I would like someone to correct any mistakes found in this SOP> thank you!
"I know what I want" crystallizes the thought in my head as I look out my window and see the recently developed high rise buildings of Guomao in front of me. I am in China once again and this time I feel that I have arrived to start my mission. I know the streets, I have friends and I am studying on scholarship Chinese daily at a top university. I am spending my days by developing the soft skills, the knowledge and the connections that will be the building blocks of my future career.
As I have already applied to the LSE, I will not go into details about my past achievements but will primarily focus on the recent developments that shape me into a better candidate for the LSE-PKU program. I have deferred my acceptance at LSE's MSc Management degree, because my passion lies in studying about China and I feel I can contribute best to a graduate curriculum targeted strictly on the area. Thus I decide to continue my itinerant lifestyle and augment my polyglot abilities on location to prepare for LSE second time around.
One year ago in October, I was returning to Budapest from my three month long internship at the American Chamber of Commerce in China in Beijing, to finish my bachelor studies. With Beijing work experience under my belt, I was able to convene my studies around my field of interests about China. At ELTE University, where I studied East Asian studies and Chinese translation, I have participated at Confucius Institute Events and toured the country as a representative and conferee for the Institute. During the winter- and springtime months, this enabled me to interact with Chinese colleagues and share and introduce the public a piece of Chinese culture. It was eye opening to see how Chinese soft power is spreading to even rural parts of a small country like Hungary, and what is more, having been an actor in the process has given me pride, motivation and orientation. I have stood in front of hundreds of people in five different cities and represented the "bridge" between east and west.
To ordinary Hungarian folks, such unique and enchanting traditional dances as the yangge, xiaomo and baduanjin, dayangong excercises represent a world unknown; as the conferee, I had the privilege to introduce them the shows and provide them a sense of familiarity. After these events, I participated in "Be a star in China" competition, where the best performer got a chance to show his/her skills in China. With my friends, we sang "Dui mian de nuhair" and finished with merry memories of the contest.
Overall, these events have proven me that persistence pays off. I feel grateful for having been able to provide cultural value to my own country and represent Hanban in Europe. It was memorable to experience hands on what it feels like to share and transfer knowledge about a topic that interests me so much, and which I have devoted most of my time in university.
At my other undergraduate university, Corvinus University of Budapest, my last semester panned out with a strong focus on China as well. After arriving back to Budapest a year ago, I was among a select few who have completed work experience abroad, and the only one who has worked in China at Corvinus. After the winter exams, I didn't have much courses left except my thesis work, which I could devote more time and could incorporate my Chinese work experiences into. My initial thesis idea finally turned out to be more than a thesis. I used my topic on firms' internationalization to enter into the Scientific Student Competition, an annual research based tournament that awards prize money to successful contestants in different segments, such as finance, economy, marketing, IR...etc. to increase students' research and writing experiences.
As I had previous schooling and university experience from the US (USC Marshall School of Business) I wrote my research in English and focused on a unique topic, the internationalization of Chinese technology firms. I focused the first half of my work on the theories of internationalization (Uppsala, OLI model) and briefly introduced the reform process China went through under Deng's leadership, how foreign relations improved and FDI started to flow in. The true value and original contribution of my paper stemmed from contrasting western internationalization theories with the actual internationalization methods used by Chinese firms and giving case study examples. I found that Chines companies tend to go abroad step-by-step and first establish themselves in the domestic market. As the field of globalizing companies is mainly dominated by Western theories, it was eye opening to see the new wave of changing landscapes, the movement of economic activities to East Asia.
I included Lenovo and TCL as real world examples and concluded with case studies about these companies' branding and expansion strategies and motives. What I found interesting during my thesis and contest research was the uniqueness of the Chinese market and the fusion of business with international relations. The presence of state backing and private capitalism creates a unique market that is re-engaging with the global economic status quo. I found the processes of internationalization stirring and the new field of explaining Chinese methods inspiring. As China's zuchuqu policy is intently aligned with national interests, I touched upon certain plans (Scientific Development Concept of Hu Jintao) that Chinese leaders are using to recoup China's global competitiveness.
