information science personal statement

Sample Personal Statement Data Science and Analytics

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The demand for data science experts is increasing in every industry, not just in technology. Moreover, it is a high-paying job with a guaranteed placement even before graduation. Hence, the competition is also increasing, and with every passing year, the ease of getting into a top data analytics program keeps getting harder. So, start early with your application and make sure you put good time into drafting your perfect application essays.

Here is a sample personal statement of data science professional with two years of experience working in a big data consulting firm. This candidate was able to secure admission into top data science programs like Vanderbilt and CMU. He has graciously shared his successful essay so that prospective applicants can benefit from it.

Related Personal Statements 1) Sample Personal Statement Business Analytics 2) Sample Personal Statement in Advanced Analytics (admitted to NCSU) 3) Sample Personal Statement in Analytics (admitted to Georgia Tech) 4) Sample Personal Statement in Management and Analytics (admitted to LBS)

Sample Personal Statement for Big Data/Data Science/Data Analytics

I want to play a critical role as a big data architect who translates business problems into solvable analytics. In the short run, I want to work for a leading FMCG firm like Unilever, P&G, or Nestle and define procedures and models to determine what IT systems gather and remove information silos across different departments. In the long run, however, I want to extend my expertise in the public sector and advise corporates and governments alike across the globe to solve several social and business problems through big data.

My undergraduate has equipped me with extensive quantitative knowledge and technical experience around different themes in Computer Engineering. I’ve focused most of my studies on GUI in C++, apps and game development, and intensive numerical analysis. This was further honed when I joined Afiniti Experience Ltd as Software Engineer.

I have written scripts using MySQL and MSSQL to process large datasets and troubleshoot and configure the company’s operations. At Afiniti, I have developed a strong skillset in collecting, storing and managing big data. I plan to translate business problems into analytics-driven solutions, which I would embed into business operations. However, I must first curate my leadership skills and polish my skillset in designing computational pipelines for high-dimensional and large-scale complex data.

At Vanderbilt, I want to develop my theoretical basis of operations and decision technologies which ideally dovetails with my career interests of applying quantitative techniques in business operations. Beyond the classroom, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with Vanderbilt’s influential faculty. The Data Science Institute will allow me to learn data-driven research and train me as a future leader.

In particular, the techniques of Gautam Biswas on learner modeling and adaptivity are foundational for my current work. Moreover, Jeffrey D. Blume’s expertise in statistical inference and methodology for analyzing and interpreting receiver operating characteristic curves will equip me with tools through which I can excel in my future career.

My future aspirations require strong leadership qualities recognized in a data-driven world. For this purpose, I would greatly benefit from Data Science Institute’s capstone development and lead a project from scratch. This will mold my personality into a global leader’s persona.

Lastly, I will exploit the locational advantage of living at Vanderbilt and gain access to multiple fortune 500 companies where I can seek pro bono consulting opportunities and enhance my problem-solving acumen. I am also confident in acquiring the necessary communication skills to present solutions to Product Managers, Sales Associates, Engineers, and Marketing Teams.

To sum up, owing to my aspirations and professional expertise in big data synthesis, I am confident of using the vibrant opportunities at Vanderbilt’s master’s in data science and converting it into an ideal segue for my future career aspirations.

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Computer Science Personal Statement (Guide + Examples!)

Applying to study computer science can be quite a complicated programs. There are so many programs out there with so many application requirements. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.

In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to write a computer science personal statement that will increase your chances of getting accepted into the program of your choice.

Table of Contents

What Is a computer science personal statement?

A computer science personal statement is a document that you submit as part of your application to study computer science.

In this statement, you’ll need to talk about your motivation for wanting to study computer science, as well as your skills and experience . This is your chance to sell yourself to the admissions committee and demonstrate why you’re the perfect candidate for their program.

Anatomy of a personal statement

Now that we’ve covered what a computer science personal statement is, let’s take a look at what it should include.

1. Introduction

Your computer science personal statement should start with a brief introduction . In this section, you’ll want to introduce yourself as a computer science applicant and explain why you’re interested in studying computer science. This is your chance to grab the attention of the admissions committee and make them want to read on.

2. Your motivation for wanting to study computer science

In this section, you’ll need to explain your motivation for wanting to study computer science. What is it about computer science that interests you? What are your long-term career aspirations? This is your chance to sell yourself to the admissions committee and demonstrate your commitment to the subject.

3. Your skills and experience

In this section, you’ll need to talk about your skills and experience . What computer science-related courses have you taken? Do you have any industry experience? This is your chance to show the admissions committee that you have the skills and experience necessary to succeed in their program.

4. Conclusion

Your computer science personal statement should end with a brief conclusion . In this section, you’ll want to restate your motivation for wanting to study computer science and reiterate your commitment to the subject. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Who reads my computer science personal statement?

The computer science personal statement is read by the admissions committee of the computer science department to which you’re applying.

This committee is made up of professors and industry professionals who are experts in the field of computer science. They will use your personal statement to determine whether or not you’re a good fit for their program.

Usually, the admission review process includes several rounds, and your computer science personal statement will be read by multiple members of the admissions committee.

How long should my computer science personal statement be?

Your computer science personal statement should be between 500 and 1000 words . This is enough space for you to introduce yourself, talk about your motivation for wanting to study computer science, and discuss your skills and experience.

Speaking in pages, your computer science personal statement should be one to two pages long . If your personal statement is longer than that, the admissions committee is likely to skim it, or even worse, not read it at all.

What should I include in my computer science personal statement?

There are a few things you will want to include in your computer science personal statement. In general, you should provide the admissions committee with convincing motivation and evidence that will portray you as someone both passionate and promising as a future computer science student.

Some things that you may want to include in your computer science personal statement are:

• Source of motivation for studying computer science
• Evidence of programming or quantitative abilities
• Competitions/olympiads
• Relevant work experience
• Relevant projects
• Accomplishments
• Future career aspirations

Your personal statement may also include other information that you feel is important for the admissions committee to know about you. However, make sure that whatever you include is relevant to computer science and will help you stand out as a strong candidate.

What should I not write in my computer science personal statement?

There are a few things you’ll want to avoid including in your computer science personal statement. First, avoid repeating information that is already available in your application . The admissions committee will already have access to your transcripts, test scores, and resume, so there’s no need to include this information in your personal statement.

Second, avoid including information that is not relevant to computer science . The admissions committee is looking for evidence that you’re passionate about computer science and have the skills and experience necessary to succeed in their program, so including information about your hobbies or extracurricular activities may not be the best way to go forward.

An exception to this is if you’re including information about extenuating circumstances that have impacted your academic performance, in which case you should briefly explain how these circumstances have affected you and why you’re still a strong candidate for their program.

Finally, avoid using cliches, quotes, or formulas in your computer science personal statement . The admissions committee is looking for an original and authentic voice, so be sure to write in your own words.

Tips on writing a top-notch computer science personal statement

Now that we’ve gone over what to include and what not to include in your computer science personal statement, let’s talk about how you can write a top-notch personal statement.

