the process can lead to overlooked details and errors, diminishing the quality of your application.

Begin by thoroughly researching the Chevening Scholarship and its requirements. Create a timeline for your application process, breaking it down into manageable tasks such as brainstorming essay topics, writing drafts, and seeking feedback.

Tip: Aim to complete your essays well before the deadline, leaving enough time for multiple rounds of revisions and feedback.

Be Specific

Use Detailed Examples: Specific examples make your essays more convincing and memorable. Vague statements lack impact and fail to demonstrate your unique qualifications and experiences.

Detailed Example: Instead of saying, “I have leadership experience,” describe a specific instance: “As the president of my university’s environmental club, I led a successful campaign to reduce plastic waste on campus, resulting in a 50% decrease in plastic bottle usage.”

Tip: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to provide concrete evidence of your impact.

Tailor Your Content

Address Each Question Directly: Ensure each essay is tailored to the specific question asked. Avoid copying and pasting content from other applications or providing generic responses.

If the question asks about your networking skills, focus solely on relevant experiences. Describe how you’ve built and leveraged professional relationships to achieve your goals, rather than including unrelated leadership examples.

Tip: Carefully read each question multiple times to fully understand what is being asked, and ensure your response is directly aligned with the prompt.

Additional Tips for a Strong Application

Stay Focused: Avoid going off on tangents or including irrelevant information. Stick to the main points that directly answer the essay questions and showcase your qualifications.

Focused Narrative: When discussing your career goals, be concise and stay on topic. For instance, “My goal is to work in public health policy, specifically focusing on disease prevention strategies. This aligns with my previous work on community health initiatives and my desire to improve public health outcomes in my country.”

Tip: Use bullet points or subheadings to organize your essays and make them easier to read.

Showcase Your Uniqueness: Highlight what makes you stand out from other applicants. Whether it’s a unique experience, a particular skill set, or a distinct perspective, ensure the selection panel understands what sets you apart.

Unique Perspective: “Having grown up in a multicultural environment, I bring a unique perspective to global development issues. My background allows me to understand and navigate diverse cultural contexts, which is essential for effective international collaboration.”

Tip: Reflect on your personal journey and identify elements that make your story unique and compelling.

Remain Positive and Confident: Maintain a positive and confident tone throughout your essays. Avoid focusing on failures or negative experiences unless you can frame them as learning opportunities that contributed to your growth.

Positive Spin: “Although my first community project faced several challenges, these obstacles taught me resilience and adaptability. I used these lessons to lead more successful initiatives in the future.”

Tip: Confidence in your abilities and experiences will resonate with the selection panel, making your application more persuasive.

Wrapping Up: Your Path to Becoming a Chevening Scholar

Crafting powerful Chevening Scholarship essays is a journey that requires reflection, strategic thinking, and meticulous preparation. By understanding the essay questions, using the STAR and SMART frameworks, showcasing your authentic leadership and networking skills, aligning your goals with Chevening’s mission, and maintaining clarity and personal authenticity, you can create a compelling application that stands out.

Remember, your essays are more than just answers to questions—they are your opportunity to tell your unique story, demonstrate your potential for leadership and impact, and illustrate your commitment to making a difference in your home country. Start early, seek feedback, and refine your essays to perfection.

If you follow the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you are well on your way to crafting essays that not only meet but exceed the expectations of the Chevening selection panel. Embrace this opportunity to reflect on your journey, share your vision for the future, and take a significant step towards achieving your academic and professional aspirations.

Key Takeaways

Understand the Essay Questions: Know what each question is asking and tailor your responses accordingly.
Use the STAR and SMART Frameworks: Structure your answers to highlight your achievements and set clear, realistic goals.
Showcase Authentic Leadership and Networking Skills: Provide concrete examples of your contributions and connections.
Align Your Goals with Chevening’s Mission: Demonstrate how your aspirations reflect Chevening’s values and objectives.
Be Personal and Genuine: Let your true self shine through your essays.
Detailed Planning and Clarity: Outline your career plans and justify your course selection with precision.
Proofread and Seek Feedback: Refine your essays through multiple revisions and feedback.
Practical Application Tips: Start early, be specific, and tailor your content to the questions asked.

