How to Write a Professional Goal Statement for Graduate School
Often, your professional goal (or personal) statement can be the only time where your personality and ambitions can really shine through on paper. While your resume may be similar to other applicants, a strong goal statement can let the graduate school you are applying to get a stronger sense of who you are and what your goals are. If you want your statement to be as personable and strong as possible, you should learn a few tricks and tips.
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Instructions
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In the first paragraph, you want to outline the purpose of your goal statement and write it in a way that reaches your audience, the UC-Berkeley Career Center suggests. Eduers.com states writes that typically that purpose should include a brief summary of your background, your academic interests and your future goals.
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Your second paragraph, according to Eduers.com, should tell the graduate school admissions office why your background fits their program. UC-Berkely's Career Center says to include any unique preparation for the field you are applying for, an explanation of any problems you may have, such as a low GPA and any special conditions not listed on a resume, such as a family emergency that prevented you from working. Statementofpurpose.com writes that you should make sure what you are saying is specific and not covering a wide amount of information--in other words, have depth, not breadth.
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Eduers.com suggests your next paragraph cover your professional goals and how that program will help you reach those goals. The more specific and concrete you can be about your professional goals, the better. This will show the admissions office that you have a strong purpose in applying to the school's program.
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Write as much as you can about how the specific program you are applying to will help you reach those goals. Now you want to name faculty members, identify the program's strengths and reputation and why this school specifically will help you.
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Close your statement with an affirmation of what you have said and emphasize that your choice is the right one.
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When you are finished writing, do not send it in immediately. Show your draft to faculty members, family, friends or professional writers--anyone with a strong background in writing professional goal letters, according to the UC-Berkeley Career Center. These people can review your statement and correct mistakes.
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Tips & Warnings
The UC-Berkeley Career Center says to be objective but self-revealing, form conclusions of yourself, be specific and concise.
Don't rewrite your resume or use vague phrases in your statement that anyone could have said about themselves.
Statementofpurpose.com writes that while some emotional content is fine, make sure it is appropriate. Writing about how you overcame a handicap is good. Writing about how you experienced pain over a break-up with a romantic partner is not.
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