First, start by brainstorming a list of your computer science-related experiences, skills, and accomplishments . This will give you a good starting point for your personal statement and help you determine what information is most relevant to include.

As you’re drafting your computer science personal statement, be sure to keep the following tips in mind:

• Write in clear, concise, and easy-to-understand language
• Use active voice
• Be honest and authentic
• Personalize your statement to the program you’re applying to
• Proofread your statement for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors

By following these tips, you can write a computer science personal statement that is sure to impress the admissions committee and increase your chances of getting into your dream program.

Computer science personal statement examples

Now that we’ve covered the basics of what a computer science personal statement should include, let’s take a look at some computer science personal statement examples.

“I have been programming since I was 12 years old, and ever since then I have been fascinated by the possibilities that computer science offers. I am motivated by the idea of being able to create something from scratch and see it come to life, and I know that computer science will allow me to do just that. In addition, I have experience in working with code from different languages, which has taught me how to think critically and solve problems. My skills in critical thinking and problem solving are essential for studying computer science, as they will allow me to tackle complex challenges head-on.

Apart from my skills and experience, I am also passionate about learning new things. This is why during my free time I volunteered for Code for America, where I worked with a team of designers and developers to build a civic engagement platform. This experience showed me the importance of collaboration when it comes to creating something amazing, and it solidified my belief that teamwork is key to success.

Another project I got involved with was the development of a computer game for blind children. This project was important to me because it allowed me to use my skills for something good, and it also showed me how computer science can be used to create inclusive technologies.

Last year, I also had the opportunity to intern at Lyft, where I worked on a team that developed a new feature for the Lyft app. This experience was invaluable, as it gave me insights into the inner workings of one of the world’s most successful companies. It also showed me how computer science can be used to solve real-world problems.

Ultimately, I believe that I would be an excellent candidate for your computer science program because of my passion for the field combined with my skills and experience. I am confident that I have what it takes to succeed in computer science, and I hope to use my skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world.”

“I have always been interested in the way computers work and how they can be used to solve problems. This interest began when I was very young and has continued to grow as I have gotten older. My father is a computer scientist, so I have been exposed to computer science my entire life. In high school, I took several computer science courses and really enjoyed them. I also competed in several programming competitions and did well in them. In the following essay, I want to highlight my accomplishments as a computer science candidate and express my passion for this exciting field.

I am a computer science major at *NAME* University. I have taken several computer science courses and have gotten exceptional grades. My favorite course so far has been Introduction to Algorithms, for which I worked as a teaching assistant during my third year. I also competed in the Association for Computing Machinery International Collegiate Programming Contest, and our team placed in the top 100 out of 6,000 teams worldwide. This experience showed me that I have the ability to solve complex problems and work well under pressure.

As a student, I also worked as a part-time research assistant in the AI and Robotics laboratory, where I assisted in the development of a computer vision system for an autonomous robot. This experience allowed me to develop my skills in programming and computer science. In addition, I have also been a member of the Student Senate and have served on the Executive Board of the Student Government Association. These experiences have allowed me to develop leadership skills and learn how to work with others.

I am interested in computer science because it is a field that is constantly changing and evolving. There are always new problems to solve and new ways to solve them. I find this challenge exciting and invigorating. I am also interested in computer science because it is a field that combines creativity with logic. I enjoy using both my creative and logical sides when solving problems.

I am applying to your program specifically because I believe that it will allow me to further develop my skills in computer science. I am looking forward to taking classes from renowned professors and working with other talented students. I believe that your program will provide me with the skills and knowledge that I need to become a successful computer scientist.”

“Computers have always been a part of my life. As a toddler, I would watch my father work on computer programs for his business. Fascinated by the blinking cursor on the screen, I would ask him what he was doing and how it worked. My parents bought me my first computer when I was in grade school and I taught myself how to program in BASIC.

Since then, computer science has been my passion. I have pursued every opportunity to learn more about it, including taking computer science courses in high school and college and working as a research assistant for a computer science professor. I am excited to continue learning about computer science at the graduate level and to pursue a career in this field.

One of my biggest accomplishments in the field of computer science so far has been developing a computer program that can generate 3D models of human faces. This program has the potential to be used in a variety of applications, such as video game development, computer-aided design, and even law enforcement. I am currently working on submitting this program to a computer science conference for publication.

I have also been involved in a number of extracurricular activities related to computer science. I am a member of the Association for Computing Machinery and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. I have also volunteered my time to teach computer science to elementary and middle school students through a local program called Girls Who Code.

Besides this, I have worked on several personal coding projects of my own. For example, I created a computer program that can solve Sudoku puzzles by using a technique called constraint satisfaction. I also developed a website for a local business called Joe’s pizzeria. My skills in computer science have also helped me in my other hobbies, such as photography and video editing. For the latter, I made a light correction tool that can automatically color-correct a video based on the primer of a still image.

I believe that my passion for computer science, as well as my experience in the field, makes me an ideal candidate for a graduate program in computer science. I am excited to continue learning and expanding my skills in computer science so that I can make an impact in this field. For this reason, I am excited to submit an early decision application to your computer science graduate program.”

What should I do after I have my first draft?

After you have completed the first draft of your computer science personal statement, you should follow these steps to edit, polish, and finalize your computer science personal statement:

1. Check the word count : Most programs will give you a word or a page limit for your computer science personal statement. Make sure you stay within that limit, as going over it can make you seem like you can’t follow instructions.

2. Proofread and edit it : This step is crucial. A well-written and error-free computer science personal statement will make you look more professional and competent. Use spell check and grammar check , and then have someone else proofread it for you.

3. Ask for feedback : Once you’ve proofread and edited your computer science personal statement, ask a few people for their feedback. Choose people whose opinions you trust and who will be honest with you.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as needed : After you’ve received feedback, make the necessary changes to your computer science personal statement. Then, proofread and edit it again. Repeat this cycle until you’re happy with your statement.

5. Modify personal statement for each program : Don’t just submit the same computer science personal statement to every program you apply to. Tailor it to each individual program, highlighting why you’re a good fit for that specific school.

6. Submit : Once you’re happy with your computer science personal statement, submit it along with the rest of your application.

Make sure you give yourself enough time to do all of the steps above so that you can submit a strong statement. Remember, this is just one part of your overall application package, so make sure all other elements are strong as well—such as your grades, letters of recommendation , and resume.

We hope that this guide has been helpful and that you feel more confident in your ability to write a stellar computer science personal statement. Remember, the most important thing is to be yourself and let your passion for computer science shine through. As long as you are genuine and articulate your interest in the field, you are sure to impress admissions officers. Best of luck!

Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.

Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.

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Personal Statement – MSc Information Systems Management

• Sample personal statement

09 July, 2022

Personal statement – msc information systems management share.

