Business and management degree personal statement example (1p)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My decision to study project management in construction and other business related subjects stems from developing an interest in business as a career aim. This interest is almost certainly the result of growing up in an entrepreneurial family where I was constantly exposed to discussions about all aspects of enterprises, from new business ideas to running a firm efficiently and managing projects. I believe that my background has given me insight into the working of business and marketing. My interest in business was reinforced by my experience in shadowing a project manager at a small construction company in London called St. James construction, whilst a school work experience.

I like to take the initiative and enjoy ownership of a project by seeing things from beginning to end. I realised this when I helped my elder brother with the setting up of his own pizza delivery business in south London. I attended meetings with solicitors, accountants and surveyors. This gave me a chance to witness and understand a number of different aspects of setting up and running a business as well as developing skills, like team working, acting on initiative and foreseeing and preparing for potential problems. It made me think particularly about business location, suppliers, target audience, finance, quality, competition and future growth. I believe this experience enhanced my basic business awareness further confirming for me that my interest and skills lay in the direction of a career in business.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

My choice of 'A' level subjects was based on my aim to pursue studies involving business. I appreciated that the impact of technology and social interactions were necessary prerequisites to succeed in business and project work. I am currently also studying Maths at home as I appreciate that numerical skill will be important in my chosen course. Thus I believe that my academic knowledge, practical experience and personal skills equip me to successfully pursue a degree.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Outside college, I am involved with my family business every weekend.

I also help out at the local community centre by helping disabled children. When time allows, I enjoy reading various kinds of literature and am currently enjoying The Colour Purple. Keeping fit is also an interest of mine, which I like to carry out in my spare time through swimming and time at the gym. I am interested in a number of other sports, such as football and tennis, but my biggest achievement to date has been when I became the captain of my local Hounslow Cricket club under 18 and won the Middlesex league. I have travelled extensively and have visited Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, Afghanistan as well as various countries in Europe. Throughout my travels, the differing degree of development, lifestyles and work ethos I witnessed in different countries have widened my horizons and I am now more culturally aware and sensitive.

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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