Personal Statement as the Year

Personal Statement

As the year 2009 is ushered in by violence in Gaza and a struggling global economy, the importance of globalization and the global civil society cannot be emphasized enough. As someone who has always had an interest in International Relations, especially in the business and investment aspect of globalization, I have prided myself on my understanding of different cultural practices. I have cultivated this interest, as well as my appreciation for cultural sensitivity, through my many travels around the world. With a background in Organizational Leadership and Marketing, however, I understand that cultural sensitivity and awareness is about much more than simply honoring the backgrounds of those with whom we communicate, through this is important as well. As a businessperson, however, I understand that cultural awareness and sensitivity can increase the fluidity of the global economy. The cultural awareness and sensitivity provided by a global civil society allows business partners in different parts of the world to complete transactions with the greatest of ease, in addition to improving communication that results in far fewer errors and misunderstandings.

By attending the University of New Mexico's American Studies PhD program, I will improve this cultural understanding and sensitivity, making me better able to continue in my current business interests, organizational leadership and marketing. In addition to benefiting me academically and professionally, the privileged of attending this program will benefit me personally, as I will gain a greater appreciation for cultures and their importance in this global age. This will serve me well as an active member in my community and society, as well as a world traveler.

Though I believe the American Studies PhD program at the University of New Mexico will benefit me greatly, I also believe that my academic and professional skills will contribute a great deal to the program, its instructors, and its participants. As education is meant to be the free flow of ideas between student and teacher, this is the ideal situation for this advanced level of education. A seasoned professional, both my academic and career experience has prepared me to contribute to your program. I received my Bachelor's Degree of Science and Marketing from the Arab Academy for Science and Technology in 2003. In 2009, I furthered my education by obtaining a Master's of Business Administration and Organizational Leadership from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. So far, my curriculum has covered relevant topics such as cross cultural leadership, effective communication, International law, and professional ethics, in addition to a variety of other courses dealing with business, management, organization, and finance. With the preparation provided to me by my academic history, I am ready to become an effective contributor to your PhD program. My previous education has not only provided me with the tools to understand basic and advanced concepts of organizational leadership and marketing, but it has also procured for me a greater interest in the topic of culture, especially as it relates to business. Like any academic, the knowledge that I have gained has driven me to obtain further knowledge. This genuine interest in the topic, as well as my dedication to my previous education, which is exemplified by my Master's GPA of 3.8, have prepared me to make an important contribution to your program.