• 12 May, 2013

I am well pleased to apply this application with concentration to study the course Information Systems Management MSc at the University of Bedfordshire. My interest in information technology and information systems drives me passionate to pursue management roles in charge of information systems. The course is designed to study aspects of information systems, digital analytics, marketing and the digital future and strategic management. From this course, I will be benefited from teamwork and engagement to contribute the ethical and innovative practice. Also from this MSc degree, I will learn the contemporary approaches to information systems management and how the approaches develop by challenges and opportunities. So, I am confident that this course is suitable to achieve my future career goal.

I have reviewed the programme of Information Systems Management MSc at the University of Bedfordshire and found some modules that are adjusted with the modern organisations and the global competitive business environment. By research, I came to know that this course is suitable for graduates who, through their interest in information technology and information systems wish to pursue management roles in charge of information systems. The modules include Business Dissertation, Digital Analytics and Online Customer Experience, Information Systems, Marketing and the Digital Future, Performance Achievement Planning, and Strategic Management. After progress to the Master's capstone stage, there will be an option to choose one of the three - Business Dissertation, Business Live Project, and Professional Practice. For that, students will learn to produce an individual, independent piece of work. And these modules will help me to broaden my knowledge of information technology and information systems on a professional level. Moreover, this course will be assessed by theories and concepts of real-life business situations, which will teach me to appreciate the importance of being dependable and give me an upper hand in my future career progression. After completion of my course, I want to be an Application/Business Analyst or Information System Manager in well-reputed organizations of my home country. I believe this course will be the right choice for my career plans and objectives.

I have completed my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering from American International University Bangladesh (AIUB) in October 2021. Now, I had identified that I have an interest in the Information Systems Management sector and so that, I need to gain more comprehensive knowledge in the global competitive business environment. And this programme will develop my skills through employability practice-based teaching and learning approach in Information Systems theory against a context of real business. In addition, I am principled, dedicated, and self-motivated who is reliable in learning new skills. I am confident that my professional goal makes me a suitable candidate for the course.

By researching, I have come to know that this MSc course will explore the benefits of modern technologies and identify the problems associated with increasingly rapid rates of change in the information technology and business environment. By completing this MSc degree I will gain the concepts along with the number of important transferable skills that will be combined and evaluated in information systems management. In addition, it will also give me the professional experience phase which will make me career-ready. Moreover, the course has been designed to develop the graduates who are able to work by managing relationships through awareness of self and others to evaluate the ideas and contributing to team, will learn to appreciate the importance of being dependable. I think this course is ideal for me to improve my independence and self- development. My learned skills and detailed appreciation of my current knowledge will help me to complete my prospective study. I hope my chosen course will make it better and further open doors for my profession.

The brand of having a degree from the UK is highly respected by employers in Bangladesh as they believe that UK education molds proper professionals and there is an expectation are high from applicants with such degrees. Though, the study environment in my country follows theoretical systems of education which are quite different and no soft skills gained. In recent years, all companies in Bangladesh are emphasizing hiring of Bangladeshi graduates with degrees from abroad, as they see the transferrable skills carried forward from the international education will play a key role in transforming their approach to the business and believe these graduates are capable of doing so. This has played a key part in my decision-making when choosing a study destination. A recent Survey of International Graduate Outcomes 2019 by Universities UK International produced by graduate’s shows that 82% of international graduates say that their UK degree is worth the financial investment and the same percentage say they are satisfied with their careers. 83% feel that a UK degree has helped them to get jobs that they would not get otherwise. So this is the reason to choose the UK over other education destinations. I can see myself thriving more in a world of knowledge and teaching methods I’m accustomed to.

My choice is the University of Bedfordshire as it is incredibly welcoming to international students. To support students the University have invested heavily in their facilities to shape the physical and intellectual environment of learning. With over 22,000 students, the University provides outstanding higher education to people from all backgrounds and from over 120 countries, with a significant proportion of mature students and a growing international postgraduate community. According to DLHE 2018, 91% of graduates in work and/or further study within six months of graduating. Moreover, the University has campuses with excellent facilities. Tutors are high- qualified academics and most of them have received National Teaching Fellowship Awards. By researching a lot I have come to know that, Beds provide tuition to their students that goes way beyond the classroom. Conversely, I will have the opportunity to gain real-world knowledge and transferable skills that employers look for in graduate recruits. Actually, the University supports their students from a dedicated team during their course to get career-ready. And it will be a great achievement for me if I get the opportunity to study at the University of Bedfordshire.

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How to write a personal statement

How to approach writing your personal statement for graduate applications.

If you’re applying for a grad course that requires a personal statement (sometimes also called a ‘statement of purpose’), it can be difficult to know where to start and what to include. Read on for tips from some of our masters’ students about their process and what they found helpful.

1. Before you start

The academic work is the most important reason why we’re here, but that also translates into work experiences, internships, volunteering. I think a big part of the personal statement is crafting that narrative of academic self that fits alongside your professional experiences, to give that greater picture of who you are as an academic. Lauren (MSc Modern Middle Eastern Studies)

Start by thinking about the skills, knowledge and interests you’ve acquired over time and how the course at Oxford will take them forward.

Your statement is the story you want to tell about yourself and your academic work to the department you are applying to.

Most of your application and its supporting documents communicate plain facts about your academic career so far. Your personal statement is your best opportunity to put these facts into context and show assessors how you’ve progressed and excelled.

Make sure you highlight evidence of your achievements (a high grade in a relevant area, an award or scholarship, a research internship).

Presenting yourself

When I was writing my personal statement, I went onto my course website. I looked at what they emphasised and what kind of students they were looking for, and I wrote about my experiences based on that. Kayla (MSc in Clinical Embryology)

Make it easy for an assessor to see how you meet the entry requirements for the course (you can find these on each course page ).

Don’t make any assumptions about what Oxford is looking for!

Get to know your department

You want to study this particular subject and you want to study at Oxford (you’re applying here, so we know that!) but why is Oxford the right place for you to study this subject? What interests or qualities of the academic department and its staff make it attractive to you?

Use your academic department’s website for an overview of their research, academic staff and course information (you'll find a link to the department's own website on each course page ).

I said, ‘why do I actually want to be here? What is it about being at Oxford that’s going to get me to what I want to do? Sarah (Bachelor of Civil Law)

Talk it out

Talking to others about your statement can be a great way to gather your ideas and decide how you’d like to approach it. Sarah even managed to get benefit out of this approach by herself:

“I spent a lot of time talking out loud. My written process was actually very vocal, so I did a lot of talking about myself in my room.”

2. The writing process

Know your format.

Make sure you’ve read all the guidance on the How to Apply section of your course page , so you know what’s needed in terms of the word count of the final statement, what it should cover and what it will be assessed for. This should help you to visualise roughly what you want to end up with at the end of the process.

Make a start

When it comes to writing your personal statement, just getting started can be the hardest part.

One good way to get around writer’s block is to just put it all down on the page, like Mayur.

