leadership and influence chevening essay sample

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4 Examples of Chevening Essay: Leadership and Influence

Chevening is looking for individuals who will be future leaders or influencers in their home countries. Explain how you meet this requirement, using clear examples of your own leadership and influencing skills to support your answer.

See all Newest Chevening Essay Example: click here .

Leadership Essay for Chevening Example 1

With a background in psychology, I am excited to apply for the MA in Interpreting and Translation in the UK, with a focus on the Spanish-English-French language path. I’d appreciate your feedback on my leadership essay and the others that I will be submitting. I firmly believe that leadership is a multifaceted concept, varying significantly from one person to another. In light of this, I would like to highlight my unique leadership experiences, particularly during my tenure at Navistar International.

See also:  Ultimate Chevening Scholarship Resources

At Navistar International, I was the first psychologist to be hired, and I quickly realized the absence of any mental health campaigns within the company. Seizing the opportunity, I developed a comprehensive mental health program, concentrating on stress inoculation. I chose this focus because I noticed many employees grappling with long hours and difficulties during their shifts. Designed to span four weeks, the program’s content was both easily comprehensible and pragmatic for the employees.

The program also extended a psychological assistance service to those in need. I meticulously wrote and devised this program with the aim of institutionalizing it as an ongoing mental health initiative for the company, thereby contributing to the prevention of mental disorders. I am pleased to share that the project was successfully incorporated into the company’s annual medical care campaigns.

I also demonstrated leadership while overseeing a university project in 2017, having been selected as the former representative. I was tasked with creating a health initiative for a vulnerable community in my hometown of Victoria. I led a team of eight students from the school year below mine and one from my own school year.

Navigating this project was challenging, particularly in delegating tasks in alignment with the individual knowledge and capabilities of each team member. With the more senior classmates, I elucidated the project’s structure and the psychological approach we would adopt to foster life skills such as problem-solving, assertive family communication, and knowledge about government facilities offering healthcare services, which many community members were unaware of.

Working closely with my peers Carlos and Patricia, we thoroughly reviewed the project structure and sponsorships. After successfully presenting the project to a jury, I am proud to share that we received a first-place award. As a token of recognition, we were each awarded an extra point in our semester grades, and the project was implemented, benefiting a community of nearly seventy people .

Lastly, I am honored to have had an article published in the psychology journal ‘Psychology and Health’ from Universidad Veracruzana. Driven by a desire to contribute to science, I researched journals interested in the topic, ultimately finding a suitable platform. Over the course of six months, my work was reviewed and accepted, thanks to the invaluable support of my teachers, Miss Báez and Miss Torres. The article was officially published in January 2020 and is available on both the journal platform and my Google Scholar profile.

In conclusion, my leadership strengths are rooted in observation, empathy, and a keen ability to discern people’s needs, strengths, and abilities. I excel in the design and organization of projects that promote well-being, community engagement, and effective communication. With a passion for languages and an MA in Interpreting and Translation, I am eager to leverage these strengths to make an impact in the linguistic field.

“Leadership and influence” Chevening Essay Example 2

It is increasingly becoming a well-known fact that ‘influence is the new currency for success’. This is especially true in this new social media era, where several careers have taken off on the strength of social media influence alone, and several political careers have been elevated through the power and ubiquity of social media. Former American President Barack Obama, who used the Internet to orchestrate an unprecedented political campaign mainly using social media, is a prime example. I am well aware that influence and leadership are intertwined, where one cannot exist without the other. Amassing influence is, therefore, the surest way of achieving one’s leadership goals because people can only be motivated to follow a person with some influence. With this knowledge in mind, I have endeavored to build my influence over the years to become a leader within my profession and community. This has seen me take on various leadership responsibilities in school, work, and community.

In high school, I held two primary leadership responsibilities— I was both the Head Girl and Netball Captain at Kereri Girls High School. Being a Head Girl is the highest leadership position one can attain as a secondary school student, and as you can well imagine, it came to a lot of weighty responsibilities. I was the overall leader of all prefects in the school and had to carefully use my influence to guide them towards exercising thoughtful and balanced leadership over the rest of the students. As the Netball Captain, I had to motivate my teammates to succeed in the various national and provincial competitions in which we would participate. Even at the university, I found myself in a leadership role where I was tasked with heading the Fourth Year University Project Group.

