One of the questions I often get asked: “Can you share tips on scholarship applications?“
Contrary to what most assume; up until this year, I had never applied for a scholarship before. This was due to a variety of reasons: (having done a double-major) postgraduate studies not being an immediate interest when I left undergrad being one of them. I did however end up undertaking my first masters as a need in setting up my company, though this was without a scholarship.
As I am considering further study in the west, scholarships are a no-brainer. I do not see myself wanting to accumulate crazy amounts of student-debt, especially at my career stage. I believe I have a lot of skill and knowledge to offer, than I would be willing to put my teaching-ability forward, in return for a great (and if it’s up to me, fully-funded) scholarship.
Diversity as a Reality: Applying for Competitive Scholarship
Academic scholarships play a crucial role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in various ways. Scholarships have the potential to break down barriers, create equal opportunities, and contribute to a more inclusive educational landscape.
Embarking on the journey to secure a competitive global postgraduate scholarship is both a thrilling and challenging endeavor. As you set sail into the realm of fierce competition, I share in this post a candid guide to equip you with the insights needed for a successful application.
Start Early, Plan Strategically: Begin your scholarship journey with strategic planning. Early preparation not only allows you to gather essential documentation but also provides the time needed for introspection and thoughtful articulation of your goals.
Know Yourself: Take the time to reflect on your academic and extracurricular achievements, career aspirations, and personal values. A deep understanding of yourself will inform your application and help you stand out in a sea of candidates.
Research, Research, Research: Immerse yourself in thorough research about the scholarship you are applying for, the host institution, and the values they hold dear. Tailor your application to align with the scholarship’s mission, demonstrating your genuine interest.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your voice in the application process. Be assertive but kind in sharing your story, highlighting your achievements, challenges overcome, and the impact you aspire to make in your field.
Seek Stellar Letters of Recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from individuals who truly know your capabilities. Politely guide them on key points to emphasize, ensuring a well-rounded recommendation that complements your application.
Quantify Your Impact: Whether in academics or extracurricular activities, quantify your impact whenever possible. Numbers provide a tangible representation of your achievements and can be more compelling than mere descriptions.
Highlight Diversity and Inclusion: Global scholarships often seek candidates who contribute to diversity and inclusion. Emphasize experiences where you’ve demonstrated an understanding of diverse perspectives and actively contributed to inclusive environments.
Master the Art of Humble Confidence: Confidence is admirable, but humility is equally crucial. Strike a balance by confidently presenting your achievements while acknowledging the guidance and support you’ve received along the way.
Proofread, Edit, Repeat: Typos and grammatical errors can mar an otherwise impeccable application. Be meticulous in proofreading, seek feedback, and edit your application until it shines with clarity and professionalism.
Demonstrate Forward-Thinking: Scholarship committees appreciate candidates with a clear vision for the future. Articulate how the scholarship aligns with your long-term goals and how you intend to leverage the opportunity for positive change.
Prepare for Interviews: If your application progresses to the interview stage, be prepared. Practice articulating your thoughts with poise and humility. Showcase your passion for your field and how the scholarship aligns with your aspirations.
Accept Rejection Gracefully: In the competitive world of global scholarships, rejection is a possibility. Accept it gracefully, view it as a stepping stone for growth, and consider seeking feedback to refine future applications.
Navigating the landscape of competitive global postgraduate scholarships demands a combination of confidence, strategy, and kindness. Be assertive in presenting your achievements, kind in acknowledging the contributions of others, and confident in your ability to make a meaningful impact.
Remember, each application is an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. Approach the process with a positive mindset, and regardless of the outcome, view it as a chapter in your ongoing pursuit of excellence. May your scholarship journey be marked by resilience, kindness, and the unwavering belief in your potential to make a difference.
All my love,
Previously: They are not just Buzz Words – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
I am currently pivoting my career and see myself wanting to gain some experience in the private sector. At the moment, professionally, I am a development professional: an international policy specialist, and an entrepreneur in different capacities. I work for an INGO, and I also run a non-profit that empowers young professionals – getting them on the path to their dream careers.
In this post, I shared my views on “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” – my personal experience, but also having attende a few PostGrad DEI events.
Featured: Key takeaways and insights from using GMAT Official Prep.
Preparing for the GMAT exam is a journey that demands strategy, dedication, and the right resources. One invaluable asset on this path is the GMAT Official Prep, a comprehensive set of materials created by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). As aspirants delve into the world of GMAT preparation, here are key takeaways from incorporating GMAT Official Prep into their study plan.
Authenticity Breeds Confidence
The GMAT Official Prep materials mirror the actual GMAT exam, offering a level of authenticity that is crucial for success. By working through questions developed by the same organization that creates the test, aspirants gain confidence in their ability to navigate the exam’s format and challenges.
Diagnostic Precision
Before embarking on the GMAT journey, start with a diagnostic test using GMAT Official Prep materials. This initial assessment not only gauges your current skill level but also pinpoints specific areas that require attention. This diagnostic precision serves as a roadmap for a targeted and efficient study plan.
The Power of Practice
The heart of GMAT Official Prep lies in its extensive question bank. The Official Guide for GMAT Review, GMATPrep software, Exam Packs, and Question Packs collectively provide a wealth of practice material. Regular, focused practice with these resources allows aspirants to refine their skills, understand question patterns, and build the stamina needed for the real exam.
Real-Time Analytics for Informed Progress
Utilize the robust analytics provided by GMAT Official Prep. Track your performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and monitor your progress over time. These analytics offer invaluable insights, enabling you to adapt your study plan, focus on weaker areas, and measure your improvement.