As you complete your Chevening Scholarship application, keep these key points in mind. They will help you create a strong, impactful application that showcases your potential and aligns with Chevening’s mission.

For more resources and tips on writing effective scholarship essays, be sure to explore other guides and articles available on our website. Good luck on your journey to becoming a Chevening Scholar!

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Chevening Scholarship Interview Tips: How To Prepare and What To Expect

Defining your career plan ahead of your Chevening interview

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Here’s how to communicate a clear career plan in your Chevening interview, with advice from real interviewers.

When interviewing candidates for a Chevening Scholarship, there is no one ‘type’ of person that we’re looking for. Excellence comes in many different packages, and the variety among Chevening Scholars is what makes our network so rewarding to be a part of.

However, all of our successful candidates do express, in their own ways, a few key qualities:

Leadership and influencing
Relationship building
Enthusiasm for studying in the UK
A strong career plan

In this blog, we’ll focus on communicating a solid career plan to your interview panel. Here are our tips – complete with advice from interviewers.

Reflect on your goals and values

Just as we’re not looking for just one “type” of person, there is no “right” answer when we ask you about your career plan. The best answer will be one that comes from the heart and aligns with your values.

Try to ask yourself some serious questions about what’s important to you in your life and work. This is big picture thinking, and don’t be afraid to be ambitious. Ask yourself questions like:

What are you best at? What skills are you most proud of, and bring you the most satisfaction when you use them?
What are you passionate about? What change would you like to see in your home country?
What does career success look like to you? Does it mean running your own company? Working in government? Working for a charity?

At the end of this thought experiment, you should have a good sense of where you would like your career to take you, and how this relates to your individual skills, as well as your broader community.

Create a short-, medium-, and long-term plan

Once you know what your goals are, you can begin building your plan.

Here, we need to come down from the big picture thinking to get a more practical idea of how you would like to achieve these goals. You should be as specific as possible when outlining this plan.

Questions to ask yourself at this point include:

What qualifications do you need to pursue this career?
What roles will you be pursuing? Are there any specific companies or organisations that can give you the experience you need?
How will this career help you to make an impact the areas you’re passionate about?

You should make sure that you have specific plans in mind for the short, medium, and long term.

For example, let’s say you are passionate about fighting climate change.

You are most skilled in the sciences and mathematics, so you decide that in the short term, you will pursue an industrial engineering degree.

In the medium term, when you graduate you will get a training contract at a company that is pushing forward sustainable building practices.

In the long term, you plan to work for the government in your home country, carrying out sustainable urban development projects.

See? Starting with your skills and passions, you can build a practical plan that benefits your community.

Advice from interviewers

Chevening interviewers say that the key to success is being as specific as possible about what your goals are, and how you are going to achieve them.

“Ambitious goals are welcome, but they shouldn’t sound as pie in the sky,” says an interviewer from the British Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia.

It is especially important to show where Chevening fits into your career plan.

“Candidates should demonstrate specifically how studying for a Master’s degree at a UK university and making use of the Chevening activities and network will help them achieve their career goals, and how those goals will benefit the wider development of their community and country.”

An interviewer from the British Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, agrees: “They should be as specific as possible. Simply saying ‘Improving my community’ is not a great response; they need to explain how and be detailed in their response.”

If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to put together a clear, actionable plan that uses your unique skills to create real good in your community. We can’t wait to hear about it in your interview. Good luck!

Keep an eye on the Chevening application timeline for updates.

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Writing Chevening Essay: Breakdown Those 4 Questions

Writing an essay for Chevening scholarship was not an easy task. But surely, we need to invest our time to write, revise and polish it. The whole writing process took me 1.5 months, but let’s not use this as a standard as anyone can have different situations.

