Hello everyone! I am applying to CBS and would love your feedback on the first draft of my personal statement/motivational essay. It seems at CBS these are one and the same? I think overall, my essay needs to be more clear in terms of career goals and why CBS is the best program for me. Too much backstory and not enough future, what can I take out? Let me know what you think!
Having graduated with a degree in Visual Communication Design, I am eager to pursue an MSc in Business Administration and Digital Business at Copenhagen Business School, with a focus on marketing through electives or a minor. This program represents the next step in my career journey, allowing me to combine my creative background with a deeper understanding of business processes in the digital landscape.
My fascination with how design influences and shapes human interaction began during my time as a Psychology major at the University of ***. While studying human behavior, I developed an interest in how design can convey clear messages and influence decision-making, particularly in consumer contexts. This realization led me to transfer to Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia, where I pursued a degree in Visual Communication Design. QUT's rigorous curriculum emphasized solving real-world challenges through visual language, providing me with the tools to explore how technology-driven design impacts diverse audiences.
At the age of 20, I moved across the globe to pursue a quality education, immersing myself in a new culture and adapting to a more demanding academic system. As the only American student in my classes, I embraced the challenges of cultural differences and worked diligently to maintain high academic standards required for my international scholarship. These experiences not only strengthened my resilience but also deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity-qualities that I believe will enrich my contributions to CBS's international community.
During my studies, I explored how technology can both empower and exclude certain groups, underscoring the importance of creating inclusive designs that prioritize user perspectives. This sparked a broader interest in how digital platforms can drive innovation while also disrupting traditional systems. My capstone project-a consumer goods skincare brand-allowed me to apply these insights by developing comprehensive digital and print deliverables that earned recognition through an Adobe Creative Award. As I analyzed market trends and consumer behavior, I came to understand that impactful design must go beyond aesthetics to drive strategic business outcomes. This realization inspired me to deepen my knowledge of business processes to better align my creative expertise with broader organizational goals and achieve my long-term career aspirations.
Upon graduation, I joined the small percentage of international students who chose to remain and work in Australia. Currently, I am employed as a graphic designer at *****, a Melbourne-based candy company. Working within a small team alongside a senior designer and marketing manager has given me valuable experience in bridging creative outputs with business objectives. Recently, I collaborated with our director of global sales on a pitch presentation for a potential distributor-an opportunity that reinforced my ability to communicate business ideas effectively through design. When needed, I also step into managerial responsibilities for the design team, further developing my leadership skills.
These experiences have solidified my desire to pursue an advanced degree that bridges creative strategy with business acumen. The MSc in Business Administration and Digital Business at CBS is uniquely positioned to help me achieve this goal. The program's emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking resonates deeply with me as I strive to lead initiatives that integrate design thinking with emerging technologies. Courses such as "Strategic and Tactical Tools for Digital Business" align perfectly with my aspiration to develop innovative solutions that drive business growth while enhancing customer experiences.
I am particularly drawn to Denmark's vibrant consumer goods sector and its thriving startup ecosystem. Companies like Pandora, Carlsberg, and Arla Foods exemplify how creativity and innovation can transform industries-areas where I hope to make meaningful contributions. Additionally, CBS's strong ties with industry leaders provide invaluable networking opportunities that will enable me to connect with professionals at the forefront of digital transformation (now that I've written this paragraph, I want to get rid of it so I can be more specific/impactful).
My long-term goal is to work in roles such as Creative Director or Digital Transformation Consultant, where I can lead projects that combine design strategy with cutting-edge technology. I am especially interested in helping businesses integrate visual communication strategies into their digital transformation efforts while navigating the challenges posed by emerging technologies. This program will equip me with the strategic mindset and technical expertise needed to bridge the gap between creative innovation and business strategy (This should be way more specific right??).
I am enthusiastic about CBS's hands-on approach to learning through case studies and group projects, which will allow me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. Moreover, studying in Copenhagen-a city renowned for its emphasis on creativity and sustainability-will provide an inspiring environment for personal and professional growth (more specific??).
