Economics and management degree personal statement example (1a)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Business has always held a fascination for me. This was a result of being brought up with the business world at home and a desire to understand the language around me. When I started my sixth form career I seized upon the opportunity to formally study economics as a part of my International Baccalaureate.

As we moved onto the theory of the firm modules in economics I realised that it was the applied side of the subject I wished to pursue. This led me to look elsewhere for knowledge. I am a regular listener of the Economist podcast and read the Economic Review magazine using every opportunity to keep up with economics and business news. I feel the firm foothold in the theoretical analysis and strategies of business in your course, combined with the practical grounding makes it perfect course for my ambition to pursue a career in management.

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

The key factors in choosing the IB path were that I was not ready for the linear, focused approach demanded by A-levels and was unfazed by the extra workload demanded. I have enjoyed success in my course choices achieving high grades and thoroughly enjoying every subject. The holistic approach fits my character and has allowed me to confirm where my true passion lies, in business.

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

Whilst the theoretical side of my studies has been largely based in the classroom, I have a passion for practical experience. In the summer before my 6th form I worked for an international satellite phone business and through these links I was invited to work for a company in Madrid this summer. These experiences have given me a real insight not only into business here in the UK, but on a much larger scale. For the extended essay part of my IB I chose to study the economic state of the waste tyre and rubber recycling industry. As part of this study I spent some time this summer with a leading company in this industry. This gave me amazing an opportunity not only to see how practical business is conducted but also to reflect and analyse it against economic theories.

I have always aspired to be a leader. In the last two years I have captained both the 1st XV rugby and 1st XI cricket teams. I have been captain of the school choir for the past three years, the youngest in the history of the school. My love of musical theatre has led to me taking numerous principle parts in shows both in school and with semi-professional theatre groups. This year I accepted the roles of House and Lower School Prefect which has required me to take on responsibility and organisation tasks. However, in order to be a valuable leader and an effective manager I believe that you must be willing and know how to be led yourself. Last year I represented Salisbury RFC as we made it to the last eight in the National Cup competition. My performances for club earned me a place in the Wilts and Dorset county squad. Through my experiences, both as a leader and a pupil, I have learnt that management is a fine art, requiring skill alongside tact, with no established definitive answers or methods for every situation. It is upon these experiences that I hope to build and improve in order to convert my passion into a career. One of my strongest traits is my competitive spirit. I hate losing and will work hard to make sure that I succeed often giving me the edge over others. I am also constantly looking for fresh challenges. In all my sports for example one thing that eluded me was long distance endurance fitness. This summer I overcame this by conquering the three peaks challenge, achieving a Silver award winning time. These traits have earned me ten times as many Creativity Action Service hours than required by the IB and I expect to complete my Duke of Edinburgh gold this coming summer.

I believe my experiences, both in the classroom and in the real world have given me a great platform for this course at university. I have real ambitions for the future, a will to succeed and I am certain this will enable me to contribute and excel at your university.

Universities applied to:

• Warwick (Management)
• Bristol (Economics and Management)
• Southampton (Economics and Management)
• Cardiff (Economics and Management)
• Exeter (Business Economics)

Grades achieved:

• Economics HL - 7
• Music HL - 6
• Physics HL - 5
• Maths SL - 6
• English SL - 5
• Spanish Ab - 5
• 37 Points
• 36points
• 34 points (17HL)
• 33 points
• 31 points

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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