My study's focus was strictly based upon the technology sector, as I found that the new age of techno-capitalism and Chinese competitive advantage and know-how transfer is mostly present in this area. In retrospect, I find the topic to align well with the study of international relations, as firm internationalization entails much policy research.
During the first half of 2010 I finished my other thesis at ELTE University, where my topic was about the New Confucian Movement (Xinrujia) and how it affects contemporary Chinese society. With minimal literature available in the field, I went through more tedious writing experiences. This work also fueled my passion toward learning about the Middle Kingdom and made me more considerate and ardent towards Chinese society and people. I traveled back in time and drew a tentative line from past to present, showing how Confucian thought still prevails in many aspects of Chinese lifestyle and family relations.
I finished both my schools with good results and felt proud to have achieved my dream of completing two university degrees. However, I knew something was missing. Having concentrated and put strenuous effort into learning Mandarin, I felt I needed more on-site refinement to advance in my passion of reading about Chinese economy. Consequently, I am now at Renmin University for two semesters, studying Chinese daily on scholarship. So far, my two months have been fruitful, as I enrolled in the second highest level class (gaoji) in the language program. My classmates are mostly from Japan and Korea hence the pressure to improve is omnipresent and fuels me to move forward. I find daily four hours of Chinese classes sufficient for improving speaking, reading, listening and writing skills. Being at Renda and having my AmCham contacts also opens many doors in Beijing for working opportunities.
Professionally I am also continuing my work at the American Chamber of Commerce. Being in Beijing again, I am able to work part-time for the Chamber of a project basis and help out with media editing and policy research. At the chamber I am in an environment where international relations and business is under one roof. In addition, I enjoy creating and writing, thus I am a freelance writer for The Beijinger magazine. At this English magazine, I have written two articles for the Living section, about an event I attended and a design center I reviewed. Next to publishing, I am teaching English and tennis in my spare time. I have been teaching a group of 6-8 year old children on the weekends.
Currently, I am focused on preparing for the Chinese National Language Exam (HSK) and writing articles about China. I still work for USC's US-China Institute as a writer, where my next piece is about Beijing's real estate prices. My last story dealt with the convalescent ties between Australia and China that I began after the international Rio Tinto debacles. I mention this article, because it blends international relations and business aspects, consequently representing domains that I am aiming to develop at LSE.
As I am close to Beijing University, I had the chance to meet with current LSE-PKU students, inquire about the program and hear some hands on experiences. I am delighted that the program requires much essay writing and two dissertations. To be able to study at Beida, with such a beautiful campus and renowned education is appealing. I intend to continue going into a master program chiefly for the research and writing aspects that provide an elaborate and substantial factual knowledge for later academic tracks or China expertise. LSE's reputation for excellence and research approaches (LSE IDEAS) seem to be a rewarding adroitness if one has academic and consulting careers in mind.
After having familiarized myself with LSE from a virtual/online perspective and learned much from current students and research experts and staff, I feel ready to embark upon the LSE path. I find the China expert section a significant proof that I am aspiring into the right institution and can utilize resources of LSE's Ideas Centre. I find experts, such as Dr. Andrew Watkins or Prof. Michael Cox to be prominent in the field and standards to live up to. Having seen Dr. Martin Jacques "When China rules the world" book at many bookstores, I am delighted to be able to learn in such an environment. In addition, I am planning to take advantage of courses in Chinese at Beida, such as the Study on China's Foreign Policy making and Contemporary Chinese Diplomacy. The Political Economy of Transition in China as an option seems to bring in areas where my business background will help. The small number of the students and the unique nature of the programme (in addition with the beautiful International Affairs building at Beida) encourage and comfort me to apply. As I have taken part in the Bon Voyage party held by AFLSE in Boston in August, I am aware that LSE's alumni and impact are strong in the US, and using my degree to work there will be supported. By reading more about Chinese foreign policy and using the resources of the national key university I am currently studying, I find the LSE-PKU program to be perennial in connecting two diverging world views. The relationships China is aiming to develop in the upcoming decades with its East Asian neighbors will have global significances and western experts are needed to bridge the cultural gap and the status quo changes. I am assured by the news and the developing skyline of Beijing, that I have the chance to live in one of the most dynamic and altering societies of the 21st century.