In this post, I’m going to breakdown each question and share how I answered my Chevening essay. It is surely not the perfect one, but I’d like to share what I think essential when answering those four questions. I also did a mentoring program for Chevening applicants 19/20 and some of my mentees were accepted! Having said that, I’m sure there are some of my tips that you can use.

Disclaimer. This post does not reflect on the Chevening Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and its partner organisations. This story is just my experience and personal thoughts working on Chevening’s essay.

Without further ado, let’s go through each question.

Leadership and Influence

One of the common thoughts that most applicants have about leadership is the position; the title. I would say, no. The title is a legitimation that you have the power to lead, but beyond that, I think the most important thing that Chevening really look is the impact of your leadership. They are also looking for a potential leader. So, it does not matter if you don’t have a Manager, Head, Leader, etc in your resume as long as you can showcase your influencing and leadership skills by giving examples.

Before start writing, think about what leadership accomplishments that you had. List all down and select two to three examples that gave great impact and made you learn the most. Each question only allows 500 words hence we really need to be careful to choose which experience to be put in the essay. If you can, try to put examples in different cases and environment to show that you have a range of leadership experiences.

As I already mentioned in the previous post about general tips for writing Chevening essay, it is important to give an introduction. Although this is just a suggestion, if you’re unsure where to start, you can try with what you believe about leadership or a brief about what kind of leader you think you are. After that, you can link to your leadership experiences, supporting your statement about the leadership that you write in the introduction. Build an engaging introduction is also crucial to make the panel stay reading your story. Remember, they read thousands of essays, at least you want to keep them engaged with your essay.

In my case, my first sentence in the intro was: I believe that the leaders are not born, but made through a process of hard work. I then supported this statement by briefly telling several experiences during high schools and how it has been forming me primary wisdom about leadership. However, this is not my highlight of the leadership experience that I want to tell the panel. Hence, I used a linking sentence such as I apply this wisdom to excel my role in current employment, but my training is never complete. The linking sentence could also serve as a bridge to the next thing I have on my plate and build the story’s flow.

Then, I wrote two examples of my leadership experiences which are happened in my office using Situation, Task, Actions, Result (STAR) structure. Read about this here . I would say give more portion for “action” because the more specific and detail you give, the more panellist know you hence more room to asses you.

I wrote one success story about my experiences in leading an early-stage start-up company. When you write a success story, make sure that you’re really specific about what you did, what steps that you did differently to achieve the goal? Did you face challenges? How did you overcome the challenge? Did people doubt you? How did you convince them to finally follow your leadership? I wrote about making an unpopular decision which I deemed a huge challenge; I should do it otherwise it won’t do any good for the company. From this story, I took an angle on the lesson learned and how it contributed to mature my emotions.

When you write about result, if you can, give a quantifiable result to justify the impact. However, the bottom line is to justify your impact. Tell them that there are people who benefited from the projects that you led — it could be personal or organisational.

Another thing is to mention your lesson learned. What you learned from each experience that contributes to your personal development. I personally think this is critical to show that you’re a human and a growing person. We all know that leadership is not a one-day skill, it takes years to sharpen it hence mistakes are okay to be mentioned as long as you can turn the “angle” into supporting your story.

Finish the essay with a closing paragraph which amplifies Chevening’s role in developing your leadership skill. What is your aspiration, in regards to leadership skill, if you were accepted as Chevening scholar? State this briefly and do the same for the next 4 questions.

I would say that the networking question was a bit difficult for me to elaborate. Why? Because again, Chevening is looking for someone whose networking skills could create an impact. So, in my opinion, it’s not about showing off how big your network is or how often you attend networking events, instead of how you use your network to create a greater impact.

Using the same approach as in question 1, answer the question by STAR structure. Started by an introduction, get into the main body and finish with closing.

In my case, I was using my exchange program to South Korea during undergraduate study as a chance to meet new friends — where one of that friend was playing a great role of me working at an early-stage startup company, a place where I highlighted my leadership skills in the first question. The company is obviously has been a place for me to create an impact on the team and communities. For instance, a collaboration opportunity with external media to provide cross-content and it would give us huge traffic for the website.

