(no subject)
Hi there, I'm applying for an MA in Publishing and Writing.
Here is the essay prompt: Explain your short-term and long-term professional goals. How will [this school's] education assist you in achieving these goals? Reflecting on any relevant work and educational experiences, describe how you would contribute to the program and to the profession. Additionally, please elaborate on your specific area of interest-book publishing, electronic publishing, magazine publishing, or some other type of publishing.
This is a first draft, please let me know what you think, thanks!
The past and present have both been defined by my greatest passion: writing. Through hard work and persistence, I know my future will share this theme and transform it from what began as a hobby into a profession. Writing has always been a major part of my life, from the short stories I wrote as a child, to my decision to major in journalism for my undergraduate degree. My ultimate goal is a career in the evolving field of magazine publishing, which would undoubtedly include online publishing as well. [This college] offers an incredibly unique program that I know would give me an advantage in the competitive field of publishing.
My most immediate goal is to attend graduate school. This may seem like an obvious answer, however, being accepted to [this college] would fulfill a goal that I have had my sights set on since high school. Education is extremely important to me, and since graduating from [college] in December 2008, I have felt unfulfilled without a class to attend or an assignment to complete. I know there is so much more for me to learn, and I am prepared to begin this next chapter. Also, as a resident of [a city], [state], where unemployment recently reached 13 percent, I know how valuable a graduate degree will be no matter what city I choose to live in.
After I have received my master’s degree, I want to write for and eventually become the editor of a magazine. I am currently an editorial intern for [magazine], a niche magazine that covers environmental issues pertaining to business. I have learned a great deal about the time, effort and energy that go into publishing a monthly magazine. It is a change from the usual news reporting I have done in the past, and I absolutely love it. I admire the relentless efforts of the publisher and editors to make it both a successful print and online publication. Many magazines that have failed to transition to the Internet are in danger of folding, and I hope to work for a publication that has a strong print and online presence. Through my work with [this magazine], I have become familiar with various computer programs used to publish a magazine. This is an invaluable skill I did not receive in my otherwise excellent undergraduate program. I have researched the course offerings at [this college] and I know I will gain skills in computer programs that are widely used throughout the industry. This can only help me achieve my goal of landing a job as a writer, and then editor, of a magazine.
I am proud of my writing skills and the work I produced at the undergraduate level and while working for two print publications. While some may become overwhelmed in graduate course work, I know I am well prepared for the challenge. I would enter the program with real world experience and published work. I know I am a great writer, but I also know, at this point in my career, there is always room for improvement. At [this college], I can achieve my goal of refining my magazine writing skills. Being a skilled and polished writer will surely help in achieving my short-term and long-term goals.
My long term goal is to be the founder and publisher of a successful print and on-line magazine with a large, loyal following. I have worked for two niche publications: a regional business weekly and a monthly business magazine focused on sustainability. I have learned that, with interesting content and strong leadership, niche publications have lasting power, while magazines with broad topics are struggling. I am passionate about so many things and I definitely have some time to work out the specifics, especially because the industry could change dramatically by the time I am ready to do this. However, my publication could focus on anything from travel to animals to vegetarian cuisine! My goal of publishing my own magazine would no longer be a dream, but something I know will become a reality if given the opportunity to attend [this college].
I am so thrilled [this school] offers the Publishing and Writing program. It is an important program that I have yet to see duplicated by any other institution, and I know it is the perfect fit for me. If I received a graduate degree from [here] in Publishing and Writing, a future goal in magazine publishing really is possible.
Here is the essay prompt: Explain your short-term and long-term professional goals. How will [this school's] education assist you in achieving these goals? Reflecting on any relevant work and educational experiences, describe how you would contribute to the program and to the profession. Additionally, please elaborate on your specific area of interest-book publishing, electronic publishing, magazine publishing, or some other type of publishing.
This is a first draft, please let me know what you think, thanks!
The past and present have both been defined by my greatest passion: writing. Through hard work and persistence, I know my future will share this theme and transform it from what began as a hobby into a profession. Writing has always been a major part of my life, from the short stories I wrote as a child, to my decision to major in journalism for my undergraduate degree. My ultimate goal is a career in the evolving field of magazine publishing, which would undoubtedly include online publishing as well. [This college] offers an incredibly unique program that I know would give me an advantage in the competitive field of publishing.
My most immediate goal is to attend graduate school. This may seem like an obvious answer, however, being accepted to [this college] would fulfill a goal that I have had my sights set on since high school. Education is extremely important to me, and since graduating from [college] in December 2008, I have felt unfulfilled without a class to attend or an assignment to complete. I know there is so much more for me to learn, and I am prepared to begin this next chapter. Also, as a resident of [a city], [state], where unemployment recently reached 13 percent, I know how valuable a graduate degree will be no matter what city I choose to live in.
After I have received my master’s degree, I want to write for and eventually become the editor of a magazine. I am currently an editorial intern for [magazine], a niche magazine that covers environmental issues pertaining to business. I have learned a great deal about the time, effort and energy that go into publishing a monthly magazine. It is a change from the usual news reporting I have done in the past, and I absolutely love it. I admire the relentless efforts of the publisher and editors to make it both a successful print and online publication. Many magazines that have failed to transition to the Internet are in danger of folding, and I hope to work for a publication that has a strong print and online presence. Through my work with [this magazine], I have become familiar with various computer programs used to publish a magazine. This is an invaluable skill I did not receive in my otherwise excellent undergraduate program. I have researched the course offerings at [this college] and I know I will gain skills in computer programs that are widely used throughout the industry. This can only help me achieve my goal of landing a job as a writer, and then editor, of a magazine.
I am proud of my writing skills and the work I produced at the undergraduate level and while working for two print publications. While some may become overwhelmed in graduate course work, I know I am well prepared for the challenge. I would enter the program with real world experience and published work. I know I am a great writer, but I also know, at this point in my career, there is always room for improvement. At [this college], I can achieve my goal of refining my magazine writing skills. Being a skilled and polished writer will surely help in achieving my short-term and long-term goals.
My long term goal is to be the founder and publisher of a successful print and on-line magazine with a large, loyal following. I have worked for two niche publications: a regional business weekly and a monthly business magazine focused on sustainability. I have learned that, with interesting content and strong leadership, niche publications have lasting power, while magazines with broad topics are struggling. I am passionate about so many things and I definitely have some time to work out the specifics, especially because the industry could change dramatically by the time I am ready to do this. However, my publication could focus on anything from travel to animals to vegetarian cuisine! My goal of publishing my own magazine would no longer be a dream, but something I know will become a reality if given the opportunity to attend [this college].
I am so thrilled [this school] offers the Publishing and Writing program. It is an important program that I have yet to see duplicated by any other institution, and I know it is the perfect fit for me. If I received a graduate degree from [here] in Publishing and Writing, a future goal in magazine publishing really is possible.