Personal Statement

Whenever I have set a goal in life, my mind has always drifted to the example set by Lester Wunderman. Growing up poor amidst the Great Depression, he went on to become a marketing mastermind, responsible for innovative direct media techniques such as the insert card and 'Gold Box'.

Wunderman was never content to accept setbacks. When faced with a struggle, I have always sought to emulate him by emerging from obstacles--not with a sense of defeat--but with a renewed sense of determination and greater problem-solving skills.

While at school, I underwent a two-day hospital procedure that caused me to miss a considerable amount of class; as a result, I fell behind in my studies and faced extensive makeup work. I quickly made a vow, however, not to allow my schoolwork to suffer. By spending many hours on my academics even while rebuilding my physical health, I continued to excel in school, achieving straight A grades in my GCSE's.

After graduation, I decided to gain exposure to the insurance field, taking a position at Norwich Union Insurance. As a sales advisor, I primarily generated insurance quotes. After one year, I craved greater challenge, deciding to look for new opportunities. Transferring to the travel section, I assumed the position of Travel Executive, during which I performed many customer service tasks and managed the distribution of insurance certificates.

Yet, I still yearned for more challenge, more risk and more opportunity. After two years of service at Norwich Union, I decided to enter the perpetually stimulating field of business. However, I wanted to pursue a business career after gaining a thorough mastery of the subject matter; therefore, I needed a university degree.

In June 2002, after much hard work and intense focus, I graduated with Honours, achieving a first class degree. After six months in a graduate Management Trainee position, I knew that I wanted to perfect my knowledge; an MBA would impart essential skills such as account analysis, stock valuing, and a sound understanding of finance.

During 2003, I immersed myself in thorough preparations for business school, learning to write business plans, model businesses and carry out statistical tests. Through my self-directed study and experience in the Management position, I'm thoroughly familiar with the concepts behind strategy, marketing and operations. I now wish to expand my proficiency in these areas on the MBA program.

While an academic record can reveal much about a person's character, illustrating traits such as discipline, determination, and responsibility, it does not provide the complete picture. Namely, grades and scores cannot detail lessons learned, challenges met and victories achieved. Throughout my life, I have always sought greater intellectual