Emphasise the impact you’ve created because of the networking you did. Give two to three networking skills and experiences that you have and again, be detail. Highlight that the impact is not only beneficial for you, but also for another side that you network with.

In the closing, you should elaborate Chevening’s role in your networking skills, you can try to relate how Chevening would expand your networking and how will you use Chevening networking if you were accepted as Chevening scholar.

Studying in the UK

While questions about leadership and networking are more to dig your skills and capability in becoming a potential future leader, in my opinion, questions about studying in the UK and career plan are crucial to showing your cause, passion and how do you stay true with that. This can be a very critical part that would differentiate you from other applicants I guess, as I would say that Chevening is looking for people who would serve and build their community. So, it is important to answer the last 2 questions coherently.

To make your essay coherent, try to answer these questions as a base for you to answer questions number 3 and 4.

What is my passion/concern?
What problems do I want to solve?
How will I solve the problems?

My ultimate advise for this part is don’t write more than 50% for the courses and campus rank. Write more about you: your passion, area of expertise, problems found in your field and what is your vision — which supposed to be related with your expertise area. Think about why taking a master study in those three sp ecific courses and universities is going to help you to achieve your vision. This information is really helpful to link and congruent your story in the question no.4 (career plan).

In my case, I used a fact that the growth of digital start-up in Indonesia has been astonishing recently but it is not followed by the success rate of a startup. If you want to use a fact, don’t forget to put the source. I outlined that the major problem was startup founders mostly great in building products yet tend to ignore other managerial skills such as people development, sales and finance (again, I put source). I then linked this statement to my personal experience working in an early stage start-up company where I had limited experiences or skills which happens to be a similar situation like startup founders. Hence, a degree in innovation and entrepreneurship would give me a balanced set of technical skills and knowledge in building early ventures.

From previous paragraph, I answered three basic questions to outline my background. Who am I? — A start-up early employee, what is my passion? — early venture development, what problems do I want to solve? — the high rate of startup failure rate and how will you solve it? — a degree in innovation and entrepreneurship by Chevening scholarship as one of stepping stones and followed by action plans that I will write in the question no.4

After outlining the “background” story about you, you can write the three courses. Highlight the reason why you choose them, it can be the campus ranking, curriculum, or professors/projects. I chose Warwick University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship because of the curriculum, the final project worth 50% of the final grade in which devoted to developing the business innovation carefully. The school also placed the second rank of best Entrepreneurship master degree in the UK, after Oxford. My second choice was Imperial College and the third was the City University of London.

By the way, another advise choosing the school, besides research the course and its curriculum, do find out about the whole campus. Think about the facilities, clubs/societies, opportunities, the lifestyle (or living cost), nearby attractions, the city it’s located, etc. Ask current students about living in your designated campus, how do they like the campus and its surroundings? How about life after campus? I’m saying this not because I dislike Warwick University, instead, the campus has its own art centre and biggest sports centre in Coventry — which is realllly cool, but I would say Coventry itself doesn’t have many attractions to offer. But for the bright side, that really helps me to focus on my study and save money (it’s true!); it forces me to travel to other places more often hehe. I would share my travel stories in other posts. Coventry also not too far from London and Birmingham, the two biggest cities in the UK. It’s easier for me to jump on opportunities in UK startups scene.

Career Plans

One thing I always shared to Chevening applicants who asked me to proofread their essay is: make a clear plan and breakdown into short term, mid-term and long term goal. Ensure each breakdown is contributing to your long-term goals if that makes sense? This way, it shows that you know how to get there. In my case, I wrote for immediate plans (2 years after study), the next 5 years and beyond 5 years. Make sure that your career goals are answering your concern and supporting your passion (stated in question no.3) which forms a more congruent essay.