Professionally, I have consistently exercised my leadership skills throughout my career. As the Branch Operations Supervisor at NIC Bank, I oversaw teller operations, back office, and customer service operations and guided staff accordingly. I recognized my leadership capabilities and was rewarded with the ‘NIC Bank Branch Forex Champion’ award. These leadership roles have continued as I progress in my career at NIC and currently chair the NIC Securities Limited Welfare Committee. Within the community, however, I have most enjoyed exerting my influence as a leader because it has helped me contribute to society’s betterment in my little way. I am a Mentor at Nyabururu Girls High School, Kereri Girls High School, and the Equity Bank Wings to Fly Program. As a mentor, I have been able to guide young people in terms of professional and academic mentoring and financial support, especially concerning sanitary towels and other school items. In addition, I currently work with the Uthiru Area Chief to support disadvantaged families by donating clothes, food, and some financial support.

Chevening Essay Example 3

“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it”. (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

Coming from Jordanian-Palestinian Family taught me about Eisenhower’s definition of leadership throughout my personal, academic, and professional life. External political and economic forces drove my father’s Palestinian family to move to Jordan, Lebanon, then settle in Syria. In 2015, the carpet-bombing of Aleppo forced me to leave for Turkey without a firm grasp on my future.

From the Voluntary experience I gained from working in the Red Crescent and my University Degree in Economics, I have worked as a humanitarian for the UN, trying to assist crisis-affected communities with economic empowerment and development. I have used my leadership skills to assist others who believe in recovery and resilience to commit to the exact humanitarian cause. I helped coordinate and manage the first pilot project for economic recovery in northern Syria at UN-IOM Turkey. Using my communication and administrative skills, I monitor and oversee the implementation of IOM’s programs in Turkey through our partners remotely daily. My leadership skills have been crystalized through the effective management of this project by allowing the partner flexibility to implement the activities and getting feedback on the results.

Strong leadership comes from clear communication of the task and the ability to give freedom and motivate others to thrive in implementing the objective. Moreover, I have used my communication and coordination skills to initiate change in the workplace. When the Turkish lira dropped significantly against the US dollar, and inflation rose 40%, UN local staff suddenly could not support themselves. I led discussions with colleagues suggesting writing a letter to the management expressing our needs and the aim of changing our salaries. By listening, gaining their trust, and acknowledging their fear, I convinced many local staff members to sign a letter to senior management. The letter led to a meeting with senior management to officially coordinate this issue with other UN agencies in Turkey, which later required establishing the Staff Association Committee that I was elected to lead and represent more than 150 staff in the south of Turkey.

The Chevening scholarship will allow me to receive an education that will provide me with the technical expertise and the network I will need when I return to create social change in terms of development and economic recovery not only at the community level but also in terms of policy implantation. This is a highly needed change for the current Syrian Refugee crisis and the Middle East.

Example 4: Leadership and Influence in Water Management

In the pivotal final year of my degree, I took a stand against the pressing issue of limited access to clean water in Sucre, my hometown. Recognizing the urgency, I spearheaded a groundbreaking project focused on groundwater research. Not only did I secure crucial funding from the water services company, ELAPAS, but I also orchestrated collaborations with key stakeholders across neighborhoods. My leadership role encompassed everything from research initiation and sample collection to the actualization of purification units. Through my unwavering commitment, I championed the cause of Sustainable Development Goal 6 and Water Quality Regulation NB512. The tangible impact? Seventy families now have access to safe drinking water, and a ripple effect of heightened awareness about hygiene and responsible water consumption has been set in motion.

My leadership journey didn’t stop there. As a board member of the Scientific Society of Civil Engineers Univalle-Sucre, I took the helm in coordinating all hydraulics and hydrology-related activities. The pandemic posed unique challenges, but I innovatively transitioned to virtual platforms, spotlighting critical issues like sustainable water management and the pivotal role of women in the water sector. My proactive involvement in the society culminated in co-authoring a scientific article, now published in a renowned Costa Rican journal, poised to enlighten future researchers.

Another feather in my cap was my active involvement with ABIS Chuquisaca. Here, I played a pivotal role in orchestrating the “1st Water Fair” in Sucre, offering a platform for 17 companies to showcase their expertise in the water sector. This event, which I helped bring to fruition, garnered significant attention from students, professionals, and the general public alike. Notably, I was among the elite group of eight professionals recognized during the association’s official founding act.

