Statement of Purpose Finance

¶ … Career Objectives

Pursuing an MS in Finance is the first step toward beginning the rest of my life. I am excited to be this close to graduating from college and taking the next step, entering graduate school. I am pleased about moving closer to launching my career and about exploring the possibilities that lie ahead. This Statement of Purpose discusses my progress to this point and my plans for the future, and considers how an MS in Finance will help me achieve my goals.

Because I understand that a Masters degree does not automatically qualify me for career advancement, I want to pursue realistic goals, and that includes personal satisfaction. Whenever I have considered my long-term educational plans, I always thought in terms of a Masters degree, and possibly even a doctorate. So obtaining a masters degree will satisfy one long-term goal and put me in position to pursue another one.

Another personal goal has been to learn about subjects that fascinate me and getting an MS in finance will help me do that. I will be taking a number of classes on subjects that I want to learn more about. Once I master these subjects thru graduate studies, I get to work in a field that lets me make use of this knowledge.

Because of investing so much time and effort in undergraduate school, I have also had a lot of time to consider career objectives, and what it will mean to have an advanced degree. I plan to work in a field that I am passionate about, and that means the continued study of finance. The more I learn about the field of finance, the more fascinating I find it. Graduate school will help me expand my knowledge and develop additional expertise and skills.

At a high level, my career objectives are to work in the field of finance as a senior banking analyst at a successful banking institution. I chose finance because it is a subject that has always interested me, but that is only one reason for my choice. Another reason involves my personal experiences. The challenges of figuring out how to pay for a college education have also influenced this career choice. As an undergraduate student, budgeting and money management have been a significant part of my life, challenging at times, but rewarding. I believe that working in the field of finance will be similarly rewarding, particularly with an advanced degree.

Sometimes my classes have not been easy. But overcoming academic challenges has given me a sense of confidence about pursuing my future studies. Proficiency in math is one example of how much progress I have made. Because math was not my favorite subject, I had to study harder to pass the required math classes. But at the same time, having to put in that extra effort only increased my determination to do well in something that I found challenging. By persevering, I got the satisfaction of passing those classes, and being able to move on to the next challenge. I know that my chosen career involves a fair amount of number crunching, so I feel good about having mastered the basic skills that I will need and use frequently. My confidence has grown, and that comes with having a solid foundation to build on.

Now I am ready to study at the Masters degree level. I am looking forward to studying financial analysis, accounting, economic forecasting, investment analysis, international finance, and many other topics that require math skills. Learning more about all these subjects is important. I particularly want to understand how the economy works, especially since there are everyday reminders that come with living during a recession. But challenges bring opportunities, and that is one of the benefits of having an MS in Finance. I will have the educational tools to solve problems and create opportunities for others.

Besides letting me solve business problems, a career in banking will enable me to make a difference, by providing banking services. My goal is to have a job that lets me contribute to society, and the world of commercial banking will give me that opportunity. Also important, because I like working with people, I look forward to becoming a banking analyst and working with entrepreneurs and corporate clients. An MS in Finance puts me in position to make all this happen.

In the banking industry in particular, there is an advantage to having an advanced degree. As a senior banking analyst, having an MS in Finance will allow me to compete for the jobs that I am interested in. Having an MS in Finance also means having the ability to qualify for a better position, one that is more senior with more challenges and responsibility, and hopefully with better pay, at least in the long run.