As you need to relate your career goals to what the UK Government do in your country, you need to research. This might be different in every country and it might change year by years. You can start the search from the official UK’s government website ( http://gov.uk/world/name of country/news). Research thoroughly and try to link what you can contribute through your career goal.

Another thing to highlight is state how Chevening is one of the paths you would greatly benefit to take you to your future goals. How would you apply things you got from Chevening (the scholarship, the network, the education, the international friends) in your future career path? In my case, I outlined that I would use network from Chevening alumni to open access for mentors who can guide and share expertise to founders in establishing a new business.

As this is the last question, end the whole essay with a strong “punchline”. Keep elaborate Chevening, you can try to summarise outlined your aspiration by being a Chevening scholar. In my case, I mentioned that I still have to acquire deeper knowledge in innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as expanding my network to collaborate together in solving the problem. I acknowledged that from previous experiences, I gained valuable lessons in networking and leadership, however, I believe it’s still not enough. I then closed with thus, by being a Chevening scholar, I believe I would be (fill in the blank).

I hope this article helps you! I also want to highlight that this is just my personal experience and thoughts, it might be not relevant for different courses; many of my Chevening friends pursue a course that I don’t know it exists 😀 (but that’s what I like about Chevening: they acknowledge that future leaders can contribute in any field). Lastly, write the essay with all your heart, write what you feel right and true. Good luck, keep fighting and believe in yourself!

Published by laurensiairma

ESTJ; my stories are on my own perspective. View all posts by laurensiairma

61 thoughts on “Writing Chevening Essay: Breakdown Those 4 Questions”

[…] breakdown of each question is posted here. However, there are some important points I want to point out when you work for Chevening […]

Thank you! That’s really inspiring!

what a magnificent breakdown kak, terima kasih 🙂 *udah pinter cantik pula idamaannnnn huaa

Haha thank you! Goodluck!!

Thank you so much! My leadership essay exceeds the word count of 500, will the reading committee consider my application? this is my biggest concern, please leave me a reply if you know about the issue.

HI Mohammad, I think it will be best to stay at 500. Panellists read thousands of essays, they probably do skimming reading and you don’t want to leave them uninterested if your story is too long. It’s our challenge to make our essay is engaging and effective within 500 words. It’s hard indeed, but just be direct and straight to the answers asked in the questions. Hope it helps.

Thanks a lot for your all your tips! I’m glad I bumped into your blog. I have a tiny question related to essays 3 and 4: when I write about the efforts of the UK being made in my country, do I need to cite/quote the, let’s say, the FCDO and put their reference somewhere? I’m wondering since I think the link itself would take away many words out of my 500 word count. Or is there a specific format I should stick to? Thanks once again!!

Hi Mitch. When I cited the source, I just write “according to xxx research in 2015 (for example)..” and then put the whole link in the footnote. Actually there’s no specific format about citing (As this is not academic essay) and I guess this format worked well. Hope it helps!

Amazing guidance, many thanks for sharing this with us confused youths. I am working for an educational Facebook page in Vietnam (which works to aid scholarship applicants in their process and is currently having over 41 000 followers). May I translate this entry into Vietnamese and share it on my page? I will credit you with this link and send you the draft before publishing Thank you in advance,

Hi Anne, thanks for reaching me out. Yes, sure you can 🙂 Please head to my Instagram @laurensiaimce and dm me. Thank youu!

Thank you so much for such an amazing and detailed information.

Dear Linos, Thanks for the kind word!

Thank you. Your insights shed bright lights on what panel really look for and what they expect. It is my first year applying for Chevening. The process itself offers so much excitement. I am a language teacher and want to develop myself as leader and influencer in education. Could I contact you directly to get help for my essays? thank you.

Hi Bekzod, yes you can head to my Instagram and leave me a dm. Thank you!

Thank you for this! Its a wonderful detailed and helpful article!

Thank youuuu!

Thank you so much Lauren, your posts has been really helpful. Please do you know if Chevening also supports for non partner universities

Hi Isaiah, they support non-partners too. If Im not mistaken, what makes different between partner and non-partner is the scholarship ratio between chevening and the sponsors (partner). For awardee, there wont be any impact.

priceless informaion!!!

