Ptdf Scholarship personal statement Civil Engineering - oil & gas industry

This is my first draft on the eassy the Ptdf scholarship. I will appreciate any form of correction and contributions. Thanks

Statement of purpose (maximum 500 words) stating the reason(s) they want to undertake the study, the relevance of the proposed study to the oil & gas industry and its expected impact on national development

Development Engineering in nigeria

As a native of Nigeria I am very aware of the potential mineral and chemical wealth of my country but we suffer at present from a shortage of truly skilled and trained technical staff to develop the exploration industry. I am a student with an academic background in civil engineering and I am very eager to further my knowledge and expertise through a degree from Imperial College London, with a view to returning to my homeland to help to realise its potential for great wealth and all that this could bring to my fellow citizens. It is clear to everybody that the functioning of the modern world depends on the availability of oil and gas and will continue to do so until a new technology emerges. As Nigeria oil and gas industry is known to want to increase its production capacities there will be an increase for technical staff. My ambition is to complete a degree in civil and environmental engineering and then work for a major exploration firm.

During my undergraduate studies in civil engineering at the university of Ilorin, Nigeria, I gained formal exposure to civil engineering which opened my eyes to the latest developments in the field of Civil Engineering. In the fourth year of my undergraduate studies I received in depth practical knowledge during the six months industrial training which took place in a consultancy firm, where I had the opportunity to learn about Analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures. Obtaining a master's degree at department of civil and environmental engineering at the imperial college London will help me develop as an engineer because I am very interested in the topics covered particularly structural Analysis and structural reliability theory. And am interested in their research into firm foundation which has been used to develope a new pile foundation for offshore structures to support deep water oil and gas platform and offshore wind turbines which has improve the safety and reduce the cost of these challenging projects.

I want to understand how things work in other countries so that I can improve on it in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. On returning to Nigeria I will be able to use my knowledge to provide technical support in the exploration industry. The masters program in civil and environmental engineering will help me reach my career goals. I believe I need a well rounded education and advance knowledge to do so.The scholarship program emphasis on growth and development of African countries is really attractive to me and I need to broaden my knowledge.

I have a strong commitment to increasing the growth of Nigeria economy since its economy is heavily dependent on the oil sector. I am a good student, a good team player and have good work habits, and will do my best in the program.

I appreciate your consideration. With your assistance, I can continue my education and contribute to the development of Nigeria.

@Sofiatajide
Your essay does not describe the development of your interest in oil and gas drilling. It also lacks some information as regards to the development of your interest, current interest, and future vision for your profession. It has to present more academic and professional evidence of the progression of your interest and why you feel that the university you have chosen, through specific programs, will be the best place for you to train for the potential achievement of your career goals.

You stated that: The masters program in civil and environmental engineering will help me reach my career goals
I think you should as well state those goals because the statement is looking incomplete.

The statement is weak in overall content. The why is not strongly represented in terms of how the completion of the degree will help you advance the interests of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. Having helped other Nigerian students before, I know that the Nigerian government has several ongoing projects in relation to the oil and gas sector. You have to relate your motivation to study this course with the government projects. That is how you can best represent the relevance of the program you wish to undertake with the projects you can participate in once you return home.

The presentation should clearly contain references to:

1. Reasons - relate this to your current career requirements or desire for promotion that requires additional academic training.
2. Government projects and development plans - Your reasons should seamlessly connect with a representation of the government agenda in the field of oil and gas exploration, production, or other related fields. These will also help explain the relevance of your course choice to the discussion.

When combined, discussing these two points will create the relevance of your study plans to the Nigerian oil and gas industry in relation to national development.