Economics Personal Statement Example 4

For a number of years, I have had a keen interest in events and occurrences throughout the world; I have always tried to keep up-to-date with current affairs, and recently have found stories concerning economic issues becoming increasingly appealing.

Economics is a subject which is particularly relevant to the modern world which we live in, and within the subject, I find myself predominantly attracted to macro-economical areas - the effects of variations in interest rates and inflation, international trade, and so on.

Reading related books and magazines has strengthened my interest in the subject; I regularly read `The Economist', and have also read David Smith's `Free Lunch: Easily Digestible Economics', which provided me with a valuable starting point for further study.

I feel that my studies, especially in mathematics, prepare me well for a degree-level course in economics. The course has given me valuable skills: the ability to take a worded problem and convert it into a mathematical one and the knowledge of a wide variety of mathematical concepts.

The coursework elements of German and computing have provided me with the opportunity to develop skills which will be invaluable on a course of undergraduate study. German in particular requires extensive research and the gathering, collating and synthesising of information from different sources.

The computing coursework consists of creating an IT-based solution to an extensive, business-related, problem. This helps to develop problem-solving capabilities, with the need to evaluate several potential methods of implementing the proposed solution.

I am enthusiastic about the challenges that I will face, and the chance to improve my skills beyond those acquired during my A-Level courses of study, especially as I have not formally studied economics before. Upon completion of the course, I hope to pursue a career in the field, probably embarking on a career in either the Civil Service or the Bank of England.

Last year, I was part of a team which took part in the national Young Enterprise scheme, in which students set up and run a pseudo-company: selling products to consumers, managing accounts, having shareholders, etc.

The scheme, although we had some difficulties along the way, has given me a valuable insight into the running of business, and decisions that they must undertake. After completing a web-design project in Year 10, a local company asked me, in conjunction with another student, to design and maintain their internet site.

This has required a number of meetings with the managing staff, and gave me a glimpse into the operating of a real company, and how they must present information to forge links with other businesses and investors.

Outside of school, I have recently completed my bronze Duke of Edinburgh's award, and am close to completing the silver section.

This has been invaluable in developing teamworking and problem solving skills. I am also an assistant leader at a local cub pack, and will be applying for formal leader status after my 18th birthday.

This connection has allowed me the opportunity to learn about the behaviour of children; suitable activities for them to undertake; and how to present these activities in an interesting, yet educational way.

I look forward to becoming involved in all aspects of university life, not only academically, but also socially; I feel that I would benefit greatly from a place in university.