Personal Statement - French and Management 1

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Languages are at the core of communication and for me, the ability to communicate and understand the cultures of so many different people, across five different continents by studying French is necessary. I believe it is important for me to achieve fluency in French so that the true meaning is fully understood as the essence of the language can often be lost in translation. I am keen to continue and improve my knowledge of French and the fact that the learning process is continual attracts me to want to study French. I would like to combine it with management and use my expertise in both subjects to follow a financially orientated career.

Extending my knowledge of French through film, music and literature, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the provocative, witty poetry of Jacques Prévert and the simple Franco-Prussian war stories of Guy de Maupassant. I believe both authors capture historical and social issues in a thought-provoking and intriguing way, in particular Maupassant whose prevalent anti-war message in ‘La Mere Sauvage’ is still relevant. The war stories of Maupassant have motivated me to read further into the Franco-Prussian war and I am currently enjoying ‘The Young Franc Tireurs’ by George Alfred Henty. The story of the two brothers enjoying guerrilla warfare is certainly remarkable and the contrast with the message of Maupassant is particularly interesting. Watching films such as ‘Kirikou et la sorcière’ have helped me to expand my vocabulary. The variations in spoken French are also becoming of great interest to me particularly when listening to music by francophone African artists.

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

I have taken every opportunity to take part in activities which include the use of languages within school life including teaching French to junior school pupils at lunchtimes and performing short sketches in assemblies. Having travelled to Geneva and Paris with school, I am keen to spend as much time in France and Switzerland in the summer of my gap year as well as for part of my degree. Visiting the countries themselves was an amazing experience and gave me the chance to practise my French as well as immerse myself in the culture.

When provided with the opportunity to take part in starting and running a student business, I jumped at the chance to take on a new challenge and to also learn more about business. Creating a sweet shop for students enabled me to learn about the many different aspects required in running a business, from marketing to managing finances and above all, the importance of working as a team. I enjoyed carrying out the market research and analysing the findings to try and predict what sort of products would sell well.

Another business aspect I am also interested in is international markets which has stemmed from my appreciation for economics. Economics has significant effects on society and I find it fascinating how the choices of others and dramatic variations in consumer behaviour can influence activity in markets. Consequently an understanding of finance is paramount to the correct allocation and management of resources. Finance encapsulates subjects such as economics, business and management in which I have interest and want to study alongside French.

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

Currently on my gap year, I am on a paid apprenticeship with an IT company, where I am developing my communication and IT skills. I hope to gain further work experience within the financial sector and keep my interest in financial and business affairs by reading books such as ‘The Corporation’. I also wish to continue with my musical interests, such as playing the flute in the borough concert band.

I believe having a thorough command of French is valuable, particularly in the world of business. I am also eager to learn more about the world of finance at degree level. I believe that my love of languages, my interest in finance along with my dedication and hard-working attitude will make me successful in higher education and beyond.

Universities applied to:

• Nottingham (Management Studies with French)
• Lancaster (French & Management)
• Birmingham (International Managment with French)
• King's College (French & Management)
• Leeds (French & Management)

Grades achieved:

• Mathematics A2 - A
• French A2 - A
• Spanish A2 - B
• Further Maths AS - B

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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