Analysis of Career for Pursuing Doctor of Sports Management Degree at the Academy - Admission/Application Essay Example

Analysis of Career for Pursuing Doctor of Sports Management Degree at the Academy Table of Contents. 1. Autobiography (a) Academics (b) Sports (c) The Army 2. Career Plans and Goals. 3. Reasons for Pursuing Doctor of Sports Management Degree at the Academy. Autobiography. Academics. I have been blessed with the facility to shine in academics, right from Las Vegas High School, where I featured regularly on the Dean’s List and graduated in the top 1% of my Senior Class. The disciplined approach to study, with regular study schedules, which I adopted then, has continued to be my bulwark against the pressures of time in my later academic endeavors. My sterling performance won me an engineering scholarship to the University of and laid the foundation for my firm belief that academic excellence is the surefire route to success in life. After a year, I transferred to the United States Military Academy at West Point, from which I graduated with a B.S. in Human Factor Engineering. As the President of the National Society of Black Engineers at West Point, I developed a deep appreciation of the determined inclusiveness of American society and learnt to be proactive on any issue that matters to me. I went on to earn a Masters Degree in Finance, followed by a Masters Degree in Management, both from Webster University. This qualified me to serve as a Leadership Instructor at the U.S. Army Financial Management School at Fort Jackson, S.C., where I instructed and trained second lieutenants. To my pleasant surprise, I found that I have a definite flair for teaching, where my particular strength has been a hitherto undiscovered reservoir of patience where my students are concerned. Sports. I unabashedly confess to the fact that Sports, and basketball in particular, has always been the love of my life. I was one of the stars of my High School Basketball Varsity team. I have had the honor of coaching the Men’s All-Army Basketball team in 2006 and 2007. I absolutely loved organizing tournaments and, above all, coaching. Our inability to field our best team, due to many of our best players being away on missions, lost us the tournament. However, my immense pride in my boys, as they battled on the basketball court, truly showed me that it is trying that counts. My open-hearted willingness to accept full responsibility for my team and my hunger to be a better coach, to motivate my boys further and to teach them every tactic and lesson I have ever learnt, has convinced me that Sports Coaching is something close to my heart. The Army. Enlisting in the Army has been an almost natural progression in my life, due to my father having been a member of the U.S. Air Force. I have thrown myself whole-heartedly into every aspect of Army life and enjoy the rigors of training, which push me to do my best and the excitement of travelling (I have been posted to Korea, Iraq and Kuwait, in addition to my U.S. postings), which has exposed me to various cultures and ways of life. And, though this may sound clichéd, I am proud to do my share for my country! Life in the Army is a learning experience beyond compare. It has made me a willing follower and an able leader, honed my attention to detail and meticulousness and made me aware of the pressing need to make every minute count and give of my best to myself, my family and to society. Another ‘gift’ I have received from the Army is my improved interpersonal skills, which has overcome my tendency to be rather shy and reserved at new social encounters. Career Plans and Goals. In May, I will be posted on duty assignment to Korea, as an Army Acquisition Officer. My learning experiences over the years have crystallized into the firm belief that my career path, after serving my full time in the Army, will be directed towards Sports and, more specifically, teaching and coaching. A career as a full-time coach appears attractive, as I have enjoyed every minute of coaching in the Army. At the same time, my experiences as an Instructor have reinforced my belief in myself as a gifted teacher. I have concluded that an optimum synthesis of teaching and coaching is what I want to devote the rest of my life to. In this context, my goal is to serve as a Professor in the Athletic Department and coach a collegiate team, or work in the front office section of a professional team. In any case, I will ensure that my chosen career incorporates my proven skills as a teacher and sports coach with my leadership potential. I plan to attend online classes in Korea, doing my coursework at nights and over the weekends. Working, coaching basketball and completing my course will not pose any problems, in the light of the time management skills I have acquired in the army. I certainly plan to ‘hit it hard’ and opt for some resident summer courses to speed things up and earn my doctorate within two years. I will bring to my study my practical experience as a sports coach, leader and teacher of financial management. I look forward eagerly to the mentorship program to fill in the sizable gaps in my knowledge, as my mentor relays to me the insights he/she has gained from unique experiences. Reasons for Pursuing a Sports Management Degree at the Academy. The U.S. Sports Academy is definitely the best in its’ field and I am particularly attracted by its’ commitment to diversity and the excellence of its’ academic program. I am totally confident that the acquisition of a Doctor of Sports Management degree will best equip me to meet my goals of devoting myself to teaching and Sports, after retiring from the Army. I am convinced that the best educational qualifications are a pre-requisite for success in any field and I believe that the Academy’s program is the best. The Academy’s program incorporates Sports leadership, financial management of Sports and human resources, which I identify as the areas touching upon my personal strengths and interests. This program will fine-tune these skills of mine and prepare me to pass on to my future students my experiences and the insights I have gained in this field – particularly that the dedication to fitness, to teamwork and, above all, to being the very best you can be, which are the hallmarks of good Sports, are principles which are applicable to every area of life. I have a passion for Sports and I believe that a true love for one’s chosen career in life, coupled with dedication and hard work, is a never-fail formula for success. My Sports Management Degree from the Academy will be my stepping stone to this success. Read More