In essence, while my GPA might not be sky-high, my leadership trajectory speaks volumes. I’ve consistently demonstrated the ability to inspire teams, set visionary goals, and navigate through challenges with resilience and determination. I firmly believe that my proven leadership prowess and influential impact make me an ideal candidate for the Chevening scholarship. My vision is clear: to leverage this opportunity to further the development of my nation, elevate living standards, and champion sustainable water management.

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Leadership and Influence Essay – Chevening Scholarship Application

• Post author By JB English
• Post date September 19, 2020

If you prefer a video, you can watch this YouTube video below:

Welcome back! Let’s look closely at the Leadership and Influence essay.

Another common question that I didn’t mention in the previous blog is “What kinds of awardees is Chevening looking for?” Here is their official answer:

“Whilst there is no ‘typical’ Chevening Scholar, we are looking for the kind of people who have the passion, ideas, and influence to provide the solutions and leadership needed to create a better future.”

I left this question to the end because this is what the essays are all about. The essays are the most important pieces of your application. That’s why I am going to focus on the essays and interview in these blog series. There are four essays in the Chevening application: Leadership and Influence, Networking, Study in the UK, and Career Plans.

In today’s post, I want to share how I answered the first essay Leadership and Influence. Here is the full instruction:

“Chevening is looking for individuals that will be  future leaders or influencers  in their home countries. Explain how you meet this requirement, using clear examples of your own leadership and influencing skills to support your answer.(Minimum word count: 50 words, maximum word count: 500 words)”

When answering this question, I thought of two of my best achievements where I used my leadership and influencing skills. I then used the STAR technique to write about each achievement. The STAR approach is an effective way to structure my writing. It stands for S ituation, T ask, A ction, and R esult.

In this part, I described the general situation: what it was, what year, where it happened, and what role I took.

Then, I described what I tried to achieve.

In this section, I started to describe how I used my leadership skills to achieve the goal of my project. I tried to be specific by providing vivid examples.

Here I mentioned the improvement that happened in relation to my action.

Have a look at my paragraph example below. Pay attention to the color codes as they match with the STAR description above.

“In 2014, along with my colleagues, I started XXX project, a free English program, around the YYY School, an international school focused on sustainability education. XXX project uses English as a tool to overcome the language barrier between local and international communities so we can solve environmental problems together. At the beginning of the program, I worked with eight local schools and various teachers in the area to recruit 90 motivated students to the program. I invited the selected students and their parents to the school for interviews and scheduling. To help me teach the English classes, I recruited and trained native speaker volunteers. By 2016, XXX has grown to 264 students and 6 teachers. As a result of this project, students are not only more informed about English but also about environmental issues in their community. Most importantly, they can help solve these problems .”

In addition to following the STAR structure, I believe I did three important things in this paragraph:

• I described the project and the organization that I worked in. This is very important because we can’t assume that readers know what we are talking about.
• I used active sentences. Active sentences are strong and show involvement of the subject (in this case “myself”)
• I mentioned numbers to show progress. Including numbers is also an easy way to make a paragraph more vivid.

Whenever I write an essay, I always start with the contents. Then I work on the opening and draw a conclusion based on the main contents or reiterate the opening paragraph a different words. I did exactly that for this essay. I described two of my biggest achievements using STAR technique, then continued with the opening and conclusion.

Proofreading

I suggest you find a native English speaker to proofread your application before submitting. I use * Preply to find native English speaker editors that suits my need and budget. I personally worked with Christopher B. He has a Ph.D. and 17 years teaching at the university level. He is awesome!

You can take free classes with other teachers to find the right teacher for you. Even better, if you have an English native speaker friend, you can ask him/her to help.

*Disclaimer: this is an affiliate link meaning I will get a commission if you purchase their services at no additional cost to you.

I hope you learn something from my Leadership and Influence essay and best of luck!

By JB English

JB English adalah lembaga kursus bahasa Inggris profesional yang berlokasi di Bali Indonesia. Guru-guru kami sudah berpengalaman dan berkualifikasi untuk mengajar bahasa Inggris. Beberapa dari mereka sempat mengenyam pendidikan di luar negeri dan mengajar di sekolah internasional di Bali. Tertarik belajar dengan kami? Kontak via WhatsApp +6287 806 000 552

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Crafting Your Chevening Scholarship Application Essay: A Structured Template

The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious international scholarship program fully funded by the UK government. It is specifically designed to provide opportunities for outstanding individuals from around the world to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. The program is named after the Chevening House in the UK, which is used for many of its events.