First - write down anything and everything. In the first round, I was just dumping everything - whatever I’ve done, anything close to computer science, that was on my personal statement. Mayur (MSc Computer Science)

You’ll be editing later anyway so don’t let the blank page intimidate you - try writing a little under each of the following headings to get started:

• areas of the course at Oxford that are the most interesting to you
• which areas you’ve already studied or had some experience in
• what you hope to use your Oxford course experience for afterwards.

3. Finishing up

Get some feedback.

Once you’ve got a draft of about the right length, ask for feedback on what you’ve written. It might take several drafts to get it right.

This could involve getting in touch with some of your undergraduate professors to ask them to read your draft and find any areas which needed strengthening.

You could also show it to people who know you well, like family or friends.

Because they’re the first people to say, ‘Who is that person?’ You want the people around you to recognise that it really sounds like you. It can be scary telling family and friends you’re applying for Oxford, because it makes it real, but be brave enough to share it and get feedback on it. Sarah (Bachelor of Law)

Be yourself

Finally - be genuine and be yourself. Make sure your personal statement represents you, not your idea about what Oxford might be looking for.

We have thousands of students arriving every year from a huge range of subjects, backgrounds, institutions and countries (you can hear from a few more of them in our My Oxford interviews).

Get moving on your application today

To find out more about supporting documents and everything else you need to apply, read your course page and visit our Application Guide .

Applicant advice hub

This content was previously available through our  Applicant advice hub . The hub contained links to articles hosted on our  Graduate Study at Oxford Medium channel . We've moved the articles that support the application process into this new section of our website.

• Application Guide: Statement of purpose

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Guide to Writing Data Science Personal Statements

Table of Contents

A  data science personal statement  is an integral part of the application process for aspiring data scientists. It provides recruiters and admissions board representatives insight into a candidate’s motivations, skills, and abilities related to their chosen field of study. 

The statement should demonstrate a clear understanding of the concepts and practices that make up the data science discipline. It showcases an applicant’s technical aptitude and professional experience. A successful personal statement will convey passion for the profession through emotionally resonant language and examples. 

Personal statements are everyday encounters in job applications as well as applications to special programs and postgraduate studies.

While personal statements and resumes both demonstrate an applicant’s qualifications, the former does so in paragraph form. This is crucial because it allows applicants a reasonable degree of creativity to create vivid depictions and powerful messages.

This allows them to not only create a good impression on readers but also to evoke emotions.

The Importance of a Personal Statement

The primary function of a personal statement is to give insight into the type of person you are. It provides recruiters and admissions board officers a glimpse into your qualifications . 

The actual value of a personal statement lies in its exposition. While resumes and summaries give readers the information they need pertaining to your qualifications, personal statements have a more intimate feel.

They read like stories. They take readers on a journey that helps them fully appreciate an applicant’s skills, experience, and character. Personal statements are particularly beneficial because they encourage recruiters and admissions board members to see candidates as more than just their qualifications. They are a way to show evaluators the person behind the application.

But, as good as all these sound, you can reap these benefits only through a compelling personal statement. If you’re unsure of how to write your data science personal statement, heed the following tips.

Tips for Writing a Data Science Personal Statement

Highlight Your Most Relevant Experience

Demonstrate your skills and accomplishments in data science by including concrete examples. Include experiences such as projects you have worked on or organizations/industries in which you have experience. Doing so will help to demonstrate that you possess the necessary qualifications for a successful career in data science. 

Showcase Personal Passion

Showcasing your passion for data science. You can do this by highlighting the personal challenges, successes, and motivations which led to your interest in the field. Explain what inspired you and how this has driven you to pursue further education and, ultimately, a career in data science. 

Be Specific

Make sure that when describing both experiences and achievements, they are as specific as possible.

Doing so will allow an admissions panel to better understand the nature of your work and its relevance to data science. Providing evidence to support statements (e.g., screenshots, code snippets, sample analyses) is also beneficial. 

Use Clear Language

Being clear and concise is essential when writing about complex topics like data science.

Aim to use language which conveys your points without overcomplicating them with jargon or technical terms. This will make it easier for an admissions panel to understand your application, increasing the chances of being accepted onto their program. 

Leverage Emotional Writing

The tone of your statement should reflect a human quality, using emotions and speaking authentically about why data science excites you. If appropriate, include colloquial language throughout; while ensuring it does not detract from the overall clarity of your essay.

Data Science Personal Statement Example

I have been deeply invested in the burgeoning field of data science for almost a decade. My expertise has allowed me to explore its nuances and applications with avid enthusiasm. I utilized my specialized knowledge to contribute significantly to many successful projects. As a result, I have accrued an immense portfolio of experience. My experience ranges from predictive analytics to natural language processing. This sets me apart as a leader in a rapidly-evolving industry.

From analyzing complex datasets to constructing scalable machine learning systems, my tenaciousness drives me to continually seek out dynamic challenges. Although I am thoroughly versed in all theoretical aspects of data science, I thrive on uncovering new possibilities through experimentation and creative problem-solving. I pride myself on being able to translate technical jargon into actionable solutions. 

A personal statement is a short paragraph that outlines a candidate’s skills, experiences, and motivation . It is an essential document because it allows applicants to connect with readers and establish a good impression. Remember our simple tips. While they won’t make you an expert overnight, they will help you cement good writing habits that will serve you well in the future.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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• CAREER FEATURE
• 23 April 2021

Sell yourself and your science in a compelling personal statement

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Personal statements — essays highlighting personal circumstances, qualities and achievements — are used extensively in science to evaluate candidates for jobs, awards and promotions. Five researchers offer tips for making yours stand out in a crowded and competitive market.

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Writing Your Personal Statements

Your personal statement must demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have considered graduate school and their specific program seriously. It’s your opportunity to summarize your academic and research experiences. You must also communicate how your experiences are relevant to preparing you for the graduate degree that you will be pursuing and explain why a given program is the right one for you.

The personal statement is where you highlight your strengths. Make your strengths absolutely clear to the reviewers, because they will often be reading many other statements. Your self-assessments and honest conversations with peers and advisors should have also revealed your strengths. But you must also address (not blame others for) weaknesses or unusual aspects of your application or academic background.

Your personal statement should focus on two main aspects: your competence and commitment.

1. Identify your strengths in terms of competence that indicate that you will succeed in the grad program and provide examples to support your claims. Start your statement by describing your strengths immediately. Because faculty will be reading many statements, it’s important to start off with your strengths and not “bury your lede.” Consider traits of successful graduate students from your informational interviews, and identify which of these traits you have. These traits could involve research skills and experiences, expertise in working with techniques or instruments, familiarity with professional networks and resources in your field, etc.

• Check your responses from the exercises in the self-assessment section. You may wish to consult notes from your informational interviews and your Seven Stories . Write concise summaries and stories that demonstrate your strengths, e.g. how your strengths helped you to achieve certain goals or overcome obstacles.
• Summarize your research experience(s). What were the main project goals and the “big picture” questions? What was your role in this project? What did you accomplish? What did you learn, and how did you grow as a result of the experience(s)?