I would like to focus my first year of studies and write my dissertation on Chinese foreign policy's business aspects, as China is rapidly creating a new and alternative model for economic order (Beijing consensus). I see the courses and the depths of resources to nurture my ambition and hope to be able to contribute to the program to my best abilities and bring in my unique immigrant life experiences from three continents. Having a business background with Chinese work and language knowledge, I feel equipped to be part of the program. In addition, as an LSE offer holder I hope I can get into the program I am most fit for. My goal with the degree is to arrive at my chosen field and gain substantial and applicable knowledge about the developing affairs of China. As I have learned, building up an area of expertise that is supported by a broad publication portfolio can take one a long way. I am determined to continue editing, researching about the developing landscape of Chinese foreign affairs and business environment. The amount of essay writing and the two dissertation defense seems to me an excellent preparation and portfolio development towards pursuing a PhD. In the future, I would like to use my degree to continue at LSE (research at LSE Ideas' East Asia International Affairs Programme) and become a China hand or go into international organizations and use my unique US-EU-China background to steer affairs in the right way. Later, I want to continue research and become an authority on understanding China's international affairs. Having significant undergraduate work and thesis writing experience in the realms of Chinese economy and culture, I plan to contribute to the program with my language experience (which will be useful in researching in Chinese books and publications), my writing abilities, China work experience and sincere and ardent passion towards China. As a legal resident of two continents, who is ready to be shaped into a representative and transmitter of Chinese affairs, I am looking forward to the two year program and the LSE experience.
"I know what I want" crystallizes the thought in my head as I look out my window and see the recently developed high rise buildings of Guomao in front of me. I am in China once again and this time I feel that I have arrived to start my mission. I know the streets, I have friends and I am studying on scholarship Chinese daily at a top university. I am spending my days by developing the soft skills, the knowledge and the connections that will be the building blocks of my future career.
As I have already applied to the LSE, I will not go into details about my past achievements but will primarily focus on the recent developments that shape me into a better candidate for the LSE-PKU program. I have deferred my acceptance at LSE's MSc Management degree, because my passion lies in studying about China and I feel I can contribute best to a graduate curriculum targeted strictly on the area. Thus I decide to continue my itinerant lifestyle and augment my polyglot abilities on location to prepare for LSE second time around.
One year ago in October, I was returning to Budapest from my three month long internship at the American Chamber of Commerce in China in Beijing, to finish my bachelor studies. With Beijing work experience under my belt, I was able to convene my studies around my field of interests about China. At ELTE University, where I studied East Asian studies and Chinese translation, I have participated at Confucius Institute Events and toured the country as a representative and conferee for the Institute. During the winter- and springtime months, this enabled me to interact with Chinese colleagues and share and introduce the public a piece of Chinese culture. It was eye opening to see how Chinese soft power is spreading to even rural parts of a small country like Hungary, and what is more, having been an actor in the process has given me pride, motivation and orientation. I have stood in front of hundreds of people in five different cities and represented the "bridge" between east and west.
To ordinary Hungarian folks, such unique and enchanting traditional dances as the yangge, xiaomo and baduanjin, dayangong excercises represent a world unknown; as the conferee, I had the privilege to introduce them the shows and provide them a sense of familiarity. After these events, I participated in "Be a star in China" competition, where the best performer got a chance to show his/her skills in China. With my friends, we sang "Dui mian de nuhair" and finished with merry memories of the contest.
