Graduate / Journalism Statement of Purpose for UT Austin [3]

Hey this is my SoP for UT Austin's M.A. Journalism program. I don't know if it's too long (the univ. asks for "approximately 500 words", but I've written 589). I do feel that the content is not appealing enough, do you have any suggestions? Thank you for reading this!

Requirement: "Write approximately 500 words about your academic and professional goals and describe why you want to attend the graduate program at the School of Journalism. State how the focus of our program fits your personal objectives."

Years back, watching my mother's Evening News was a family routine. My father would teach me what is newsworthy, which information is lacking and so forth. Then, at the age of eight, I practiced journalism for the first time by establishing a "radio station" at home. I began "broadcasting", actually yelling, news I gathered on the streets from my apartment's window. Unfortunately, the station was soon closed since neighbors kept complaining about the "unbearably annoying noise". But it was this noise that sparked my dream to become a journalist, and this dream has been around for fourteen years.

But my aspiration is not mere passion. My professional goal is to become an outstanding business and financial journalist. The microeconomic level of reporting interests me a lot, so writing articles about specific companies' new products, ethic issues, anti-crisis strategies etc. is ideal for me. Also, I am especially appealed to reporting economic news on an international scale. Despite my interest, my dream career meets China's demand. The dearth of prompt hard news about, for instance, a certain firm's new strategy and the lack of in-depth features analyzing such strategy make China's business world rather opaque to the public. Such opaqueness prevents people from fully understanding business and stifles their motivation to join the business world. Therefore, being a competent financial journalist is not simply my personal goal, but is also a contribution to my country. After being a professional journalist for years, I will give back to my community by making academic contributions. I plan to pursue doctorate study in business or journalism, after which I will endeavor to become a university faculty member, and research about the interaction of Chinese business and media, Western publications' influence on Chinese society and so forth.

For my professional and academic goals, I changed my major from Communication to Business Management, and determined to apply for the graduate school of Journalism. To me, an outstanding financial journalist is both a business expert and an excellent writer. While my undergraduate study of economics, international trade and finance accounts for the content of news, graduate study of journalism teaches me how to gather information and compose articles. Also, to achieve my goals, I interned at local broadcast stations for three summers; and now I am a key news contributor for an English website designed for foreigners trying to understand more about Chengdu, Sichuan.

The United States is my ultimate destination of graduate study because of its diverse cultures, value in individualism, vast media market and, most importantly, freedom of speech. These are vital for journalism, and the city of Austin possesses them all. Meanwhile, the University of Texas at Austin's journalism program fits my personal objectives perfectly. First, Professional Experience in Journalism is a core course of the Master of Art program. This benefits me by compensating my inadequate working experience and encouraging me to make contacts in the industry. The required four courses related to a field of interest is another attraction since I can take business classes to strengthen my specialization. Also, Professor Tracy Dahlby's "Reporting China" workshop can offer me insights about my own country from a Western perspective, and prepare me well to report in this rapidly developing Asian giant.

Hardships occur on my ideally-planned career path, but my determination, diligence and passion will help me to overcome whatever obstacles that hamper my way. One day, the news-yelling girl will be remembered not because of some annoying noise, but her insightful articles informing readers the very truth behind every business move.

Thank you again!