¶ … intended major? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had in the field -- such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities -- and what you have gained from your involvement. Tip: If you haven't had experience in the field, consider including experience in the classroom. This may include working with faculty or doing research projects.

When I originally embarked upon my university career, I chose to major in business. I knew that I wanted to become involved in the field of international commerce so this seemed like a logical choice. But I have come to understand the value of a more rigorous understanding of the field of economics specifically. Now I wish to change majors because of the more in-depth and technical information that an economics major can provide about the subject of finance. I appreciate the analytical and quantitative skills the major can bring to my skill set as a future business professional.

I am currently finishing my third year at Santa Barbara City College. My education previous to my university career was very eclectic: I was born in Switzerland and attended high school for two years in England before coming to California. I think that my diverse personal experiences make me uniquely well-prepared to study economics, particularly the international aspects of the financial environment. I speak five languages (English, German, Russian, French, and Italian) and one dialect (Swiss German) fluently. My ability to read about the economic policy and experiences of different countries in their native languages will be an asset to me in the classroom and also makes me well-poised to embark upon a career in international business. Also, although I consider languages to be my greatest asset, I also enjoy and excel in math. This will also be of great use in studying economics.

I have sought out work experiences to get a better idea of different industries to see where I might find a home in the business world after I graduate. I interned at the Four Seasons Hotel in Cyprus which taught me about the hospitality industry and the different considerations in serving the needs of an international client base. I interned at the National Park Mohonk Preserve when I came to the U.S., which was a further education in the needs of the tourism industry and how to foster customer satisfaction.

I believe that...

I think I have a strong foundation in economics based upon my personal academic experiences as well as my background although of course when I actually major in the subject my appreciation will become even deeper. While economics certainly demands a secure foundation in understanding how to manipulate different formulas and functions, it also demands an in-depth study of human psychology and the human character. I have a keen interest in the world around me combined with an analytical mind that enjoys problem-solving. Both of these will enable me to succeed in my chosen field.
At UC, I hope to seek out further internship experiences in the field of business that make use of my foreign language capabilities. Thus far I have been fascinated by both the similarities and the differences between what makes organizations better able to serve customers and what does not; I would also like to gain a deeper grounding in the use of specific analytics necessary to assess the performance of an organization.

Prompt 2. Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

Of all of my accomplishments, my facility in foreign languages is what distinguishes me from my peers. I was born in Switzerland and grew up speaking French, German, and Italian like many Swiss. I also learned English and Russian. Speaking so many languages has broadened my perspective upon the world. Of course, it is important to be tolerant and open to other cultures, but I think that learning the language of another culture gives additional insight into the worldview and perspective of others. Because of my Swiss background, I can communicate with people from all over the world. People are often more relaxed and open when speaking in their native language and I feel that I can live anywhere with ease and make myself at home. I think that my proficiency has made me more fluent and flexible in other cultural contexts.

I came to the U.S. and was immediately able to become part of the community of Santa Barbara City College as if I were a native. Rather than judging people of other cultures, I look at the world with open-mindedness and curiosity. I have…