Mimicking Test Day Conditions
GMAT Official Prep materials go beyond questions; they provide the tools to simulate the test day experience. With timed practice sessions and full-length exams, aspirants can familiarize themselves with the pacing required, minimize stress, and enhance their ability to perform under pressure.
Quality over Quantity
GMAT Official Prep emphasizes the quality of questions over quantity. Each question is meticulously crafted to assess specific skills. Focused, thoughtful practice with official questions ensures a deep understanding of the content and hones the critical thinking skills crucial for success on the GMAT.
Integrated Preparation
GMAT Official Prep covers all sections of the exam, from the Analytical Writing Assessment to Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. This integrated approach ensures a well-rounded preparation, leaving no aspect of the GMAT unexplored.
Confidence through Familiarity
By consistently engaging with GMAT Official Prep materials, aspirants develop a familiarity with the question types, structure, and pacing of the exam. This familiarity breeds confidence, reducing test-day anxiety and allowing candidates to approach the GMAT with a calm, focused mindset.
Continuous Improvement with Iterative Practice
Success on the GMAT is an iterative process. Regularly revisit GMAT Official Prep materials, retake practice exams, and reinforce your understanding. This cyclical approach ensures that your skills continue to evolve, and you consistently raise the bar on your performance.
A Foundation for Future Success
GMAT Official Prep is not just a means to an end; it lays the foundation for success in graduate management education. The skills honed during GMAT preparation, coupled with the confidence gained through authentic practice, become invaluable assets in the academic and professional journey that follows.
In conclusion, the GMAT Official Prep is more than a collection of study materials; it is a roadmap to success. By leveraging its authenticity, diagnostic precision, and comprehensive practice resources, aspirants can navigate the GMAT landscape with confidence, unlocking the door to their desired graduate management programs.
Coming Up: What works, For Whom, in what Context, and Why? – Business Synthesis
2023 was such a year for me! I have had quite the busy year juggling finishing my first masters, performing at my first international job, managing existent and developing new business ventures, and preparing to apply for grad-school.
Sounds crazy? It was! In light of that, I will be taking the entirety of January off – my first official leave ever!
I will be back in February, and I then hope to launch my new podcast: “Business Synthesis: What Works, for Whom, in What Context, and Why?” Before we break for the holidays, I’d love to tell you a little more about “Synthesis”, and raise your expectations for what is to come.
If you are not yet a subscriber, please feel free to subscribe below to get the updates directly in your mailbox.
Spotlight: Knight Hennessy Scholarship
Knight-Hennessy Scholars is a graduate-level scholarship program for study at Stanford University. Established in 2016, the program seeks to prepare students to take leadership roles in finding creative solutions to complex global issues. Scholars receive full funding to pursue any graduate degree at Stanford and have additional opportunities for leadership training, mentorship, and experiential learning across multiple disciplines.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program has a focus on attracting prospective graduate students with a wide range of backgrounds from around the world. In addition to their graduate studies, scholars participate in leadership development programs, study trips, and have opportunities for mentorship with thought leaders in business, government, and nonprofit fields.
A Knight Hennesy Scholars (Alumni, Current and Prospective Students) Event
It was such an incredible privilege to have interacted with the Knight Hennessy Scholars team in-person at the “Leading Others – Leading Yourself” networking event which was held in New York City.
As I am exploring my PhD options, with a keen interest in the Stanford Media Psychology programme, I took the time to go learn from the founder and management team of the Knight Hennessy Scholarship – what the core principles of the scholarship are, and if the scholarship aligns with my personal development needs.
As a social entrepreneur, I was also deeply interested in how the scholarship is operationalised – and wanted to draw inspiration on how we can create a smilar initiative at a smaller scale for talented and less privileged youth in Africa.
LEADING OTHERS – LEADING YOURSELF
A talk by John Hennessy and Tina Seelig.
Inspiring leadership is the goal of Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) as they equip Stanford graduate students from across the university to create positive change in the world. We got a special opportunity to hear from John Hennessy, co-founder and Shriram Family Director, and Tina Seelig, Executive Director, of Knight-Hennessy Scholars.
Dr. Hennessy shared the core elements of leadership that helped him as President of Stanford University and in leadership roles in Silicon Valley, and Dr. Seelig, innovation and entrepreneurship educator, spoke to we (as young people) can do to lead our own lives in a way that enriches our career and our relationships.We also heard from Rachel Rosten, KHS Director of Admission, who provided a brief overview of Knight-Hennessy Scholars.
I found the event quite valuable. John spoke a lot on the value of servant leadership, while Tina touched a bit on personal development and management. I was particularly quite taken (as a public speaker myself) by their speaking and presentation abilities, something I am absolutely certain is a result of decades of experience in teaching.
Before the event began, I had a chance to speak with Dr. Hennesy, introducing him to the work of my companies in Africa, and sharing more about my work in the U.S., and aspirations to further my studies.
I was also drawn to Tina, who if anybody knew the both of us would conclude we are the same person in different seasons of a life. Tina authored “What I wish I knew When I was 20“, which is quite similar to my first book “By The End of Your Teens“. She has also worked in the first of innovation and creativity, much like myself, albeit she has had far more experience in this industry than I have. She detailed her experience applying for a job at Stanford which she felt was below her qualifications, something I deeply relate to as I pivoted from management in my companies to take up a job as a junior professional in New York.
I learnt so much, and it was such a great way to spend my evening. I will soon share a video (with their words and mine) so you too can learn more about the Knight Hennessy Scholarship.
Wishing you Luck,
Ntha
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