My research examines the interplay between U.S. domestic politics and foreign policy during the Cold War. As a native New Yorker, I saw firsthand how dramatically my city changed after 9/11, which prompted my early interest in U.S. policy at home and abroad. As an undergraduate at the City College of New York, I planned to study international relations with a focus on U.S. foreign affairs. I also quickly became involved in student activist groups that focused on raising awareness about a wide range of human rights issues, from the Syrian refugee crisis to asylum seekers from Central America.

The more I learned about the crises in the present, the more I realized that I needed a deeper understanding of the past to fully grasp them. I decided to pursue a PhD in history in order to gain a clearer understanding of human rights issues in the present and to empower young student-activists like myself.

— Vannessa Velez, PhD candidate in History

Addressing weaknesses or unusual aspects

• Identify weaknesses or unusual aspects in your application—e.g., a significant drop in your GPA during a term; weak GRE scores; changes in your academic trajectory, etc. Don’t ignore them, because ignoring them might be interpreted as blind spots for you. If you’re unsure if a particular issue is significant enough to address, seek advice from faculty mentors.
• Explain how you’ll improve and strengthen those areas or work around your weakness. Determine how you will address them in a positive light, e.g., by discussing how you overcame obstacles through persistence, what you learned from challenges, and how you grew from failures. Focusing on a growth mindset  or grit  and this blog on weaknesses might also help.
• Deal with any significant unusual aspects later in the statement to allow a positive impression to develop first.
• Explain, rather than provide excuses—i.e., address the issue directly and don’t blame others (even if you believe someone else is responsible). Draft it and get feedback from others to see if the explanation is working as you want it to.
• Provide supporting empirical evidence if possible. For example, “Adjusting to college was a major step for me, coming from a small high school and as a first-generation college student. My freshman GPA was not up to par with my typical achievements, as demonstrated by my improved  GPA of 3.8 during my second and third years in college."
• Be concise (don’t dwell on the issues), but also be complete (don’t lead to other potentially unanswered questions). For example, if a drop in grades during a term was due to a health issue, explain whether the health issue is recurring, managed now with medication, resolved, etc.

2. Explain your commitment to research and their graduate program, including your motivation for why you are applying to this graduate program at this university. Be as specific as possible. Identify several faculty members with whom you are interested in working, and explain why their research interests you.

• Descriptions of your commitment should explain why you’re passionate about this particular academic field and provide demonstrations of your commitment with stories (e.g., working long hours to solve a problem, overcoming challenges in research, resilience in pursuing problems). Don’t merely assert your commitment.
• Explain why you are applying to graduate school, as opposed to seeking a professional degree or a job. Discuss your interest and motivation for grad school, along with your future career aspirations.

I am definitely not your traditional graduate student. As a biracial (Native American and white), first-generation PhD student from a military family, I had very limited guidance on how best to pursue my education, especially when I decided that graduate school was a good idea. I ended up coming to this PhD in a very circuitous manner, stopping first to get a JD and, later, an MFA in Young Adult Literature. With each degree, I took time to work and apply what I’d learned, as a lawyer and as an educator. Each time, I realized that I was circling around questions that I couldn’t let go of—not just because I found them to be fascinating, but because I did (and still do!) feel that my research could help to bridge a gap that desperately needs bridging. Because my work is quite interdisciplinary, I strongly feel that I wouldn’t have been able to pursue this line of research without the degrees and life experience I gained before coming to this program.

— Jamie Fine, PhD candidate in Modern Thought and Literature

Statement of Purpose: subtle aspects

• Think in terms of engaging faculty in a conversation rather than pleading with them that you should be admitted. Ask reviewers to read drafts with this concern in mind.
• With later drafts, try developing an overall narrative theme. See if one emerges as you work.
• Write at least 10 drafts and expect your thinking and the essay to change quite a bit over time.
• Read drafts out loud to help you catch errors.
• Expect the "you' that emerges in your essay to be incomplete. . . that’s OK.
• You’re sharing a professional/scholarly slice of "you."
• Avoid humor (do you really know what senior academics find funny?) and flashy openings and closings. Think of pitching the essay to an educated person in the field, but not necessarily in your specialty. Avoid emotionally laden words (such as "love" or "passion"). Remember, your audience is a group of professors! Overly emotional appeals might make them uncomfortable. They are looking for scholarly colleagues.

© Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305

• Message from the Chair
• New Opportunities at the Intersection of Graphics, Vision, & HCI
• Reflections on Disinformation, Democracy, and Free Expression
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Search form

Deadline & Decision Information

The online Ph.D. application is available through the Graduate School starting September 15. The Information Science Ph.D. application deadline is December 1, 2023 for the Fall 2024 admission. No application materials will be accepted, and no submitted applications will be updated after the deadline. There are no Spring admissions. No preadmission application is required. Students should expect to hear, via email, of the decision on their application no later than mid-February. 

Requirements

To apply to the Information Science Ph.D. program, you must complete the online application through the Graduate School . No preadmission application is required. To complete the online application, you will need the following materials - including letters of recommendation - submitted on or before December 1, 2023:

• All Transcripts from current and previous institutions.
• Three letters of recommendation , which must be received by December 1, 2023.
• A Statement of Purpose
• A Personal Statement
• International applicants will need an official TOEFL or IELTS score.

A nonrefundable application fee of $105 is required at the time you submit the application unless you qualify or request a fee waiver . Information about fee waivers is located on the Graduate School’s website. You will also find a link to the fee waiver request form on the payment page of the online application. If you plan to request a fee waiver, be sure to plan ahead.  Fee waiver requests are reviewed and approved within 1-3 business days by the Graduate School. 

Optional Materials

The following are optional and are not required for admission into the Information Science Ph.D. program.

• Resume, Writing Samples, and Portfolio.
• If you believe your application can’t be considered without a particular document, please submit it electronically through the online application system. Start your application by creating an account .

Cornell IS Student-Applicant Reading Program (SARP)

This program is an initiative created by the Information Science Graduate Student Association (ISGSA), which is composed of elected IS graduate students. The primary goals of this program are to advance diversity and broaden access to graduate education in Information Science. Open to scholars from all backgrounds, this program has a particular focus on engaging scholars who through their lived experiences have navigated significant barriers in their pursuit of higher education.

To be considered for this opportunity, please use this Google Form  to submit your draft(s) of your Statement of Purpose, Personal Statement, or CV that you intend to use for your application for the fall 2024 admission cycle.

The SARP program opens October 11 and closes on November 10 for the fall 2024 admission cycle. Feedback will be returned in approximately 2 weeks and at the latest November 24.  This program comes at no cost to the applicant and support is provided by volunteers in the IS Ph.D. program. This program matches prospective applicants’ draft materials with current graduate students in the department who will offer their suggested revisions to improve prospective students' materials. Participation in this program is intended to support scholars in their understanding and preparation for graduate admissions. However, it has no bearing on the admissions process for the Cornell Information Science Ph.D. program. Participants who wish to be considered for admission to the Cornell IS Ph.D. program must submit their complete application through  CollegeNet  by the Information Science Ph.D. application deadline (December 1, 2023).