To be selected for a Chevening Scholarship, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and go through a competitive application and selection process. The eligibility criteria include:

• Being a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country.
• Having an undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience.

Once the eligibility is confirmed, applicants are evaluated based on their leadership qualities, academic achievements, and potential to contribute to their home country. The selection process involves multiple rounds of assessment, including written applications, interviews, and references from credible sources. Only the most exceptional candidates are chosen for the prestigious Chevening Scholarship.

Crafting an effective Chevening essay requires a thoughtful approach that begins with a deep understanding of the essay prompt. By brainstorming, outlining, highlighting achievements, and improving on grammar, flow, composition, and relevancy, applicants can create a compelling narrative that demonstrates their suitability for the scholarship. This strategic approach will increase their chances of becoming Chevening Scholars and pursuing their academic and leadership goals in the UK.

The provided hypothetical responses to the Chevening scholarship essay questions should not be used or referenced in your application, as doing so could lead to automatic disqualification. The purpose of these responses is to assist inexperienced scholarship applicants in effectively approaching the essay task.

BY ALL MEANS AVOID COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR ESSAY.

HYPOTHETICAL RESPONSE: I possess the qualities and experiences necessary to meet Chevening’s requirement of being a future leader or influencer in my home country. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have consistently demonstrated leadership and influencing skills, which I intend to develop further during my time in the UK.

One significant example of my leadership ability is when I served as the president of a student organization during my undergraduate studies. In this role, I successfully led a team of diverse individuals toward a common goal. I organized events, managed budgets, and ensured effective communication among team members. Through this experience, I not only honed my organizational and managerial skills but also learned the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving objectives. I organized a symposium titled Life after Undergraduate Studies. This symposium recorded 1000 participants including the vice chancellor of the university and several guest speakers.

In my professional life, I have held a position as a project manager in a non-governmental organization focused on environmental conservation. During my tenure, I initiated a campaign to raise awareness about sustainable practices in our community. Through strategic planning and effective communication, I garnered support from local businesses, government agencies, and community members. This campaign resulted in a significant reduction in environmental degradation in our area. My ability to mobilize resources and inspire action illustrates my capacity to influence positive change.

Furthermore, my involvement in advocating for educational reform in my home country underscores my commitment to becoming a future influencer. I have actively participated in discussions with policymakers and educational institutions, presenting innovative ideas to improve the quality of education and access for underprivileged communities. My efforts have contributed to policy changes and the implementation of programs aimed at bridging educational disparities.

I intend to capitalize on the world-class education and networking opportunities Chevening offers to further enhance my leadership and influencing skills. I will pursue a Master’s degree in Public Policy, focusing on sustainable development and social equality, which are critical issues in my home country. This academic experience will provide me with the knowledge and expertise needed to address pressing challenges effectively.

In conclusion, my track record of leadership roles and influencing outcomes, coupled with my dedication to addressing pressing issues in my home country, makes me a strong candidate for Chevening’s mission of nurturing future leaders and influencers. My time in the UK will serve as a transformative experience, equipping me with the skills, knowledge, and network needed to make a lasting positive impact on my community and beyond.

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NETWORKING QUESTION: Chevening is looking for individuals with strong professional relationship-building skills, who will engage with the Chevening community and influence and lead others in their chosen profession. Please explain how you build and maintain relationships in a professional capacity, using clear examples of how you currently do this, and outline how you hope to use these skills in the future. (minimum word count: 100 words; maximum word count: 500 words)

HYPOTHETICAL RESPONSE: Building and maintaining professional relationships has been an integral part of my career journey, and it is a cornerstone of effective leadership and influence. I have consistently demonstrated my ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries. Below, I provide clear examples of how I currently build and maintain professional relationships and how I plan to leverage these skills in the future, especially during my time in the UK through the Chevening program.

In my current role as a project manager at XXX, I have had the opportunity to work with cross-functional teams comprising members from various departments, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. To foster collaboration and ensure project success, I proactively initiate meetings, facilitate open communication channels, and actively listen to my team members’ ideas and concerns. By valuing their input and expertise, I have established trust and respect within the team, which has resulted in enhanced teamwork and project outcomes. These relationships are essential not only for project success but also for my personal and professional growth.

