Now 24 years old, half Cuban and half Spanish, Miami has always been my home. I invested much of my time growing up dancing ballet from the age of 2 until I was 15. I also played piano and tennis – both very well, still do; but, it was ballet that was my central dream. My performances were always lauded and I was told that I had great potential to be the very best. In truth, however, there were always a handful of other girls who were one little step ahead of me; and in ballet only the very best of the best continue. My consolation has been psychology, which I had already embraced as my career choice by the time that I was finished high school.
With one semester left before graduating with my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from XXXX University, my dream career is now unfolding before my eyes and I am convinced that I will find the deepest possible professional fulfillment in the near future by earning the MA Degree in I/0 Psychology and serving as business consultant, helping organizations to make their workplaces more efficient by placing a priority on the welfare of the workers and their families, particularly in terms of worker satisfaction.
Probably the greatest strength of my application is the fact that my city, Miami, is arguably the most bi-cultural, bilingual Spanish/English city in the world, and I am a fully bicultural and bilingual woman who feels strongly that she has a lot to give to her community and is very determined to do so. I want very much to continue on and also earn the Master’s Degree in I/O Psychology at XXXX, simply because I am so comfortable studying here, happy and engaged with the academic community. I feel like it is our university, XXXX, that is inspiring me to strive for perfection, and that the superlative nature of your graduate as well as undergraduate programs will provide me with a crucial edge in a very competitive professional environment. I am highly dependable with a great work ethic and a broad variety of experience. My attention to detail is impeccable as are my organizational and problem solving skills.
Since I will soon be entering my final semester at XXXX, I have developed advanced analytical skills and enhanced problem-solving abilities. I have always been a very determined and studious individual; most of all, I am a really hard worker who has distinguished herself in several challenging work environments. I now hope very much to be accepted to your Master’s Program as the next step along the way to becoming an Industrial and Organizational Psychologist. I consider myself to be particularly well suited to a career in I/O Psychology since I pay a great deal of attention to detail and take intense pleasure in the analysis of social issues and controversy on the one hand, and conflict resolution on the others – always taking note of how people’s opinions and memories are influenced by external factors. My reading of Maslow and Herzberg have left me enormously excited about the prospects of harnessing the power of their theories for the enhancement of the quality of the workplace; and, hence, the professional relevance of I/O Psychology. One of my career highlights so far has been working on a research project entitled “Can money buy happiness” facilitating my exploration of practical applications for Business Psychology to be found in the works of Rotter as well as Skinner, with respect to the role played by cognitive processes in finding happiness in particular.
Working at a law firm for the past 4 years has helped to build my confidence and enhanced my communication skills since I am in constant contact with clients and colleagues. It has also helped me to refine my time management skills balancing work with school. I have learned a lot about how to run a law firm since the owner has entrusted me with a great deal of responsibility, greeting and interviewing clients and prospective clients, pleading preparation, scheduling hearings and mediations, drafting motions, gathering all information necessary in a timely fashion. I also do the billing for the firm, prep invoices, and prepare checks for closings as well as being in charge of commissions and bonuses paid to associate attorneys and the management of real estate owned by my employer.
Nevertheless, the above is just a job. I am not at all attracted to the idea of law school because I do not want to be an attorney. My heart lies more in investigation, public debate, administration, and education. I have volunteered at an Elementary School as an Assistant Teacher and I have a passion for research, statistics, and finding practical applications. I am civil notary public and also have an insurance license
10 years from now I see myself as a professional I/O Psychologist fully engaged in cutting edge research designed to ultimately address important social and ethical questions that emerge in the workplace of tomorrow. The principal foundation for my career advancement will be earning the Master’s Degree in I/O Psychology at XXXX. I feel strongly that the training and experiences offered by XXXX University is the perfect match for my career goals.
Education is and has always been the basis of the individual that I am striving to become. My specialty is making strategy happen: prioritizing goals, defining outcomes, aligning stakeholders, and executing against strategic initiatives.
I see your Master’s Program in I/O Psychology at XXXX as the optimal intellectual springboard to propel me forwards towards the greatest possible fulfillment as a mover and a shaker in the Miami workplace.
I thank you for considering my application.