Personal Statement - International Business 2

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Growing up in North Wales, where most of our industry is in the tourism sector, it became apparent to me how people can influence other countries economically and this brought me to think about the importance of the study of International Business.

My passion in business started at a young age as both my parents run their own company, and deal with places such as Holland, Belgium, and the USA. I feel fortunate that I was able to carry out a work experience shadowing and attended meetings aboard, which gave me a feel for International Relations. I find business an exciting and diverse, and can be found everywhere from a local corner shop, to a world wide plc.

The course that I am applying for interests me because of the integrated year in a partner institution, which would allow me to explore the cultural context of management in another country, developing my knowledge that is needed in the increasingly international environment. I feel that it would also benefit my foreign language skills which would prove useful during my fourth year of study, exploring Business and Society in Contemporary Europe.

I am aware that English is the lingua franca of international business, it is still a love of mine that I shall find useful even after University when I enter the world of work. Many Europeans, especially the French who are traditionally very protective of their mother tongue, and as a prospective International Business student, I am very keen to embrace international cultures and improve my linguistics.

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

I self studied Maths, and History at A level which has been a demanding yet enjoyable experience. I noticed that History is a great tool to use when predicting economic and social issues in identifying patterns. Studying Europe in depth for academic and personal reading has helped me become aware of its social and economic challenges. I studied the history of civil libertarianism in France stretches back to the revolution in 1789, which has cultivated a business culture that favours consensus rather than individual leadership. My research of the backwardness of Russia before the Revolution exposed me to Karl Marx, who I find inspirational when we consider how to apply it throughout diverse Europe and the USSR.

I adore languages and feel privileged to live in a bi-lingual environment. I learnt Welsh when I was seven, and I am currently taking an online Spanish course. Family visits to France during the summer holidays since I was seventeen, has also given me a chance to practice my French with native speakers.

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

I am currently building a website, as an extension of a gift store and Art gallery based in the local area, selling Welsh goods online such as Literature and Art. With no overheads and a worldwide online presence, it has allowed the gift store to generate sales on a relatively low profit margin which aided them during the recession when many people in the local area sadly lost their jobs.

The advantages of setting up the website have meant that my developing my understanding of international marketing has strengthened considerably. I started marketing the website by publicising the website into google search engine. I contacted a newspaper in Patagonia, who wrote a small feature of the gift shop and website, in order to market the website for people with an interest in their heritage. I have also contended with the practical matters such as dealing with Royal Mail in sending parcels aboard.

I keep my finger on the pulse through newspapers, and being a member of Amnesty International as I feel very strongly about Human Rights. I also participate with a debate team when my academic workload will allow me.

In my spare time, I sing with the Bangor University Choir, and play the Violin. I take part in Ballet, and I am very fond of literature. Taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge taught me the importance of preservation, drive and commitment, something which I value towards my studies.

I volunteer with the St John’s Ambulance offering assistance at important events such as the National Eisteddfod and have competed various First Aid courses. I also help out at a local farm which I enjoy very much.

I am eager to identify what I have observed in the workplace with academic theories but most of all, I am looking forward to working hard towards a mentally stimulating degree course.

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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