For any questions or clarifications about the Student-Applicant Reading Program, please contact [email protected]

REQUIREMENTS OF ALL APPLICANTS

Transcripts.

Your application should include complete and scanned transcripts of all previous college and university work, including any work done at Cornell. If you are submitting unofficial transcripts, the Graduate School will require that you submit official transcripts should you be accepted into the program. In this case, please make sure your transcript has your name, birthdate, and the name of the attended university.

Applicants should scan their transcripts and upload the documents into the on-line application themselves as part of the submission process. For students who are subsequently admitted and accept the offer of admission, an official paper transcript will be required prior to matriculation; students will be reminded of this requirement on the “response to offer of admission” form.

International Credentials

All transcripts or academic records must be official documents provided in the original language. If that language is not English, they must be accompanied by certified translations into English. If not issued by the college or university as original documents, they should be notarized, full-sized photocopies. They should include grades received in each subject each year, and the number of weeks and hours per week that each subject was studied. Courses must be described in detail. The general subject name (e.g., “mathematics”) is not sufficient. The particular subject (e.g., “differential equations,” “algebraic topology”) must be identified.

If you are admitted into the program and you accept our offer of admission, the Graduate School will require an official transcript. They will contact you directly about this requirement.

Grade point averages

If your school uses a GPA scale other than 0–4.0, just leave this field blank when submitting your application. If you feel you must, you may enter 0. We will review your transcript and will rate your performance on the grades you received, not the number you enter into this field.

Letters of Recommendation

Your application must include three letters of recommendation. The letters should be from professors who are familiar with your work and who can testify to your potential as a researcher in Information Science. Once you have added your recommender’s information into the application, a notification will be sent to your recommenders within 48 hours. You do not need to submit the application before the notice is sent. We recommend filling in the reference letter section immediately after you have filled in your bio information.  These letters are a very important part of your application, and you should ensure that they are submitted into the electronic application system by December 1. We do not accept mailed paper copy letters of recommendation as this delays the processing of your application.  If your recommender is having an issue with submitting their letter, please ask them to contact, Barbara Woske,  [email protected] , for assistance. 

Statement of Purpose

A successful statement of purpose will address the following topics:

• Questions and Issues you're interested in exploring as a Ph.D. student and why they matter to you;
• How your research interests relate to the work of Faculty at Cornell;
• Your ultimate goal in pursuing a Ph.D. 

Personal Statement

Please describe within 1000 words how your background and experiences influenced your decision and ability to pursue a graduate degree. Additionally, provide insights into your potential to contribute to Cornell University’s core value to provide a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together. Within your statement, you may also include relevant information on any of the following:

• How your personal, academic, and/or professional experiences demonstrate your ability to be both persistent and resilient especially when navigating challenging circumstances.
• How you engage with others and have facilitated and/or participated in productive teams.
• How you have come to understand the barriers faced by others whose experiences and backgrounds may differ from your own.
• If relevant, how your research interests focus on issues related to diversity, inclusion, access, inequality, and/or equity.
• Details on your service and/or leadership in efforts to advance diversity, inclusion, access, and equity especially for those from backgrounds historically underrepresented and/or marginalized.
• Additional context on any significant barriers you have navigated to make graduate education accessible to you.
• Contextual details on any perceived gaps or weaknesses in your academic record.

Within the personal statement, you may also provide details of lessons learned from any of your lived experiences including but not limited to:

• being a first-generation college student or graduate (no parent/guardian completed a baccalaureate degree)
• racial, ethnic, and/or cultural background(s)
• managing a disability or chronic health condition
• experiencing housing, food, economic, and/or other forms of significant insecurity
• being a solo parent
• gender identity and/or sexual orientation
• having served in the military
• holding DACA, refugee, TPS, or asylee status

For International Students

Toefl (test of english as a foreign language).

International applicants must demonstrate competency in the English language. You must have your official scores sent by Educational Testing Services to Cornell before our application deadline. It is recommended applicants schedule and send the results of a language exam no later than October 30. Scores should be sent to Institutional Code 2098, the department code is not required.

Internet-based Test (iBT) version of the TOEFL  (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Each section (writing: 20, Listening: 15, Reading: 20, Speaking: 22) has its own minimum score as noted. Applicant scores must meet the minimums set by the Graduate school. A cumulative score is NOT the correct measure and is NOT sufficient for an offer of admission. In some cases, international students who are admitted will be required to take a remedial course in English.

​IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

The Ph.D. program requires an overall band score of a 7.0 or higher on the IELTS Academic exam. 

When you register for the exam, you may select up to 5 institutions to which you would like to have your scores sent. Cornell University has multiple IELTS accounts so please be sure to select Cornell University Graduate Admissions when registering for your IELTS test date.

You may also submit a request to your test center to have additional score reports sent to institutions not originally listed on your test registration form. Scores must be sent electronically (e-delivery) to the Cornell University Graduate Admissions, Caldwell Hall e-download account. E-delivery may also be referred to as an e-TRF by your test center.

The IELTS score must be dated within two years of your program’s application deadline. Scores must be delivered electronically through the IELTS E-Delivery service to the Cornell University Graduate Admissions e-download account.

Scores must be sent electronically (e-delivery) to the Cornell University Graduate Admissions, Caldwell Hall e-download account. E-delivery may also be referred to as an e-TRF by your test center. We do not accept paper IELTS Academic test report forms.

The English language proficiency requirement may be waived if the applicant meets University exceptions as outlined on the graduate school's English Language Proficiency requirements page . There is no separate form needed for the waiver.

Optional Application Materials

This will be required for those interested in being nominated for a diversity fellowship . .

• Your Personal Statement should provide the admissions committee with a sense of you as a whole person, and you should use it to describe how your personal background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Additionally, it should provide insight on your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and innovate productively and positively together.
• Your Personal Statement provides you with an opportunity to share experiences that provide insights on how your personal, academic, and/or professional experiences demonstrate your ability to be both persistent and resilient, especially when navigating challenging circumstances. It also gives you an opportunity to provide examples of how you engage with others and have facilitated and/or participated in productive collaborative endeavors. Additionally, it provides you with an opportunity to provide context around any perceived gaps or weaknesses in your academic record.
• Content in the Personal Statement should complement rather than duplicate the content contained within the Research Statement of Purpose, which should focus explicitly on your academic interests, previous research experience, and intended area of research during your graduate studies.

Resume, Writing Samples, and Portfolio 

Additional materials such as resume, writing samples, and portfilio are not required but may be submitted if you feel this will enhance your application. 

General Information

Gre (graduate record examination).

The department of Information Science does not require nor accept the GRE test. 

Faculty Research Interests

For a list of faculty in the field of Information Science and their concentrations, please see our Faculty section of the website. Please feel free to contact specific Faculty to discuss in more detail their research interests. 

Please direct other inquiries to: Graduate Program Coordinator Barbara Woske at  [email protected] .

