Degree in Economics - Admission/Application Essay Example

Personal Statement 1. What is your 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. I intend to pursue a degree in economics with vast opportunities to focus on specific and diverse fields that could range from politics (Political Economy) and math (Mathematics/ Economics), econometrics and other macro or microeconomic fields, among others. Having been born in Korea, I was initially immersed in endeavors that delve in complying with my duty for military service after graduating from high school. After this, I came to Irvine at March 2011 and have been studying at Irvine Valley College since last fall. When I was taking economics class at community college, I started to have an interest on the subject of economics. There is this innate feeling of enthusiasm and extreme interest to learn more about the subject matter. I vividly remember my professor who gave us a homework that requires finding an article about an economic topic that was covered in the class module: to read it and to subsequently write a short essay based on one’s findings and reaction to it. While I was searching for the article, and reading many articles for that homework, I realized that the subject on economics had a significant effect to our lives. Not only on a personal aspect, but more expansive and extensive to influence societies and nations, as well as global perspectives. From that time on, I decided to I wanted to pursue higher education to focus on studying economics in greater depth and detail. I am likewise convinced that by gaining greater understanding on the field of economics, I would be given greater opportunities to relate the concepts and theoretical frameworks offered in the course to other fields of endeavors, such as politics and even mathematics, both areas where I also signify genuine interests in. As I closely review the course descriptions in related fields, the field of Mathematics/Economics, for instance, which is being offered at UCLA discloses that “economics has become increasingly dependent on mathematical methods, and the mathematical tools it employs have become more sophisticated. Mathematically competent economists, with bachelor’s degrees and with advanced degrees, are needed in industry and government” [UCL12]. As such, I would like to be an instrumental contributor to the improvement and growth of future organizations where I would be employed, possibly in public organizations or global organizations, through the knowledge and economic applications that would be implemented.Likewise, interests in Political Economy was also stirred from the understanding that various political problems could find solutions from economic applications where analysis of both micro and macro environmental factors need to be evaluated[Uni11]. I therefore acknowledged and recognized that vast problems in contemporary societies could find solution through the use of economic theories and applications. In this regard, I am very enthusiastic and interested to pursue higher education which focuses in a degree in economics of various specializations and related endeavors. 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? - When I was doing military service for two years in Korea, I thought seriously about what I want in my future. After thinking several times, I decided to go to the United States to study.I was initially afraid for several reasons. First, I am aware that I was not good at English, although I could understand the message that was communicated; I found I had initial difficulties in speaking the English language. Secondly, there were no friends and family members in the US who I could turn to for assistance. And finally, I had never lived alone. Despite these challenges and anxieties, I decided to go to the US to get a better education.It was the biggest decision that I had ever made.I strongly believe that pursing higher education in the US was a good chance for me to achieve my personal and professional goals in life. Therefore, since I had been living alone since March of 2011 and pursuing my studies at Irvine Valley College for more than 19 months now, I am confident that I made the right decision. As noted above, I recognized that I firmly want to pursue a course and a degree in economics through a course that stirred my interest in the subject and field of study. These several months have enabled me to recognize that whatever odds or challenges that come my way, I could effectively address them by focusing on the strengths and resources. Having lived and studied in the US have enabled me to gain greater competencies in improving English as a second language. By interacting and communicating with different people from various cultural backgrounds, I realized that I am not alone in my quest to improve my life through pursuing higher education and through recognizing the field of study that I am most interested in. Most of the degree courses offered by the University of California, in various campuses and locations, focus on a multi and interdisciplinary approach that give the students the chance to interact with others and solicit support from different academic channels. The experience of being independent and determined, as well as committed to focusing on achieving my personal goals make me gain the appropriate knowledge, skills, and competencies that enable me to design effective strategies towards attaining these goals. My personal reflection enabled me to realize that my skills in being determined, committed, and persevering, which could have been developed during my years of service in the military in Korea, assisted in maintaining a professional stance and in assuming a sense of self-discipline and focused performance. These accomplishments therefore make me proud and make me recognize that as long as I have identified the goals that I have earmarked to attain, I could work on the strategies towards their fulfillment. Applying for higher education to major in economics is one of the strategies that would ultimately make me fulfill my personal and professional goals. Works Cited UCL12: , (UCLA par. 1), Uni11: , (University of California, Berkeley), Read More