Hey guys, this is my essay for the networking skill in the Chevening application. I want it to look impressive and make it clear that I connect with different organizations and sections of society. I also am exceeding the word count by23 numbers so any reductions to make it 500 words is welcome. But hopefully, I'm hoping my content comes off impressive. Thanks a bunch! :)
2....Chevening is looking for individuals with strong networking skills, who will engage with the Chevening community and influence and lead others in their chosen profession. Explain how you meet this requirement, using clear examples of your networking skills, and outline how you hope to use these skills in the future.
Proactive networking skills are crucial determinants of one's performance in any field of work. As a public servant, I've had the opportunity to forge both professional and social networks extensively. As an administrator and a strong proponent of participatory governance, I was the first to establish committees that took representatives of the civil society along with government officials for specific purposes. In the wake of increased target killings and mounting sectarian violence, I established the Interfaith Harmony Committee that took on board the religious notables of all faiths. Our goal was to denounce sectarian violence and send a strong message of a united front to the miscreants. This collective effort reduced the religious discord to a great extent and was applauded by the official higher-ups.
In 2015, when Karachi suffered from a severe heat wave claiming the lives of more than 1200 citizens, I used my good judgment and reached out to the medical community just in time to establish heatstroke centers throughout the subdivision. I arranged for medical and paramedical staff along with ambulances, ice packs and water bottles at fifty sites to minimize casualties. As a result of taking timely action, no lives were lost in the area under my supervision.
To promote sports and showcase the talents of our sportswomen, I worked in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board and the administration to arrange a Cricket Series between the women national teams of Bangladesh and Pakistan. I arranged their welcome with the Governor of Sindh and supervised their entire stay period. This gave me a chance to be a part of a historic event as it was the first ever visit of the Bangladesh's women team to Pakistan since their independence in 1971.
Acknowledging my interpersonal skills, I am designated as the official state representative to receive all international dignitaries by Commissioner Karachi. It has given me the opportunity to meet ambassadors, ministers and other VIPs visiting and helped extend my professional network.
Aside from professional networking, I actively seek opportunities to build social networks with my peers worldwide. I was one of the few participants from Pakistan in the International Young Leaders Conference, UAE in 2012. Moreover, I was one of two female representatives from Pakistan in the conference at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, Berlin in 2012 where I delivered a speech about Pakistan's fight against terrorism. In 2015, I was awarded the Mosaic Leadership Conference, hosted by the Prince of Wales. These forums helped me to become confident in new environments and exchange ideas with my peers from other cultures. They have contributed to my personal development and greatly broadened my horizon.
My personal goals and career strategy indicates the relevance of strong professional network. As a Chevening awardee, I would have a possibility to collaborate with intellectual elite and key players in my area of expertise. The knowledge I gain will translate into better governance and development in various sectors. In addition, I would devote my time to participate in Chevening events in my country and conduct workshops, seminars, meetings and training to my Pakistani fellows to give insight and knowledge gained from Chevening community.
2....Chevening is looking for individuals with strong networking skills, who will engage with the Chevening community and influence and lead others in their chosen profession. Explain how you meet this requirement, using clear examples of your networking skills, and outline how you hope to use these skills in the future.
Proactive networking skills are crucial determinants of one's performance in any field of work. As a public servant, I've had the opportunity to forge both professional and social networks extensively. As an administrator and a strong proponent of participatory governance, I was the first to establish committees that took representatives of the civil society along with government officials for specific purposes. In the wake of increased target killings and mounting sectarian violence, I established the Interfaith Harmony Committee that took on board the religious notables of all faiths. Our goal was to denounce sectarian violence and send a strong message of a united front to the miscreants. This collective effort reduced the religious discord to a great extent and was applauded by the official higher-ups.
In 2015, when Karachi suffered from a severe heat wave claiming the lives of more than 1200 citizens, I used my good judgment and reached out to the medical community just in time to establish heatstroke centers throughout the subdivision. I arranged for medical and paramedical staff along with ambulances, ice packs and water bottles at fifty sites to minimize casualties. As a result of taking timely action, no lives were lost in the area under my supervision.
To promote sports and showcase the talents of our sportswomen, I worked in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board and the administration to arrange a Cricket Series between the women national teams of Bangladesh and Pakistan. I arranged their welcome with the Governor of Sindh and supervised their entire stay period. This gave me a chance to be a part of a historic event as it was the first ever visit of the Bangladesh's women team to Pakistan since their independence in 1971.
Acknowledging my interpersonal skills, I am designated as the official state representative to receive all international dignitaries by Commissioner Karachi. It has given me the opportunity to meet ambassadors, ministers and other VIPs visiting and helped extend my professional network.
Aside from professional networking, I actively seek opportunities to build social networks with my peers worldwide. I was one of the few participants from Pakistan in the International Young Leaders Conference, UAE in 2012. Moreover, I was one of two female representatives from Pakistan in the conference at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, Berlin in 2012 where I delivered a speech about Pakistan's fight against terrorism. In 2015, I was awarded the Mosaic Leadership Conference, hosted by the Prince of Wales. These forums helped me to become confident in new environments and exchange ideas with my peers from other cultures. They have contributed to my personal development and greatly broadened my horizon.
My personal goals and career strategy indicates the relevance of strong professional network. As a Chevening awardee, I would have a possibility to collaborate with intellectual elite and key players in my area of expertise. The knowledge I gain will translate into better governance and development in various sectors. In addition, I would devote my time to participate in Chevening events in my country and conduct workshops, seminars, meetings and training to my Pakistani fellows to give insight and knowledge gained from Chevening community.