Campus Locations: Ithaca and Cornell Tech

Though we have two campuses, each Ph.D. student's location is determined by the location of their advisor (Chairperson). When applying to the Ph.D. program, applicants may indicate a campus preference, but ultimately the advisor's location determines which campus the Ph.D. student will be based. Further, all applicants will be evaluated by the Field as a whole regardless of their intended location. There is no requirement for students working with Cornell Tech faculty to complete a residency period in Ithaca, or vice-versa. 

Once a student is admitted and if they consider changing their advisor, students should keep in mind that the change could mean a move to either the Ithaca or New York City campus, depending on where the advisor is based. 

If a student is interested in spending an entire semester or longer at the opposite campus than where their advisor is located; they must have a faculty person who will be their point of contact in residence at the opposite campus.  It is the responsibility of the student and their current advisor to identify the point of contact faculty person.  Students are not allowed to change campus location until permission has been given by the Director or Graduate Studies.  Students should discuss this move far in advance with their current advisor, Barbara Woske, Graduate Field Assistant, and the DGS.  Students should not assume permission will be granted.  Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.  The student’s advisor is responsible for funding the student even if the student is temporarily residing at the opposite campus. 

Admission into the doctoral program in the Field of Information Science is based purely on academic merit. 

All Ph.D. students in Information Science are fully supported during their academic year as long as they remain in good academic standing. Support from Cornell includes tuition, health insurance, and stipend. Support is available in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships. Summer research funding will be provided through a variety of funding sources for those who will be engaging in full-time academic studies during the summer semester (external fellowships, internships, teaching and/or research assistantships). We encourage students to discuss the summer funding opportunity available to them and application deadlines for outside internships during the Spring Semester with their advisor. In order to receive Cornell assistantship, funding students must be residing within the United States during the academic year and during the summer.  

Students located at the NYC Tech Campus

Students who are in residence at our NYC Tech Campus are paid a higher stipend in order to offset the higher cost of living in the city. Teaching Assistantship (TA) or Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA) and Fellowships cover full tuition, student insurance and pay a stipend for nine months.

Teaching Assistantships

Each TA is assigned to a course and is tasked with helping the course instructor. The average time commitment is 15 hours per week. TA assignments typically involve grading homework, holding office hours, preparing assignments, or teaching recitations. Students who TA for the semester should make arrangements to arrive back to campus at least one week prior to the start of the semester.  For Fall TAs, this would be no later than August 22; for the Spring term, this would be no later than January 15. If students are expecting to TA for the following semester, they should make sure their summer/winter internships or other commitments end in time to return to campus earlier. 

TA assignments for Ithaca-based courses are assigned by the Director of Graduate Studies; and the Graduate Field Assistant at the Ithaca campus. TA assignments for the Tech Campus are assigned by the Student Service Assistant at the Tech Campus.

Research Assistantships

A GRA is given to a student whose research interests coincide with a sponsored research project. Typically, the work of a Graduate Research Assistant is an integral part of the student’s dissertation research. The faculty member in charge (your advisor) of the project grants a GRA. GRAs working 12 hours per week on the grant project but may work an additional 8 hours.

Cornell Fellowships

The Graduate School awards several one- and two-year Cornell fellowships to incoming graduate students. Your application for admission automatically serves as the fellowship application. However, your application and all supporting credentials must be received by December 1 in order to be considered for a Cornell Fellowship.

External Fellowships

Applicants are also encouraged to apply for external fellowships. Below is a sample listing of fellowships that our IS students may be eligible for. These fellowships are highly prestigious, and they free the student of the responsibilities of an assistantship. Whenever possible, the department helps students in the fellowship application process. In some instances, the department must nominate the applicant. The department will put a call out for nominations for these fellowships throughout the year. Students are also encouraged to look for fellowship opportunities and alert their advisor if they would like to be nominated for one.

Some of the outside fellowships that our students have been awarded include:

• IBM – This fellowship is open for continuing students. The department nominates the candidates for this fellowship.
• Facebook – This fellowship is open for continuing students. The department nominates the candidates for this fellowship.
• Google – This fellowship is open for continuing students. The department nominates the candidates for this fellowship.
• Microsoft – This fellowship is open for continuing students. The department nominates the candidates for this fellowship.

1st-year Ph.D. Student Reimbursement for a Computer Purchase

All new to Cornell first year Information Science Ph.D. students are allowed a reimbursement for up to $1,500 USD toward the purchase of a laptop computer. This is a one-time reimbursement and cannot be used towards any other expenses. Students are eligible to request a reimbursement only after they have matriculated, registered and enrolled in classes, which is typically at the end of August. Students have up to one year from the response deadline of April 15 to purchase a laptop computer and request a reimbursement. After this date the reimbursement offer is voided.

If the computer equipment total is less than $1,500 you will not be given the balance, and for equipment that is more than $1,500 you will be responsible for the amount over the $1,500 cap. All equipment must be purchased at one time, and the receipt(s) submitted all together. Receipts must be in English and if the item(s) are purchased using foreign currency, please convert the amount to US currency.  

For reference, our students in the past have received a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (1.4GHz quadcore Intel Core i5 processor; 256GB SSD storage). This is just a suggestion on the type of laptop you may want to consider purchasing. Students should consult with their advisors if they have doubts on what specifications will be needed to support their research. We expect students to use this money to purchase equipment such as the items listed below:

• Laptop computer
• Desktop computer
• Monitor for a computer
• External Hard Drive
• Noise Canceling Headphones

Items that we will not reimburse for are listed below, but this is not limited to this list.  Again, please contact us if you are unsure before purchasing anything. 

• Parts to build your own computer
• Replacement of a stolen or broken piece of technology
• Service contracts (e.g., AppleCare)

A receipt with the total cost of the approved equipment and the laptop policy form need to be submitted to Seamus Buxton, [email protected], and the receipt(s) must be in English.

Note:  Students who are currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Cornell and are admitted through the Change of Program petition process are not eligible for this reimbursement.  Students should work with their advisor for any equipment purchases that are needed. 

If you are interested in applying, please contact Assistant Director of the PhD program, Barbara Woske, by email – [email protected] . 

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Statements of Excellence for Admission to Graduate School in Library & Information Science

Samples of My Work for Admission to MLIS Degree Programs

• MLIS, Women’s Studies Minor, LGBT
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Why I want to help you get accepted to Graduate School in Library and Information Science

I live in Bolivia, by most measures a highly underdeveloped country, somewhat isolated, a difficult challenge for a variety of reasons, I especially admire www.sustainablebolivia.org , an organization dedicated to bringing in workers, students and professionals to help in solidarity from all over the world. The director is my friend as well. Reflecting upon his success since I have met no young person whose accomplishments I admire more, I began to ask him about his past, his upbringing, looking for keys to understanding his high level of success and creativity at such a young age. When he told me that his mother is a librarian, the penny dropped and I understood, he was raised mostly in the library, and the great adventure that the library is today, totally wired to host of real time information and stimulation providers. This is why I especially enjoy working on behalf of the our future librarians, because of the profound contribution that they make to stimulating the creative thinking of young people, our only hope for tomorrow.

