What distinct impact do you hope to have on the world in the future? Please be as clear as possible about your future goals, the policy/public service issues(s) you are passionate about, and your personal motivation(s). Be sure to include details regarding the features of SIPA that you believe are integral to helping you in your pursuits and what skills you need to develop to achieve a lasting impact. (500 word)
(Right now there are 600 word, and I'd like to have some advice how to make it more concise)
In elementary school we have studied part of the "How the Steel Was Tempered", and I always remembered the last paragraph: Man's dearest possession is life. It is given to him but once, and he must live it so as to feel no torturing regrets for wasted years, never know the burning shame of a mean and petty past." Since then I developed the habit to vision my dying moment and imagine what I'd say about my life, so as to be sure that I am living a meaningful and productive life.
I decided to change my career and devote myself into development work in early 2009, and with over half a year project experience with UNDP, I am clear about my career objective which is to be able to lead comprehensive development projects. Since early 2009, with distant advices from a retired UN staff, I started preparing myself for the switch by reading online resources of UN agencies and other organizations to gain a general idea about development work, cross-cutting issues, and keep updated on current issues.
In 2010 May, I applied to a national UNV post for UNDP Post-Wenchuan Earthquake Early Recovery and Disaster Risk Management Programme. Against other candidates who were previously considered more promising, I excelled in the joint interview with a good understanding of the local community, disaster nature, UNDP ER Policy and Practices, and a sound analytical thinking. With a good performance in the team, I was granted the opportunity to attend the 1st Regional Training on Monitoring and Evaluation in Disaster Risk Management and Unstable Environment in Bangkok, and later relocated to the country office with an extended contract.
Working on the UNDP ER&DRM project is a very valuable experience. On one hand, I am working within UN system which gives me an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about UN, the mission, role, practices, and they way they work. On the other hand, this programme is comprehensive and addresses various areas of development including disaster reduction, livelihood, gender, community level democracy, environment, culture, infrastructure, etc. Managed by UNDP, this programme was implemented by government partners so that we can realize positive impact on policy level. It was during this experience that I realized the importance of a broad and general knowledge of the key development issues. Although there are different ways to gain that knowledge, I consider a good full-time master's programme the most efficient and effective way.
Once I made the decision in August, I quickly started preparation and took all TOEFL, GRE and GMAT exams in 2 months. I have reviewed the Master in International Development programmes offered by various universities, and I come to the conclusion that SIPA has the best for me. With the intention to be an excellent development practitioner rather than a researcher, I weight very much how the programme combines academic and practical experiences, and addresses the key issues in real projects. The MPA-DP programme offered by SIPA shows clear emphasis on practical outcomes, and mandated a summer field internship which I highly appreciate. I am also very glad to see that SIPA encourages students to seek opportunities to utilize the knowledge acquired even if the programme will be extended, because that was my plan to make the most out of academic study. SIPA's prominent faculty, Earth Institute and its close collaboration with UN are of great interest to me as well.
I have confidence that with this programme I will acquire the knowledge and skills to step forward to a senior project manager, and it would be a big regret if I miss this opportunity.
(Right now there are 600 word, and I'd like to have some advice how to make it more concise)
In elementary school we have studied part of the "How the Steel Was Tempered", and I always remembered the last paragraph: Man's dearest possession is life. It is given to him but once, and he must live it so as to feel no torturing regrets for wasted years, never know the burning shame of a mean and petty past." Since then I developed the habit to vision my dying moment and imagine what I'd say about my life, so as to be sure that I am living a meaningful and productive life.
I decided to change my career and devote myself into development work in early 2009, and with over half a year project experience with UNDP, I am clear about my career objective which is to be able to lead comprehensive development projects. Since early 2009, with distant advices from a retired UN staff, I started preparing myself for the switch by reading online resources of UN agencies and other organizations to gain a general idea about development work, cross-cutting issues, and keep updated on current issues.
In 2010 May, I applied to a national UNV post for UNDP Post-Wenchuan Earthquake Early Recovery and Disaster Risk Management Programme. Against other candidates who were previously considered more promising, I excelled in the joint interview with a good understanding of the local community, disaster nature, UNDP ER Policy and Practices, and a sound analytical thinking. With a good performance in the team, I was granted the opportunity to attend the 1st Regional Training on Monitoring and Evaluation in Disaster Risk Management and Unstable Environment in Bangkok, and later relocated to the country office with an extended contract.
Working on the UNDP ER&DRM project is a very valuable experience. On one hand, I am working within UN system which gives me an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about UN, the mission, role, practices, and they way they work. On the other hand, this programme is comprehensive and addresses various areas of development including disaster reduction, livelihood, gender, community level democracy, environment, culture, infrastructure, etc. Managed by UNDP, this programme was implemented by government partners so that we can realize positive impact on policy level. It was during this experience that I realized the importance of a broad and general knowledge of the key development issues. Although there are different ways to gain that knowledge, I consider a good full-time master's programme the most efficient and effective way.
Once I made the decision in August, I quickly started preparation and took all TOEFL, GRE and GMAT exams in 2 months. I have reviewed the Master in International Development programmes offered by various universities, and I come to the conclusion that SIPA has the best for me. With the intention to be an excellent development practitioner rather than a researcher, I weight very much how the programme combines academic and practical experiences, and addresses the key issues in real projects. The MPA-DP programme offered by SIPA shows clear emphasis on practical outcomes, and mandated a summer field internship which I highly appreciate. I am also very glad to see that SIPA encourages students to seek opportunities to utilize the knowledge acquired even if the programme will be extended, because that was my plan to make the most out of academic study. SIPA's prominent faculty, Earth Institute and its close collaboration with UN are of great interest to me as well.
I have confidence that with this programme I will acquire the knowledge and skills to step forward to a senior project manager, and it would be a big regret if I miss this opportunity.
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