Thank you 🙂

Thank you for this article Lauren, please can I send you a mail

Hello ! I am a student applying for Chevening . This is my first time. I have no IG or FB. May i have your mail ID? I request you to proofread my essays and offer feedback. Many thanks, M

Hi, please contact me via linkedin: Laurensia Irma Saraswati. Thank youu!

A very thoughtful article! I am also applying for Chevening scholarship this year. This article gives me a lot of insights into my essay

May I ask you to proofread my essays kak? Thanks a lot!

Regards, FM

Hi Faisal, thank you so much for reading my blog! I’m currently unavailable for proof read, so sorry! Good luck for your application!

Hi Abdibasid, thank you for reading my blog too! Good luck for your application!

Hi Laurensia, thanks for sharing this insightful article. Just curious in your opinion, is it better to write all three courses or can I just focus to one course only?

Hi Dee, so sorry for late reply. I wrote all three courses but I explained the first choice slightly more than other two. It’s because I really like my first choice and highlight what I need to study there. Hope this helps.

Hello Laurensia, I am beyond grateful to you for this detailed article!. I tried to reach out to you on LinkedIn but it seems that it’s not possible to contact you via instant messaging. I hope you get to see my request.

Hi Assia, yeah we connected through Linkedin right? 🙂

This is a beautiful guide, if followed carefully with a mother luck, one can get the scholarship I believe. Thanks a bunch

Hi James, thank you so much for reading my blog. Good luck!!

Wow ! Just perfect post. One of the best posts I have ever read about Chevening. Heartfelt thanks ♡♡

Hi Marwa, thank youuuu!!

Thank you so much for this, your guidance was invaluable!

Dear Akeyo, thank youuu so much for the kind words. Good luck on your application!

Dear Laurensia, This is the most flexible article i have ever read for Chevening application. I have a question regarding experience as i have more than 6 years of experience which is totaling 11,000 hours (35 hours / week). The minimum requirement is 2,800 hours but i want to know is there any upper limit. if i show the full 11,000 into my application. Would it impact or not? Waiting for your reply. Thanks

Hi Sagheer,

Thanks for reading my blog! As far as I know there is an upper limit, but I forgot what the number is. Btw, if the system already recorded that you have min. 2000 hrs of working experience, you’ll be okay!

Thank you Laurensia for your reply. Yes i checked Chevening website they said a range of minimum 35 to maximum 60 hours per week. So what i understand is that i can add maximum employers as far as the time spend per week at each employer does not exceed 60 hours per week.

Halo, Kak Lauren! What an inspiring article :)) Kak Lauren, would you please be my mentee for Chevening 🙂 I do really need someone to review my essay. Hopefully you can be my mentee. Thankyou in advance :))

Hi Ratri, Apologies for late reply. I’m soo sorry I’m currently unavailable for becoming a mentor neither proofread assistance 😦 Good luck in your application!

HeyLaurensia, Loved the the detailed article. I used the contents in your blog to edit my essays. Thank you so much.

Hi Maryam, thanks for your kind word! Good luck for your application!

Dear Laurensia, I am so excited to read your blog which has a completed information for potential applicants. I have question that i have worked more than 11,000 hours and if i want to show them in full does it have a negative impact on my application? Is there any Upper limit for working hours?

Thanks the insights

hello Laurensia, Thank you for this help! I want to ask if it’s okay to write UK in essay or we have to in full (united kingdom)? another qn is that, is there a problem when one chooses one course at all three universities or we have to choose three courses as well?

That was very usefull I think if this essey included some bullet piont can be more ataractive. Tank you .

Halo kak,… Ketika kita copas essay ke sistem chevening,sebaiknya antar paragraf diberi spasi (di-enter) atau tidak ya? Apakah hal ini mempengaruhi? Terima kasih

Apologise for very late reply. Aku dikasih paragraf dulu, supaya bacanya enak. Jujur gak tau mempengaruhi atau nggaknya, cuma at least buat akunya sendiri, aku jadi bisa baca lebih jelas. Hope this helps!