I would be honored to help you gain admission to graduate school in Library and Information Science by drafting a most eloquent statement on your behalf. 

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• Library & Information Science

Even with the Internet making information resources available at anyone's desktop, the role of the librarian is to sift through numerous databases, refine searches, qualify sources and help verify information. The modern science of library and information studies is largely responsible for the development of high-speed, integrated, and accurate storage of bulk information. Many libraries have access to remote databases and maintain their own computerized databases. Librarians also help train users to develop searching skills for the information they seek.

If you're considering a library science degree, you'll need to decide which area you'd be best suited for. Librarians are classified according to the type of library where they work, such as a public library, school library media center; college, university, or special library. Some librarians work with specific groups, such as children, adults, or the disadvantaged. In school library media centers, librarians--often called school media specialists--help teachers develop curricula, acquire materials for classroom instruction, and sometimes team teach.

Librarians also work in information centers or libraries maintained by government agencies, corporations, law firms, advertising agencies, museums, professional associations, medical centers, hospitals, religious organizations, and research laboratories. A corporate librarian could provide the sales department with information on competitors or new developments affecting the field. A medical librarian may provide information about new medical treatments, clinical trials, and standard procedures to health professionals, patients, consumers, and corporations. Government document librarians preserve publications, records, and other documents that make up a historical record of government actions and decision making.

With a library science degree, you can specialize in a single area, such as acquisitions, cataloguing, bibliography, reference, special collections, or administration. Librarians must have knowledge of a wide variety of scholarly and public information sources and must follow trends related to publishing, computers, and the media in order to oversee the selection and organization of library materials. Other personality traits that will help your career are a love for organizing; inquisitive, probing, and thorough by nature; well read with a broad knowledge and interest base; and a desire to never stop learning.

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Library Jobs in the Information Age

Librarians with computer and information systems skills can work as automated-systems librarians, who plan and operate computer systems. They might also choose to work as information architect librarians, designing information storage and retrieval systems and developing procedures for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and classifying information.

Employment should grow rapidly in special libraries because of the increase in their use by professionals. More and more, librarians are applying their information management and research skills to arenas outside of libraries--for example, database development, reference tool development, information systems, publishing, Internet coordination, marketing, Web content management and design, and training of database users. Entrepreneurial librarians sometimes start their own consulting practices, acting as freelance librarians or information brokers and providing services to other libraries, businesses, or government agencies. Librarians are valued for their ability to review vast amounts of information and analyze, evaluate, and organize it according to a company's specific needs. Employment of librarians is expected to grow more slowly than average, but job opportunities are expected to be very good because of impending Baby Boomer retirements.

The Humanitarian Side of Library and Information Science

Today’s world is home to 795 million illiterate adults and 72 million children. Hundreds of millions more have no access to books due to a lack of resources. In the few public libraries there are in developing countries, fundamental works in world literature and sciences are often absent. In many countries where there are library, the most recent works date back to a half-century ago.

The role books and libraries play in the success of students coming from the poorest environments is really not surprising. Many women, men and children would see their futures transformed if they could access books. A book does so much more than just convey knowledge and provide an opening to something new.

Books are also an essential instrument in exercising the critical mind and in the education for democracy. Books must increasingly become an essential driver of sustainable development. Placed in a library, they move from hand-to-hand and from generation to generation.

Libraries Without Borders

Libraries Without Borders/Bibliothèques Sans Frontières (LWB) was founded to improve the book and library situation in the world around five years ago. The organization provides relief in humanitarian emergencies and the building blocks for long-term development. By promoting the access to knowledge, they wish to strengthen the aspirations for democracy, justice, and dialogue between cultures across the world."

Patrick Weil founded LWB in 2007 in France. And today, it´s one of the leading NGOs working in knowledge and culture-based development in the world and supporting libraries in developing countries. They believe that access to information and the dissemination of culture are two key under-invested components of human and economic development, and the spread of democratic practices and human rights.

LWB is present in over 20 countries. In France, it supports local initiatives through the creation of libraries to promote education, access to information and culture and the conservation of cultural heritage. Through creating and reinforcing libraries, training librarians, distributing books, supporting local publishing and designing library networks, Libraries Without Borders actively promotes access to knowledge throughout the world.

A Humanitarian Libraries Project

Michel Loots, MD is a Medical Doctor and a humanitarian entrepreneur creating and managing a humanitarian information initiative, the Humanity Libraries Project

( http://www.oneworld.org/globalprojects/humcdromm/8616/nars.htmllows/ ). They also offer a "basic needs library" with 1.240 publications, that´s free online ( http://payson.tulane.edu:8888/projects/humcdromm/8616/nars.htmllows/ ) and soon on many servers in developed and developing countries.

Humanity Libraries Project is a low cost vaccination campaign against lack of knowledge. The Humanity Libraries Project offers one model for an information resource developed at low cost and made available to all for free or for a very low cost.

A huge "base" of essential knowledge has already been gathered and produced by the UN and World Bank and other publicly funded agencies at very high subsidized cost by the international taxpayers. And yet, this knowledge is not being disseminated and combined as it should be. There are several reasons for this:

• insufficient publicity and dissemination efforts
• tight, defensive copyright restrictions
• practical difficulties, which most NGOs or catalyst humanitarian entrepreneurs come up against when they try to get permission to use the information
• high prices charged by the 20 major UN organizations/the World Bank, which developing countries can´t pay.

In contrast to the problems posed by obtaining documents from UN/World Bank, the Humanity Libraries Project (funded primarily from my own funds and some grants), staffed with a team of 26 collaborators in Romania, has put 200,000 pages of material together from 70 NGOs and development organizations on one CD-ROM.

They already have 15,000 users and this alone we expect to gain 60,000 to 80,000 users in developing countries. They invite organizations to copy our concept as it is feasible.

The Book Bus

The book bus was founded by publisher Tom Maschler with the aim to supply books and make them accessible to children. In 2008, the Book Bus started delivering books to schools in Zambia and working to inspire children to read. Now, they have reading schemes in India, Zambia, Malawi and Ecuador, and more than 100,000 children now have books to read.

Given the rapid spread of automation in libraries, computer skills are needed for many jobs. Knowledge of databases, library automation systems, online library systems, online public access systems, and circulation systems is valuable. The increasing use of automated information systems is enabling librarians to focus on administrative and budgeting responsibilities, grant writing, and specialized research requests, while delegating more technical and user services responsibilities to technicians.

Library Technician Careers

Library technicians can have other titles, such as library technical assistant or media aide. They direct library users to standard references, organize and maintain periodicals, prepare volumes for binding, handle interlibrary loan requests, prepare invoices, perform routine cataloguing and coding of library materials, retrieve information from computer databases, and supervise support staff. An associate of arts in library technology can include both liberal arts and library-related study. Students learn about library and media organization and operation, as well as how to order, process, catalogue, locate, and circulate library materials and work with library automation.

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