Furthermore, I engage in professional networking events and conferences within my industry. At these events, I approach professionals with a genuine curiosity about their work and experiences. I ask insightful questions and actively listen, seeking to understand their perspectives and challenges. By doing so, I have built a valuable network of industry experts and peers whom I can turn to for advice, collaboration, or knowledge sharing. One notable example is when I connected with [Industry Expert’s Name] at a conference. Our discussions eventually led to a collaborative research project that has since been published in a reputable industry journal.

Looking ahead, I aspire to use these relationship-building skills during my Chevening journey. In the UK, I plan to actively engage with the Chevening community, my fellow scholars, and faculty members at my chosen university. I intend to organize and participate in academic and professional networking events, creating an environment conducive to sharing knowledge and experiences. By fostering a sense of community and camaraderie, I hope to encourage meaningful interactions and collaborations among scholars from diverse backgrounds.

Moreover, the Chevening experience is an opportunity to expand my global network. I aim to connect with British professionals, entrepreneurs, and academics who can provide unique insights into their fields and contribute to my personal and professional growth. Through these interactions, I plan to bring back valuable knowledge and experiences to my home country, fostering international collaborations that can address pressing global challenges.

In conclusion, my ability to build and maintain professional relationships has been instrumental in my career growth thus far. I am excited about the prospect of further developing these skills during my Chevening journey. Through active engagement with the Chevening community, networking with professionals in the UK, and fostering international collaborations, I aim to use my relationship-building skills to influence and lead others in my chosen profession and make a positive impact on a global scale.

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STUDY IN UK QUESTION: Outline why you have selected your chosen three university courses, and explain how this relates to your previous academic or professional experience and your plans for the future. Please enter new information and examples here and not duplicate the information you have entered on the work experience and education section of this form (minimum word count: 100 words, maximum word count: 500 words)

HYPOTHETICAL RESPONSE: I have meticulously selected my three university courses for the Chevening Scholarship with a clear vision of how each choice aligns with my previous academic and professional experiences and contributes to my plans.

My first choice is to study Public Policy at Oxford University. This is rooted in my deep-seated commitment to public service and policy advocacy. Throughout my career in xxx, I have actively engaged in policy analysis and contributed to the development of initiatives aimed at improving public services and addressing societal challenges. Oxford University’s rigorous curriculum and esteemed faculty members in the field of public policy make it the ideal place for me to deepen my understanding of policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.

Oxford’s academic excellence will not only enhance my policy analysis skills but also provide me with a global perspective on effective governance. Armed with this knowledge, I aim to return to my home country and play a pivotal role in shaping policies that address pressing issues such as education reform, healthcare access, and poverty alleviation.

My second choice is to pursue a degree in Public Project Management at the University of Cambridge. This stems from my extensive experience in project management and my aspiration to contribute to efficient and impactful public projects. In my current role as a Project Manager at [Company Name], I have led cross-functional teams and overseen the successful execution of complex projects. However, I recognize the unique challenges that public projects present, including budget constraints and stakeholder engagement.

The University of Cambridge’s program is renowned for its emphasis on project management within the public sector. By acquiring advanced project management skills tailored to the public domain, I aim to bridge the gap between private and public project management practices. This knowledge will enable me to lead public projects that are not only cost-effective but also yield significant social benefits.

My third choice of the Public Engagement and Sustainability program at University College London reflects my passion for environmental conservation and community engagement. Over the years, I have been actively involved in environmental initiatives and community outreach programs. The intersection of public engagement and sustainability is crucial for addressing the global climate crisis and promoting responsible citizenship.

University College London’s program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines sustainability studies with effective public engagement strategies. By enrolling in this program, I will gain a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and the means to engage communities in adopting them. This knowledge will be instrumental in my long-term career goal of advocating for sustainable policies, promoting eco-friendly practices, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility in my home country.

In conclusion, my choice of these three university courses is a strategic step in my journey to becoming a global leader who can drive positive change in my home country. These programs will not only enrich my academic and professional knowledge but will also empower me to tackle complex issues related to public policy, project management, sustainability, and community engagement. Through the Chevening Scholarship, I aspire to return home with the expertise needed to make a lasting impact on the development and well-being of my community and nation.

