Statement of goals and objectives

¶ … matriculated at ____ College/University without a very clear idea of my academic goals. I felt young and a bit naive when I entered university, but through experience and hard work I have matured and gained focus. Like many first and second year students, I took the required courses without a clear idea of what my major would eventually be. However, knowing that I wanted to solidify my career goals, I decided that I would find my niche. With the future as a blank slate, I pursued various majors until I found that I was drawn to the sports industry.

My grades, which had suffered a bit due to my having to work full time while in college, improved immediately after I realized how clear my path had become. I trail blazed, determined to complete my degree on a high note. I became more interested in internships with professional organizations that matched my career goals. This hands-on experience promoted even more enthusiasm in me for the sports industry, and I channeled this positive energy into the classroom. Refreshed and revitalized by my newfound clarity, I began to gain a greater appreciation for pure academics. Before I felt so focused, the pressures of coursework daunted me. I underachieved because I never found what I was looking for. With the zeal I now have for academia and specifically for my chosen field, I look forward to staying on this path and working toward a Master's degree.

A complete my undergraduate studies on a high note, and I know I have the confidence with which to achieve my dreams. My professional ambitions require that I do not let up on my academics and continue to tread the path I have chosen. I feel like I am on a roll, and the next logical step in my life would be to continue my studies seamlessly by enrolling in a Master's degree program. My energy will carry forth into graduate school, as I can't imagine my eagerness to succeed waning.

My research and investigation of graduate programs in the U.S. led me to Columbia. The ____ program caught my eye as soon as I heard about it, and my academic advisors concur. Knowing exactly what I will be specializing in at Columbia, I look forward to delving deeper into the sports industry. Several aspects of the Columbia graduate program attract me. The instructors are reputable and well-known in their field, and I would be honored to study with them. Columbia is a top-notch university with superior academic facilities. And the city of New York has so much to offer in terms of culture and sheer excitement.

Before I make this leap into graduate school, it is important that I reflect on the past few years of my life. As I have already mentioned, I have had to work full-time while studying in college. At first this took its toll on my grades somewhat, but once I discovered the passion I felt for my chosen field of interest, I was able to muster up the energy required to manage my time wisely. With what seemed like a wellspring of zest, I participated in internship programs with industry giants and professional organizations. For example, I worked as a ____. (Describe here specifics of the jobs you did and how the skills you gathered will apply to your chosen field.)

My recent professional experience directly relates to my academics and hopefully this trend will continue at Columbia. I intend to combine a rigorous course of study with practical applications in the workplace. A Master's Degree will then lead to an eventual career in the industry.