Thank you for considering my application. It would be an honor to contribute to CBS's dynamic academic community while advancing my career aspirations within Denmark's digital economy.
Kind regards,
*****
Having graduated with a degree in Visual Communication Design, I am eager to pursue an MSc in Business Administration and Digital Business at Copenhagen Business School, with a focus on marketing through electives or a minor. This program represents the next step in my career journey, allowing me to combine my creative background with a deeper understanding of business processes in the digital landscape.
My fascination with how design influences and shapes human interaction began during my time as a Psychology major at the University of ***. While studying human behavior, I developed an interest in how design can convey clear messages and influence decision-making, particularly in consumer contexts. This realization led me to transfer to Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia, where I pursued a degree in Visual Communication Design. QUT's rigorous curriculum emphasized solving real-world challenges through visual language, providing me with the tools to explore how technology-driven design impacts diverse audiences.
At the age of 20, I moved across the globe to pursue a quality education, immersing myself in a new culture and adapting to a more demanding academic system. As the only American student in my classes, I embraced the challenges of cultural differences and worked diligently to maintain high academic standards required for my international scholarship. These experiences not only strengthened my resilience but also deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity-qualities that I believe will enrich my contributions to CBS's international community.
During my studies, I explored how technology can both empower and exclude certain groups, underscoring the importance of creating inclusive designs that prioritize user perspectives. This sparked a broader interest in how digital platforms can drive innovation while also disrupting traditional systems. My capstone project-a consumer goods skincare brand-allowed me to apply these insights by developing comprehensive digital and print deliverables that earned recognition through an Adobe Creative Award. As I analyzed market trends and consumer behavior, I came to understand that impactful design must go beyond aesthetics to drive strategic business outcomes. This realization inspired me to deepen my knowledge of business processes to better align my creative expertise with broader organizational goals and achieve my long-term career aspirations.
Upon graduation, I joined the small percentage of international students who chose to remain and work in Australia. Currently, I am employed as a graphic designer at *****, a Melbourne-based candy company. Working within a small team alongside a senior designer and marketing manager has given me valuable experience in bridging creative outputs with business objectives. Recently, I collaborated with our director of global sales on a pitch presentation for a potential distributor-an opportunity that reinforced my ability to communicate business ideas effectively through design. When needed, I also step into managerial responsibilities for the design team, further developing my leadership skills.
These experiences have solidified my desire to pursue an advanced degree that bridges creative strategy with business acumen. The MSc in Business Administration and Digital Business at CBS is uniquely positioned to help me achieve this goal. The program's emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking resonates deeply with me as I strive to lead initiatives that integrate design thinking with emerging technologies. Courses such as "Strategic and Tactical Tools for Digital Business" align perfectly with my aspiration to develop innovative solutions that drive business growth while enhancing customer experiences.
I am particularly drawn to Denmark's vibrant consumer goods sector and its thriving startup ecosystem. Companies like Pandora, Carlsberg, and Arla Foods exemplify how creativity and innovation can transform industries-areas where I hope to make meaningful contributions. Additionally, CBS's strong ties with industry leaders provide invaluable networking opportunities that will enable me to connect with professionals at the forefront of digital transformation (now that I've written this paragraph, I want to get rid of it so I can be more specific/impactful).
My long-term goal is to work in roles such as Creative Director or Digital Transformation Consultant, where I can lead projects that combine design strategy with cutting-edge technology. I am especially interested in helping businesses integrate visual communication strategies into their digital transformation efforts while navigating the challenges posed by emerging technologies. This program will equip me with the strategic mindset and technical expertise needed to bridge the gap between creative innovation and business strategy (This should be way more specific right??).
I am enthusiastic about CBS's hands-on approach to learning through case studies and group projects, which will allow me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. Moreover, studying in Copenhagen-a city renowned for its emphasis on creativity and sustainability-will provide an inspiring environment for personal and professional growth (more specific??).
Thank you for considering my application. It would be an honor to contribute to CBS's dynamic academic community while advancing my career aspirations within Denmark's digital economy.
Kind regards,
*****