Overall, these events have proven me that persistence pays off. I feel grateful for having been able to provide cultural value to my own country and represent Hanban in Europe. It was memorable to experience hands on what it feels like to share and transfer knowledge about a topic that interests me so much, and which I have devoted most of my time in university.
At my other undergraduate university, Corvinus University of Budapest, my last semester panned out with a strong focus on China as well. After arriving back to Budapest a year ago, I was among a select few who have completed work experience abroad, and the only one who has worked in China at Corvinus. After the winter exams, I didn't have much courses left except my thesis work, which I could devote more time and could incorporate my Chinese work experiences into. My initial thesis idea finally turned out to be more than a thesis. I used my topic on firms' internationalization to enter into the Scientific Student Competition, an annual research based tournament that awards prize money to successful contestants in different segments, such as finance, economy, marketing, IR...etc. to increase students' research and writing experiences.
As I had previous schooling and university experience from the US (USC Marshall School of Business) I wrote my research in English and focused on a unique topic, the internationalization of Chinese technology firms. I focused the first half of my work on the theories of internationalization (Uppsala, OLI model) and briefly introduced the reform process China went through under Deng's leadership, how foreign relations improved and FDI started to flow in. The true value and original contribution of my paper stemmed from contrasting western internationalization theories with the actual internationalization methods used by Chinese firms and giving case study examples. I found that Chines companies tend to go abroad step-by-step and first establish themselves in the domestic market. As the field of globalizing companies is mainly dominated by Western theories, it was eye opening to see the new wave of changing landscapes, the movement of economic activities to East Asia.
I included Lenovo and TCL as real world examples and concluded with case studies about these companies' branding and expansion strategies and motives. What I found interesting during my thesis and contest research was the uniqueness of the Chinese market and the fusion of business with international relations. The presence of state backing and private capitalism creates a unique market that is re-engaging with the global economic status quo. I found the processes of internationalization stirring and the new field of explaining Chinese methods inspiring. As China's zuchuqu policy is intently aligned with national interests, I touched upon certain plans (Scientific Development Concept of Hu Jintao) that Chinese leaders are using to recoup China's global competitiveness.
My study's focus was strictly based upon the technology sector, as I found that the new age of techno-capitalism and Chinese competitive advantage and know-how transfer is mostly present in this area. In retrospect, I find the topic to align well with the study of international relations, as firm internationalization entails much policy research.
During the first half of 2010 I finished my other thesis at ELTE University, where my topic was about the New Confucian Movement (Xinrujia) and how it affects contemporary Chinese society. With minimal literature available in the field, I went through more tedious writing experiences. This work also fueled my passion toward learning about the Middle Kingdom and made me more considerate and ardent towards Chinese society and people. I traveled back in time and drew a tentative line from past to present, showing how Confucian thought still prevails in many aspects of Chinese lifestyle and family relations.
I finished both my schools with good results and felt proud to have achieved my dream of completing two university degrees. However, I knew something was missing. Having concentrated and put strenuous effort into learning Mandarin, I felt I needed more on-site refinement to advance in my passion of reading about Chinese economy. Consequently, I am now at Renmin University for two semesters, studying Chinese daily on scholarship. So far, my two months have been fruitful, as I enrolled in the second highest level class (gaoji) in the language program. My classmates are mostly from Japan and Korea hence the pressure to improve is omnipresent and fuels me to move forward. I find daily four hours of Chinese classes sufficient for improving speaking, reading, listening and writing skills. Being at Renda and having my AmCham contacts also opens many doors in Beijing for working opportunities.
Professionally I am also continuing my work at the American Chamber of Commerce. Being in Beijing again, I am able to work part-time for the Chamber of a project basis and help out with media editing and policy research. At the chamber I am in an environment where international relations and business is under one roof. In addition, I enjoy creating and writing, thus I am a freelance writer for The Beijinger magazine. At this English magazine, I have written two articles for the Living section, about an event I attended and a design center I reviewed. Next to publishing, I am teaching English and tennis in my spare time. I have been teaching a group of 6-8 year old children on the weekends.
