Hi guys. Please read my statement and tell me what any of you think! I welcome all opinions :)
As a future policy maker and a mid career civil servant, I find it the most opportune time to enhance my knowledge and skills. My aim to pursue a Masters degree in Public Policy with a special focus on International Development Policy is fueled by my long held desire to better myself academically, improve my career prospects and contribute meaningfully to the development of my country.
Like most developing countries, Pakistan is mired in challenges of poverty, under distribution of resources and a failing social sector. Furthermore, being the frontline state on the war on terrorism has eroded the authority and effectiveness of state institutions resulting in a major trust deficit between the state and the masses. Civil servants are considered the agents of change in a country like Pakistan and this program will go a long way in helping me develop a skill-set that I can put to use effectively upon my return.
I have chosen International Development Policy as my specialization for this program as it will develop my understanding of the theory and strategies used to address developmental issues and to learn their application in real-life case studies. In particular, I'd like to focus on developmental problems such as poverty, population growth, optimal distribution of resources, food production, issues dealing with gender inequalities, ethnicity and class. These are some of the challenges today that are severely affecting Pakistan. In addition, I aim to develop and improve my understanding of the contemporary issues affecting not only developing countries but also developed countries worldwide. Academically, the degree will provide me with problem solving skills, managerial skills, and critical analysis skills that are relevant to tackling development and sustainability of any nature. Alongside that, it will also offer a solid grounding in research in development and policy studies further enhancing my understanding of the field. Moreover, I'm particularly keen on gaining practical opportunities such as internships with relevant development agencies in the US to gain firsthand practical experience in enforcing development policies. Thus, a program that integrates both theoretical and practical aspects of learning is most fitting for my profile as a future policy maker in Pakistan.
My interest in the Fulbright scholarship is due to its time-honored history and dedication to producing leaders. An additional benefit to studying through this scholarship is the exposure to international students also studying in related fields. As an organization that works with students from all over the world, studying through the Fulbright Program provides the opportunity to foster professional and personal relations with current and future public administration and policy professionals from all over the world. Overall, I believe that the program will provide me with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to further develop my skills as a public officer. My background, experience, and education coupled with this study program will work as a stepping stone for further career development. I have no doubt that the Fulbright scholarship will meet the criteria of intellectual rigor that I have set for myself, for my education, and for those I have promised to serve.
As a future policy maker and a mid career civil servant, I find it the most opportune time to enhance my knowledge and skills. My aim to pursue a Masters degree in Public Policy with a special focus on International Development Policy is fueled by my long held desire to better myself academically, improve my career prospects and contribute meaningfully to the development of my country.
Like most developing countries, Pakistan is mired in challenges of poverty, under distribution of resources and a failing social sector. Furthermore, being the frontline state on the war on terrorism has eroded the authority and effectiveness of state institutions resulting in a major trust deficit between the state and the masses. Civil servants are considered the agents of change in a country like Pakistan and this program will go a long way in helping me develop a skill-set that I can put to use effectively upon my return.
I have chosen International Development Policy as my specialization for this program as it will develop my understanding of the theory and strategies used to address developmental issues and to learn their application in real-life case studies. In particular, I'd like to focus on developmental problems such as poverty, population growth, optimal distribution of resources, food production, issues dealing with gender inequalities, ethnicity and class. These are some of the challenges today that are severely affecting Pakistan. In addition, I aim to develop and improve my understanding of the contemporary issues affecting not only developing countries but also developed countries worldwide. Academically, the degree will provide me with problem solving skills, managerial skills, and critical analysis skills that are relevant to tackling development and sustainability of any nature. Alongside that, it will also offer a solid grounding in research in development and policy studies further enhancing my understanding of the field. Moreover, I'm particularly keen on gaining practical opportunities such as internships with relevant development agencies in the US to gain firsthand practical experience in enforcing development policies. Thus, a program that integrates both theoretical and practical aspects of learning is most fitting for my profile as a future policy maker in Pakistan.
My interest in the Fulbright scholarship is due to its time-honored history and dedication to producing leaders. An additional benefit to studying through this scholarship is the exposure to international students also studying in related fields. As an organization that works with students from all over the world, studying through the Fulbright Program provides the opportunity to foster professional and personal relations with current and future public administration and policy professionals from all over the world. Overall, I believe that the program will provide me with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to further develop my skills as a public officer. My background, experience, and education coupled with this study program will work as a stepping stone for further career development. I have no doubt that the Fulbright scholarship will meet the criteria of intellectual rigor that I have set for myself, for my education, and for those I have promised to serve.
