I think it's best to include the general statement of purpose at the very beginning of the essay, since the essay is called a statement of purpose, after all. Refer to your long-term goals, explain how you came to have them, and show that attending graduate school is part of your plan to achieve those goals. For many people, the main goal is to become a professor at a major research institution, but that doesn't have to be the case for you. You can be more vague, saying that you know you want a lifelong career in science and that a PhD opens the door to myriad options in your field. You can state a specific goal of working in industry, government research, public policy, or biotechnology patent law, if that's what you're into. Some may caution you against stating an "alternative career" goal, since the people reading your essay will be professors. Such people may think that being a professor is the only appropriate thing to do with a PhD. I think if you can explain your reasons for wanting a different career in an intelligent and passionate manner, you should go for it. It'll make you stand out! But if you're not sure what you want to do, it's okay to write about less specific goals. No one will hold you to what you said in your SOP when you're looking for jobs years down the road.
If you are having problems clearly articulating your goals, I suggest using my GAP, SWOT, AND ROI TABLE FOR FORMULATING GRADUATE DEGREE GOALS f (see below). I think Gap, SWOT, and ROI analysis are great ways for understanding what your goals are, why you want a degree, and how you will use it. Click here for the Businessweek MBA ROI calculator. Click here for a GMAC report on MBA ROI. To best view the following table, click on it. Next, analyze your present strengths and weaknesses for succeeding in your present career. REMEMBER:WHEN YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESS DON'T ONLY THINK ABOUT WORK, THINK ABOUT OTHER ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE. In particular, some of your greatest strengths may have been demonstrated outside of work, so make sure you are accounting for them. Strengths: What are you good at? Where do you add value? What are you praised for? What are you proud of? Weakness: What are you bad at? What are you criticized for?
What do you try to avoid due to your own limitations? What do you fear? Next, analyze Career goals essay work in right now. What opportunities exist for your growth and success? What threats could limit your career growth? Step 2. Now, do the same thing in Step 1 for your "Post-Degree" future after you have earned your graduate degree. IF YOU CANNOT COMPLETE STEP 2, YOU HAVE NOT SUFFICIENTLY PLANNED FOR YOUR FUTURE and therefore you need to do more research and need to think more about it. Step 3. If you could complete step 2, than you should see the "Gap" between your present and your future. What skills, knowledge, and other resources do you need to close the gap between your present and future responsibilities, strengths, and opportunities? Step 4. After completing Step 3, you now need to determine how an MBA will add value to you. It is possible that an increased salary as a result of job change will be sufficient "ROI" for the degree to justify itself, but you should show how a degree will allow you to reach your career goals.
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How will the degree enhance your skills and opportunities and help you overcome your weaknesses and external threats? If you can complete Step 4 than you should be ready to explain what your goals are, why you want a degree, and the relationship between your past and future career, as well as your strengths and weaknesses. The above table will also help you answer such common interview questions as: Where do you want to work after you finish your degree? Why do you want an MBA (or other degree)? What are you strengths? What are your weaknesses? What are your goals? Thinking about these issues now will help you to develop a fully worked-out strategy for how you will best present yourself both in the application and in an interview. ARE YOUR GOALS HOT? Making career goals exciting requires thinking about whether your goals are compelling. Admissions committees ask applicants to write about their goals after graduate school, but can applicants actually know what will be on the cutting-edge in two or three years? Be informed. Columbia Admissions needs to believe you know what you are talking about.
If you are changing careers, no one expects you to be an expert, but you should come across as having a clear plan based on real research into your future. If you are planning on staying in your present industry, you should be well informed not only about the companies you have worked for, but about the industry as a whole. If you are not already doing so, read industry related publications and network. Those who are changing fields should most certainly read industry related publications in their intended field. Additionally I suggest conducting informational interviews with at least one peer level and one senior level person in that field. Conduct a peer level interview to get a good idea of what it would be like to actually work in that industry. Conduct a senior level interview to get the perspective of someone who can see the big picture and all the little details as well. Don't know anyone in your intended field? One great way to start is through LinkedIn.