Your personal statement is an important component of your application to one of UOnline’s graduate programs. Starting your statement can be the hardest part, and often it is hard to decide what to write about or write about yourself. We asked our enrollment advisors what they look for in each applicant’s personal statement to help you create a personal statement that clearly communicates why you are a good fit for UOnline.
Before we discuss what should be included in your personal statement, let’s identify what your personal statement should not be. Your personal statement should not:
- Re-iterate your resume in different wording
- Be longer than one page
- Be general or applicable to any program or school
- Contain grammar or spelling errors
Your personal statement should tell us about who you are and your motivation for being an online student. You also want to clearly state your professional or personal goals and how you intend to reach them should you get admitted to the program.
Introduction
Your first paragraph should introduce yourself and your professional or personal goals. If you have multiple goals we recommend listing them in bullets. This section should be concise and clearly define why you are interested in the program.
Ex.] Both journalism and science have been passions of mine since I was a child. I am intrigued by the inner-workings of the world around me and always looking to understand the unknown. As a professional, I advanced my passion by pursuing a career as a marketing professional in the tech industry. I would like to enhance my professional experience by developing an in-depth understanding of communication theory as well as current academic research to become a more innovative and effective marketing professional.
Education
The next section of your personal statement will discuss your academic experience. Utilize this section to explain any inconsistencies in your past academic history and how you have overcome those challenges and applied it to your current career. If your major does not reflect your current interests or career path, that is okay. However, use this section to explain why or how you decided to pursue other interests.
Ex.] As an undergraduate at [School Redacted] I majored in Life Science Communication, a program that required both science and mass communication courses. The program was the perfect combination of my interests as it allowed me to research and write about subjects I desired to learn more about such as food science and nutrition. While my GPA was not as high as I would have liked, I learned valuable lessons of time management by balancing a part-time job and a demanding course schedule. As a professional,l I continue to use the rhetorical and technical writing skills I acquired to communicate complex, scientific concepts to a broader audience.
Career
In this section, explain where you are in your current career. If you want to change careers, explain why. Additionally, include information about how you believe advancing your education will help you reach your professional goals. This is a great place to discuss what you have already done to advance your professional goals.
Ex. As an Account Manager, I employ many of the communication skills. I often have to explain complicated technology in emails as well as create educational material explaining complex processes. There is a need for communication professionals who are able to effectively market and comprehend products in a constantly evolving technical landscape.
I would like to enhance my professional experience by advancing my education and expanding the radius of my marketing knowledge to specific areas such as public relations, qualitative and quantitative research, and digital design and production. These courses will add insight to the current practices and strategies I use at [Name Redacted].
Why UOnline
Finally, tell us why you choose this program and how this program is going to get you to where you want to be. We want to know not only why you are a good fit for UOnline, but why you believe UOnline is a good fit for you.
Ex. Personally, I have always valued learning and constantly expanding my world-view. I would like to continue my education as a University of Miami student to advance professionally within the tech industry. I am driven to do what it takes to complete the master’s program with a well-rounded understanding of communication management.
My unique professional experience in both print and digital communications combined with my educational background has prepared me to succeed in the X Program with the University of Miami. I am eager to advance my education and become an effective communications professional.
Ready to Apply?
If you would like more information about completing your personal statement, your application, or one of UOnline's graduate programs, please contact an enrollment advisor at 800.411.2290 or you can chat with them online. Or visit the site for more information.
