Abstract This is a personal statement for admission in a master’s degree program. It is with immense excitement that I apply for admission in the institution mentioned for my Masters in International Area Studies. As will be explained in the preceding sections of this text, I remain focused on exceeding my potential once admitted.
Personal Interests
The world is fast becoming a global village. Today, unlike was the case a few decades ago, regional boundaries that hindered mutually beneficial relations between countries no longer exist. It is with this in mind that I seek to further enhance my knowledge of contemporary international issues -- with my key interests being China and other Asian countries. I believe that the Master's degree in International Area Studies (Asia), for which I am seeking admission, will not only immerse, but also enrich me in both the language and culture of China and the entire region. It would be important to note, at this point, that given the considerable period I have spent away from my home country (as will be pointed out elsewhere in this text), I believe I already have a well developed and unique perspective of world culture which I will makes use of as a launch pad for my future professional endeavors.
To tell you a little bit about myself, I'm Korean but have been in the U.S. For the last 10 years -- from middle school to college. My stay in the U.S. has been an immensely useful experience, especially when it comes to appreciating, understanding, and embracing diversity. It was while undertaking my undergraduate studies that I developed keen interest in world affairs and geopolitics. I happen to be a keen follower of global politics and it is for this reason that I seek to develop specialized understanding of regional issues. My other key interests include, but they are not limited to, business and commerce, foreign languages, economics, and history. Now that I'm back in Korea, I would want to focus my studies on areas near Korea. It is for this reason that my bias will be China, Southeast Asia and India -- countries that are emerging as big markets. Growth in these countries is likely to be driven by infrastructure investment and domestic demand. This is particularly the case for countries like Philippines and Indonesia whose real GDP growth projections continue to be rather impressive. It is, however, important to note that the success of these economies will largely be dependent on how they address specific challenges. In this case, it is imperative that the concerned countries develop and implement structural policies so as to further enhance their ability to reap maximum capital flows benefits. The said countries and economies will also be left with no choice but to embrace closer regional economic integration and cooperation. My desire to pursue a Master's Degree of International Area Studies (Asia) is largely founded on my desire to be a key player in the formulation and implementation of the structural policy recommendations highlighted above.
Educational Background
On graduating from Kent, CT, I joined Washington University in St. Louis, from where I pursued a B.A. In Economics from the year 2009 to 2012. At St. Louis, I managed a cumulative GPA of 3.6/4.0. Some of the most relevant courses I took during my undergraduate studies included but they were not limited to, Constitutional Politics in the U.S., Money and Banking, Labor and the Economy. In addition to familiarizing me with key macroeconomic concepts that could come in handy in my future engagements, my undergraduate studies equipped me with sound understanding of how the economy works. During my time at Washington University, I also made appearances on the deans list (2009 Fall and Spring; 2011-2012). I wish to continue the same trend of academic excellence if, and when, admitted for my Masters Degree program.
It would also be prudent to note that over time, I have had an opportunity to serve in various positions of responsibility. These positions have ingrained in me a sense of purpose especially with regard to what I would like to pursue going forward. Some of the bodies I have worked with in various capacities include Korea Investment and Securities (worked as a summer intern for a total period of 3 months), Deloitte Consulting (as a summer intern for a period of three months), and with JungRyul Lawfirm (served as a summer intern for a period of three months). Knowing that they could come in handy in the future, I have also further sharpened my leadership capabilities by engaging in various leadership initiatives and undertakings. Some of these include, but they are not limited to, service as a Parliamentary Captain in the debate team, serving as a Board Member of Conduct Council in the Office of Judicial Affairs at St. Louis, MO, and serving as the president of the Korean Undergraduate Business Association (KUBA). I believe that it is because of these that I am a better leader today.
Study Plan and Future Goals
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