As a sophomore in political science, I came across with the opportunity to show my leadership skills

Answer to leadership and influence question

Hi there! can you pease check my leadership and influence answer please?

When I was a sophomore in political science, I came across with the opportunity to show my leadership skills. In 2014, I volunteered to help in the organization of the 44th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly that took place in Paraguay. Even though, volunteers were needed for the three-day event, I started working a week in advance to be familiarized with the tasks that we were going to perform and the people we were going to assist.

I was part of a large group of students of different universities that was divided into small groups. My group was assigned to the reception desk but we were not given the specific instructions and schedules. Therefore, since I had been helping the organization a week in advance, I decided to distribute the shifts that each person would be in the front desk, meet and greet the delegations or be in charge of giving general information. The idea was to give an organized attention and that everyone in my group could have a moment for a break or to have lunch without leaving the front desk unattended. After I distributed the tasks, I still was there to help any member of my team at any time.

Later that year, I was one of the fifteen people who passed the public competition to be part of the diplomatic corps of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Passing the contest at the first attempt and at such young age put me in a position of influence in my academic environment. From that date on, I have been encouraging my peers and students from my university as well as others from different cities of the country such as Coronel Oviedo and Encarnación, to prepare and study for the contest. Some succeeded and others did not. In the later case, I continue to encourage them to no give up on their goal and hopes, always telling them they should study even harder and get ready for the next year. While also being available for any consultation and advice about the contest that would help them prepare in a better way. To sum up, I have been using my influence to encourage young people to get involved in statecraft and foreign affairs, to play an active role in our society.

@Catnip92
The outstanding assessment of the leadership and influence ability in Chevening essay is when you describe your ability in your professional career. Please give more emphasis on your professional career.

Catherine, you should not submit this essay because the focus is academic in nature. Chevening, as per the scholarship prompt requirements for this essay requires you to share your ability to lead in a professional setting because that is where the Chevening scholars are expected to help install positive changes in their country, through their profession. Your essay does instill a sense of early leadership in your depiction. However, it does not tell the reviewer if you are ready to be leader, a game changer so to speak, within your profession. Leadership in academic settings and community service cannot be interchanged with professional leadership because the demands of each type of leadership differs in commitment, action, and results. While you explained your influencing skills very well, I am afraid that it will not be received well in the screening portion because it does not appropriately represent the main requirement, which is the professional setting. You will need to write a totally new essay in order to even have a chance at consideration at this point.