Hi Laurensia, thank you for such great tips on writing the chevening essay. I have been applying for chevening scholarship for the past 3 years and I am not shortlisted for interviews. I was wondering if you would be able to give me points on my essays? It would be great help for me. Thank you!

great explanation, really help me to start my essay! i’ll just bookmarked this, then

Thank you! Goodluck!

Hello, I am really glad i came across your blog. My questions are, I was given admission in only one University and that is the course i really wanted, can i just focus on that one course? I also want to know, what to know the most challenging stage for you. How long can the process of writing the essay take? Do i need someone to guide and coach me physically?

Hi Simon, thanks for reading my blog. I think, based on Chevening requirement, we still need to provide 3 courses. Perhaps you want to include similar courses in 3 different campus? Because as far as I know, if applicants can’t obtain the unconditional acceptance letter from the first choice, then they can submit LOA from the second choice.

The most challenging stage while writing essay was connecting the dots. I had several leadership & networking experiences, but struggled to showcase which one to put in the essay(since I only have 500 words). I know what to study, but difficult how to link it with future career and past experiences. I got helped by a friend and together we dig down what should be included in the essay, what is not. The process itself was more like a journey to know more of what I’m good at and my aspiration is.

For guide and coach, it depends on you. If you think you really know what your passion is and have clear aspiration, then maybe no need. Sometimes coach/mentor helps to connect your dots, it is you who should discover the dot itself.

Hope it helps, good luck!

thanks a lot forthis great article Laurencia, I wanted to know how we can get the university admission ? in the website part where you can search the available courses , they don’t show them you have to write the name or the university or course ? thnks for your help

Hi Hamza, you can find the course & campus list here: https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/find-a-course/ the list has a direct link to the campus website.

thank you so much be blessed

Thank youu!

Hello Dear Laurencia,

I hope that you are doing well and that Eid passed in a good way for you and your family , how can I contact you please it’s urgent , thanks a lot I made comments in the past but you don’t respond

chevening essay sample career plan

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AGRICULTURE FIRST

My Chevening Journey, Part 4: Career Essay Plan

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3 Chevening Essays: Career plan

“Career plan” Chevening Essay Example 1

Essay Sample 2 for Chevening Career Plan

Example 3 for Career Plan Part of Chevening

How to Write Powerful Chevening Scholarship Essays

1. Understand the Essay Questions

Studying in the UK

Career Plan

2. Use the STAR and SMART Frameworks

STAR Framework

SMART Framework

3. Showcase Authentic Leadership and Networking Skills

4. Align Your Goals with Chevening’s Mission

Demonstrate a Clear Link Between Your Course and Career Goals

Show Commitment to Positive Change

Highlight Long-Term Commitment

5. Be Personal and Genuine

Share Personal Stories and Experiences

Avoid Clichés and Overly Embellished Language

Reflect Your True Self

Avoid Over-embellishment

6. Detailed Planning and Clarity

Career Plans: Outline Short, Mid, and Long-Term Goals

Course Selection: Justify Your Choices

Detailed and Clear

7. Proofread and Seek Feedback

Seek Feedback from Mentors, Professors, or Peers

Proofread Meticulously

Refine for Clarity

Final Checklist

8. Practical Application Tips

Start Early

Be Specific

Tailor Your Content

Additional Tips for a Strong Application

Wrapping Up: Your Path to Becoming a Chevening Scholar

Key Takeaways

How to Write a Winning Statement of Purpose for Grad School

Cynthia Kimola

Ep9: How To Write Your Career Plan Essay For The Chevening Scholarship

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Defining your career plan ahead of your Chevening interview

Reflect on your goals and values

Create a short-, medium-, and long-term plan

Advice from interviewers

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Writing Chevening Essay: Breakdown Those 4 Questions

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