Currently, I am focused on preparing for the Chinese National Language Exam (HSK) and writing articles about China. I still work for USC's US-China Institute as a writer, where my next piece is about Beijing's real estate prices. My last story dealt with the convalescent ties between Australia and China that I began after the international Rio Tinto debacles. I mention this article, because it blends international relations and business aspects, consequently representing domains that I am aiming to develop at LSE.
As I am close to Beijing University, I had the chance to meet with current LSE-PKU students, inquire about the program and hear some hands on experiences. I am delighted that the program requires much essay writing and two dissertations. To be able to study at Beida, with such a beautiful campus and renowned education is appealing. I intend to continue going into a master program chiefly for the research and writing aspects that provide an elaborate and substantial factual knowledge for later academic tracks or China expertise. LSE's reputation for excellence and research approaches (LSE IDEAS) seem to be a rewarding adroitness if one has academic and consulting careers in mind.
After having familiarized myself with LSE from a virtual/online perspective and learned much from current students and research experts and staff, I feel ready to embark upon the LSE path. I find the China expert section a significant proof that I am aspiring into the right institution and can utilize resources of LSE's Ideas Centre. I find experts, such as Dr. Andrew Watkins or Prof. Michael Cox to be prominent in the field and standards to live up to. Having seen Dr. Martin Jacques "When China rules the world" book at many bookstores, I am delighted to be able to learn in such an environment. In addition, I am planning to take advantage of courses in Chinese at Beida, such as the Study on China's Foreign Policy making and Contemporary Chinese Diplomacy. The Political Economy of Transition in China as an option seems to bring in areas where my business background will help. The small number of the students and the unique nature of the programme (in addition with the beautiful International Affairs building at Beida) encourage and comfort me to apply. As I have taken part in the Bon Voyage party held by AFLSE in Boston in August, I am aware that LSE's alumni and impact are strong in the US, and using my degree to work there will be supported. By reading more about Chinese foreign policy and using the resources of the national key university I am currently studying, I find the LSE-PKU program to be perennial in connecting two diverging world views. The relationships China is aiming to develop in the upcoming decades with its East Asian neighbors will have global significances and western experts are needed to bridge the cultural gap and the status quo changes. I am assured by the news and the developing skyline of Beijing, that I have the chance to live in one of the most dynamic and altering societies of the 21st century.
I would like to focus my first year of studies and write my dissertation on Chinese foreign policy's business aspects, as China is rapidly creating a new and alternative model for economic order (Beijing consensus). I see the courses and the depths of resources to nurture my ambition and hope to be able to contribute to the program to my best abilities and bring in my unique immigrant life experiences from three continents. Having a business background with Chinese work and language knowledge, I feel equipped to be part of the program. In addition, as an LSE offer holder I hope I can get into the program I am most fit for. My goal with the degree is to arrive at my chosen field and gain substantial and applicable knowledge about the developing affairs of China. As I have learned, building up an area of expertise that is supported by a broad publication portfolio can take one a long way. I am determined to continue editing, researching about the developing landscape of Chinese foreign affairs and business environment. The amount of essay writing and the two dissertation defense seems to me an excellent preparation and portfolio development towards pursuing a PhD. In the future, I would like to use my degree to continue at LSE (research at LSE Ideas' East Asia International Affairs Programme) and become a China hand or go into international organizations and use my unique US-EU-China background to steer affairs in the right way. Later, I want to continue research and become an authority on understanding China's international affairs. Having significant undergraduate work and thesis writing experience in the realms of Chinese economy and culture, I plan to contribute to the program with my language experience (which will be useful in researching in Chinese books and publications), my writing abilities, China work experience and sincere and ardent passion towards China. As a legal resident of two continents, who is ready to be shaped into a representative and transmitter of Chinese affairs, I am looking forward to the two year program and the LSE experience.
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