Scholarship / I never wanted to settle for "better"; STUDY PLAN FOR SCHOLARSHIP (CHINA) [4]

HEY! Please give me constructive critique. Thx.. :)

I never wanted to settle for "better" - I always wanted to become the best! I agree with a well-known businessman Zong Qinghou who suggests that "If you want to catch a whale, you have to fish in the sea, not in the pond". I have great ambitions and firm foundations of management and marketing; however I lack knowledge of the Chinese language that would enable me to set sail for the international waters. I admire the exceptional culture of China and the diligence as well as the enterprise of the people. China is not only a tremendous, unique, exotic but also a booming country of great opportunities. In the future I am planning on doing the intern and later working in this country for at least two years. I would also like to acquire my MBA degree there. Therefore, my main goal is to gain the foundation of the Chinese language that would open the door to the opportunities:

1) to seek career in the current workplace;
2) to gain intercultural practice;
3) to make useful contacts and business bonds;
4) to get to know the business culture of China from up close;
5) to expand my horizon and world outlook.
I am certain that the studies of the Chinese language will create a synergy between my work experience, gained education and personal features and also will allow me to become the leader in business not only in my country but also internationally.

As a secondary school student, I already actively participated in a program "Lithuanian Junior Achievement" that enabled young people to cultivate their entrepreneurial skills. I have worked at a company of practical business management training and I have undergone an international business apprenticeship in Poland. Furthermore, I have been developing my computer skills at Kaunas University of Technology and I have been certified in "Small and E-Business Organization". These complementary activities have been an opportunity for me to improve my communication skills, consistency and determination as well as organization and time-management.

In 2010 I graduated from Vilnius University and received a Bachelor's degree in Economics. During the first year of my studies, I underwent six-month apprenticeship training in SEB Bank where I integrated theoretical knowledge with practice. Later, I joined a small business and established relations with suppliers in China. I have offered a new product to Lithuanian youth market: a LED belt buckle. I have gained valuable experience from the undertaking; it gave me a better understanding of negotiation art, stages of business development, product life-cycle and peculiarities of product promotion and realization.

I continued my studies at Vilnius University and this year, I will get my Master's degree in Marketing and Trade Management. As a result of my studies, my approach to China has changed. Admiration for China as the one having a unique and engrossing culture grew into a lively interest in the country as an object of business expansion and opportunities. In my annual essays I thoroughly examined the business culture, intercultural differences and business establishment peculiarities of China. I also carried out an analysis of companies established in China in different business fields. I can now make an assumption that the impact and significance of China to the global economy is increasing. This country is the ultimate global marketing leader. I strive to become the leader in the sphere of business, therefore, I believe that getting to know China will be a prerequisite for success to my future career perspectives and also will contribute to the development of my personality.

Furthermore, the importance of the Chinese language is obvious as every fifth person in the world speaks this language. I believe that the intensive five-month programme will lay the firm language foundations which I will be able to put into practice. Top ten Chinese business and management university list includes: „Fudan University", „Shanghai Jao Tong University" and „Peking University", accordingly I chose these institutions. This is very relevant to me for I am planning on getting the MBA degree in one of these universities.

In addition, I have more than five years of qualified work experience in marketing, project management, sales, and customer services since I have been working with the largest trading network in the Baltic States for construction, repair, and household goods - "XXX". I work hard and I demand the same from others. I am active, persistent and motivated. These qualities are probably the reason I have already been promoted four times. At present, I am an Executive Manager of Wholesale Department. I am responsible for the development of the conceptions of loyalty programs, as well as campaign organization and sales promotions. I initiate the marketing actions, the image campaigns, the competitor research, development projects and other projects at the Wholesale Department. This job enabled me to look at business from various angles. Moreover, my workplace is planning on establishing a purchase subdivision in China in 2014. The Chinese language would be the main advantage in trying for the position of the manager in the new purchase subdivision. Moreover, these studies would be a great opportunity to look about and adjust before the MBA studies in China and they would also facilitate the further activities in this country. I am ready to continue my studies for personal improvement.

For me it is truly essential to get this opportunity to know the culture and to learn the Chinese language concentrating my attention only towards language. I believe that a half-year is enough to lay the foundations of the Chinese language. Nevertheless, this period of time is not enough to become an experienced Chinese language user, however, while seeking career in my current workplace, I can depart for no longer than a half-year.

After these studies, I would contribute to the improvement of the intercultural business courses, lectured in my university, complementing the lecture materials with engrossing facts about China. Furthermore, during the intercultural business seminars I would share my experiences and impressions. I am certain that the experience gained, while learning the Chinese language, would help me create the additional value for both China and Lithuania. While making useful contacts, enhancing export and import possibilities, promoting bilateral investments, I will undoubtedly contribute to the development of the diplomatic contacts between both the countries and of the economic and business expansion. Furthermore, I have carried out an analysis in Lithuanian web space about information sources concerning the peculiarities of establishing business in China. I have observed that there are different types of information varying from interviews of businessmen and press releases to students' slides; however there is not enough qualitative, clearly defined and structured information. I am willing to create an Internet guide for Baltic countries on establishment and development of business in China. All the necessary information in the electronic format would be classified in steps that a businessman, seeking to enter the Chinese market, should follow. Every step would include wholesome advice, notices and commentaries of the successful businessmen.

I am sure that these language studies will become the stepping-stone and accelerator to my objective of becoming an expert in Asian market and also the stimulus to establishing my own business in China. I believe my interest in business and economy of Asia, skills along with my hard-working and flexible personality give me confidence to apply for the XXX Scholarship. I am sure that I would be a valuable team member and also believe that collaboration with your highly professional team will bring me closer to my goal - become high-level manager of the market of China. Thank you for your time considering my candidacy.