Statement of Purpose for the Master in Higher Education at Harvard School of Education
My affinity for management is rooted in my upbringing. As a child, I always took a keen interest in my parent’s demeanor especially in home settings. Successful managers in their own respect in different capacities, my parents always insisted on planning and managing our time and schedules. To date, I have always known them as perfectionists and go-getters who are ready to go an extra mile to ensure situations, time and resources and meticulously managed to achieve the planned goals. I took up Social and Behavioral Sciences studies during my undergraduate studies because I not only wanted to follow in the footsteps of my parents but also to unravel the science behind the numerous social and behavioral issues that managers have to contend with on a daily basis. However, my master’s degree studies in general management and later my job experience as professionally and personally to explore higher education administration and management. I am applying for a Master in Higher Education degree at Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) to realize my dream of becoming a transformative world class management professional.
As a graduate student at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, I specialized in management-related fields such as communication, marketing and economics. My undergraduate studies broadened my grasp of management as a profession and its interconnectedness with different fields. I horned my analytical, critical, interpersonal, and leadership skills while at Amherst. I interacted with students from different backgrounds which enabled me to appreciate the importance of diversity within learning institutions and even workplaces. My understanding of management and higher education administration was further boosted during my master’s degree studies at Plymouth State University’s College of Business Administration and my job experiences. Since 2014, I have worked at Harvard Medical School, Office for Diversity and Community Partnership (DICP) including serving as Program Coordinator and Interim Program Manager for Visiting Research Internship Program (VRIP). The program is aimed at mentored medical students in clinical research among others (Harvard Medical School, n.pag). Managing and coordinating the activities of the program has given me the opportunity to interact with students from different countries and cultures. This has shaped my management and leadership philosophies and belief systems especially on the importance of globalization and diversity in successful management of learning institutions.
I have also worked as a management intern at The Media Education Foundation where I was tasked with overseeing the company’s marketing and production initiatives. I am currently also serving as a volunteer and marketing assistant for Sneakers for Success where I have successfully overseen sneakers marketing campaigns and programs. My experiences since joining these organizations have deepened my understanding of higher education management including theories of management and best practices. They have also ignited a strong desire in me to become a professional in the field while doubling my admiration of Harvard University as a world-class learning institution.
Given the chance to study for master’s degree at HGSE, I will strive acquire new management skills that are aligned with the age of information. I will aim developing my leadership skills and impacting others within the profession and beyond by championing for evidence-based practices aided by technology. As a management professional, I aspire to strengthen my skill set, knowledge, and awareness of management trends especially within higher education settings globally. I intend on building on my current experience and academic background to rise to senior levels of management including serving as becoming a Dean at Harvard University. I also plan to contribute to policy development and research especially with a special focus on higher education management and administration.
The reason why I chose the master program offered by HGSE is because the university has a time-honored history of producing some of the world’s leading professionals across numerous beyond management. Harvard University has a rich history of nurturing talents and developing all-rounded leaders who are spearheading positive change in their respective field. The institution has a flexible yet intensive program whose timeframe and delivery suits my current schedule and aspirations. As indicated by Francesca Purcell who is a senior lecturer for the program, a Master’s in Education at the University will enable me critically analyze issues in the education while also propelling me to higher leadership positions (HGSE n.pag). During my time working at the University, I have witnessed firsthand the acclaimed greatness of the institution including its cultural diversity and I aspire to join this conveyor belt. Additionally, I currently lack a greater insight in management of higher education institutions despite my Master’s degree in General Management and undergraduate studies in management, economics, marketing, and communication. Therefore, I believe Harvard University’s program will tremendously improve my management skills. Through the program, I believe I will gain the right tools and support to strengthen my current foundation in management studies.
I look forward to starting and completing this intellectual journey at Harvard University Graduate School of Education (HGSE). I also commit to abide by the rules and regulations of the University while also working closely with the staff and fellow students for the better of the institution and the world at large. At this point in my career and professional development, furthering my management studies at HGSE comes naturally because of the institution’s program is aligned with my professional goals. Additionally, I have already established a healthy relationship with the institution having worked in the Office for Diversity and Community Partnership (DICP) since 2014. I therefore promise to work tirelessly to achieve my dreams when given an enrolment chance into the program.
Works Cited
Harvard Medical School. Program for Medical Students: Visiting Research Internship Program (VRIP). Office for Diversity Inclusion & Community Partnership (DCIP), 2019. Available at: https://mfdp.med.harvard.edu/dcp-programs/medicalgraduate/visiting-research-internship-program
HGSE. Master’s Programs: Higher Education. Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2019. Available at: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/masters/hi