Scholarship / The leadership skills demonstrated in different aspects since the school days; Question of Chevening [3]

Chevening is looking for individuals that will be future leaders or influencers in their home countries. Explain how you meet this requirement, using clear examples of your own leadership and influencing skills to support your answer.

I have demonstrated leadership skill since my schooldays in different aspects. As a class president during my schooldays I used to be the 'voice' of 50 students of the class. I was chosen as a leader by my fellow classmates because of my versatility. I was a debater, 27th International Letter Writing Competition Runner up (national level); I was one of the editors of School Magazine and active organizer of different cultural festival in the school. I was also elected 'Officer' for the science club of our college and organized inter college science fair. During my university days I used to lead the group of 5 fellow students for all the assignments and projects. These activities and responsibilities shaped my personality in a way that later I found myself highly competent for leadership role in my professional life also.

I lead a research project called 'BRAC Financial Diaries Project" for more than a year. This is the largest diary project ever led by an NGO. As the project lead, my first task was to form a team. I selected 17 people for my team. 11 of them as enumerator and 5 as the supervisors of the enumerators who are reportable to me. It was the biggest challenge for me because I had to choose my team from a group of people who had no prior idea of research. I built the relationship of trust and loyalty with all my team members. I always let them express their thoughts and feelings to make them feel that they are empowered. I designed and facilitated rigorous training on the financial diaries research method, data collection tools and techniques, research ethics and effective communication to make them proficient. Then the project was inaugurated in five districts across the country covering 400 respondents of different social tiers. I monitored the progress of the project by making on sight visits and kept the respondents and my team members motivated for the research interviews for a whole year. When I found that respondents faced difficulties in retrieving data, I developed a pictorial diary for the respondents to help them record all the transactions they had every day. This instrument was much appreciated among the respondents that it was handy for not only record keeping rather it was designed in a way that the respondents were able to find the trend of their income and expenditures. The success of this project has opened up the avenue for conducting the research in a global context. A 3 country financial diaries on RMG workers is going to be started very soon with the funding from C&A Foundation. I have been selected to lead that project as well for my excellent performance.

I believe leadership cannot be delegated. It is an instinct that drives one towards success by taking the charge of a situation. I am that kind of person who takes initiative and be in charge of a situation to make the most of it.

Graduate / Statement of Purpose for Master of International Business in Melbourne Business School [3]

Hi, I want to apply in Master of International Business in Melbourne Business School. I had to write a SoP not more than 500 words which will include the following:

Details of personal circumstances as well as life and work experiences. It should emphasise any aspect of personal history that may enhance application, including extra-curricular activity, community involvement, work experience, relevant personal characteristics and any outstanding achievements.

Please help me fine tuning the SoP I have written.

I believe the true meaning of globalization lies in integrating knowledge and cultures other than only integrating economies. So ever since I dreamt of a 'global Bangladesh' I always aspire to earn a global degree because it is the most effective platform to learn and share new things. Moreover, as a business graduate with a distinctive CGPA, I had the urge for higher studies. But due to family issues I had to start working. However, being highly optimistic and persistent I decided to capitalize my job experience and earn a global degree that will ignite me with knowledge, leadership and network and where I can infuse my experience as well. In my years in BRAC I have worked with people of different nationalities and cultures. This exposure attracted me to learn management in international context. Applying for Master of International business is the first step to fulfill my dream.

I joined BRAC in 2012 as Management Trainee. I was entrusted with the responsibilities of a project manager very shortly after joining BRAC because of my outstanding leadership and astute management style that I exhibited during probation period. It was a research project named 'BRAC Financial Diaries Project' the largest diary project ever led by an NGO. The main objective of this project was to have better understanding of peoples' financial lives. The project was inaugurated in five districts covering 400 respondents of different social tiers.

I managed a team of 16 people for more than a year. Team formation to rolling up the project- every stages of the project were equally challenging. I had to choose my team from a group of people who had no prior idea of research. I groomed them in a way so that they can think and act like a team with an inquisitive mind just like a researcher has. I trained them the method, data collection techniques and research ethics. I always let them express their opinion so that they feel empowered and a sense of ownership grew among them.

I always love to take new initiatives and maximize the impact of the project. For instance when I saw that retrieving data is difficult for my respondents, I took a different strategy. I developed a pictorial diary for them to help them record all the transactions they had every day. This instrument was designed in a way that the respondents were able to find the trends of their income and expenditure which ultimately help them in better financial decision making. So I successfully turned this research project to a financial literacy tool for the respondents. The success of this project also opened up the avenue for similar research in a global context. A 3 country financial diaries will be started very soon to determine living wages of garment worker.

I firmly believe the transition of a manager to a leader will be done with the help of a global management degree that will equip me with multi faceted knowledge blended with hands on experience.