MS Agricultural Economics Personal Purpose Statement Examples

Crafting a Successful Statement of Purpose in Agricultural Economics

I was born to the study of international markets since my father worked as a trader in heavy industry for almost 30 years and did business in 10+ countries including the Middle East, India, Singapore, China, the U.S., and several European countries. Thus, in addition to learning a great deal about international commerce, I was also exposed to a broad variety of cultures and languages growing up, all of which fostered in me a sense of identity as a global citizen advocating for planetary ethics. On my first trip to India, for example, I saw hundreds of homeless people laying down in the street begging for coins. Horrified and curious, I began paying special attention to food issues, learning why an agricultural giant like India was not even close to achieving food security for its people.

I left my native Korea to study abroad as an adolescent. First, I went to England all alone at the age of thirteen to study English intensively for 3 months. Courageous and a huge fan of Harry Potter, I thought England was the place to be. After a brief time at home, I went to Canada as an exchange student for a year and then on to Seattle for three years where I completed high school and excelled at gymnastics. Next, I went to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for four years where I studied Broadcast Journalism, thinking of becoming a film and TV producer. Soon, however, I switched my major to Agriculture and immersed myself in in-depth study, particularly as concerns farm machinery. My father, who has always been my foremost role model, with his background in heavy industry, fully supported my decision to focus on food.

As a student of farming, I profited from the experience of spending 4 years in the “Corn Belt” (Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio). I quickly realized that I was located at the center of the world’s breadbasket and have studied intensively the way in which production of the most basic staples, corn and wheat in particular, are heavily concentrated in only a few countries, especially the US, Brazil, Russia and China – all of which are major exporters of basic grains. My undergraduate studies have sparked a lifetime dedication to the study of agricultural economics because of the great passion that I find aroused in me by these, and other burning issues of the day related to global food supplies.

In my senior year in college, I enrolled in the course titled “Commodity Futures and Options,” which provided me with an in-depth understanding of the intricate mechanisms involved in the trading of agricultural commodities. Throughout the semester, I delved into the complexities of how crops are not only traded between various companies but also exchanged on an international scale. This experience opened my eyes to the multifaceted nature of the agricultural market, where factors such as weather patterns, geopolitical tensions, and economic policies can significantly influence prices and availability.

One of the most compelling aspects of this course was the exploration of the delicate balance between economic development and food security. I found myself increasingly intrigued by the pressing questions that arise at this intersection. For instance, how can nations develop economically while ensuring that their populations have reliable access to sufficient and nutritious food? This inquiry is particularly pertinent in a world where the demands of a growing population are constantly at odds with the challenges posed by climate change, resource depletion, and socio-political instability.

As I pondered these questions, I realized that my passion for understanding these dynamics has driven my desire to pursue graduate studies in international economics and policy. I am eager to immerse myself in an academic environment that not only fosters critical thinking but also encourages the exploration of innovative solutions to pressing global issues. My goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the global economic landscape, particularly as it pertains to land use efficiency and food security.

My ambition is to equip myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to discussions and policy-making processes related to food security and economic development. I envision a future where I can advocate for policies that promote equitable access to food while supporting sustainable agricultural practices. By pursuing graduate studies, I aim to be at the forefront of efforts to bridge the gap between economic growth and food security, ensuring that both can coexist harmoniously in our increasingly interconnected world.

I could not be more pleased that my efforts were rewarded this year by my being awarded a student travel grant to attend and present my research at an international conference.

Thank you for considering my application to ____ University.

MS Agricultural Economics Personal Purpose Statement Examples