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CAREER PLANS QUESTION: Chevening is looking for individuals who have a clear post-study career plan. Please outline your immediate plans upon returning home and your longer term career goals. You may wish to consider how these relate to what the UK government is doing in your country. (minimum word count: 100 words, maximum word count: 500 words)

HYPOTHETICAL RESPONSE: My post-study career plan and long-term career goals are intricately connected to my aspirations to contribute to the development and prosperity of my home country. Upon completing my studies in the UK through the Chevening program, I have a clear vision of my immediate and longer-term career objectives.

Upon returning to my home country, I intend to actively apply the knowledge and skills I acquire during my studies in the UK to make an immediate impact. Given my background and career in the public sector, I aim to return to my current position or a higher-ranking role within my government agency. My immediate goal is to use the insights gained from my academic program to contribute to more effective and evidence-based policy formulation and implementation. I aim to be at the forefront of initiatives that address critical issues facing my country, such as healthcare reform and education enhancement.

I am committed to sharing the knowledge and experiences I gain in the UK with my colleagues and peers. This includes organizing workshops, seminars, and training sessions within my government agency to promote best practices and foster a culture of continuous learning. I plan to engage actively with local communities and civil society organizations. Through volunteering and collaborative projects, I want to apply my expertise to address social and environmental challenges, aligning with the UK government’s emphasis on sustainable development and community engagement.

Looking further into the future, my long-term career goals are shaped by a commitment to sustainable development, social progress, and the values promoted by the UK government in my home country. Over the long term, I aspire to take on leadership roles within my government’s policy-making bodies. I aim to play a pivotal role in shaping policies that address complex societal challenges, foster economic growth, and promote social inclusivity. I envision fostering international collaborations between my home country and the UK. Leveraging the networks I build during my Chevening journey, I will seek opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and partnerships that benefit both nations.

I am passionate about education and its role in societal progress. Therefore, I plan to establish educational initiatives, scholarships, and mentorship programs that empower the next generation of leaders and scholars in my country. This aligns with the UK government’s commitment to global education and capacity-building. Long term, I aim to be a prominent advocate for sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and renewable energy solutions in my country. I will work towards aligning national policies with global sustainability goals, reflecting the UK government’s focus on climate action and environmental protection.

In conclusion, my post-study career plan and long-term career goals are driven by a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact in my home country. I intend to leverage the knowledge, skills, and networks gained during my Chevening-sponsored education in the UK to contribute to effective governance, sustainable development, and positive change. By aligning my aspirations with the values and goals of the UK government in my country, I aim to be a catalyst for progress and development in the years to come.

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What type of leader are you? How to show leadership skills in your Chevening interview, according to current scholars

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One of the key qualities we look for in our Cheveners is strong leadership. Here’s how you can show this in your interview.

Our Chevening Alumni work all over the world in a huge range of disciplines, but they all have one thing in common: they’re great leaders.

Proving that you have great leadership skills is a sure-fire way to convince interviewers of your value to the Chevening network and put yourself in a strong position to receive a scholarship.

We’ll show you how you can do this and even give you tips from successful scholars. But first, why do we look for leadership qualities in the first place?

Why is leadership important?

The Chevening Scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that gives students from around the world the chance to advance their education and careers by taking part in the UK’s stellar higher education system.

We select our Cheveners by looking for four important qualities:

• Leadership and influencing
• Relationship building
• A strong career plan
• Enthusiasm for studying in the UK

Leadership skills are important because our goal when awarding a Chevening Scholarship is not just to fast-track individual success.

A Chevening Scholarship allows students to create a positive impact in their own communities and around the world, and we aim to select only the students who are willing and capable to enact this positive change.

Having strong leadership skills – and being able to demonstrate these at interview – is an important part of this.

What kind of leader are you?

In order to show your interviewer that you have the leadership skills we’re looking for, you first need to know what kind of leader you are .

The answer to this question will differ from person to person. Think about situations in which you have had to take a leadership role. What skills did you most employ? What are the qualities you most associate with the strong leaders in your life?

For Hui Wang, a 2021 Chevener hailing from China, resilience is the quality they most associate with strong leadership.

“For aspiring future leaders who aim to bring about positive change, there are bound to be ups and downs along their journeys. It is crucial to tell the interviewers you can get back up from failure and figure out how to improve.”

Hui chose to highlight this quality during the interview and, clearly, was successful. But how can you show that you’re a great leader when talking to a panel of interviewers?

How can you show leadership skills in your interview?

The key to showing off your leadership skills in your interview is giving strong, specific examples.

Using the insights you have gained from reflecting on what leadership means to you, prepare a few strong examples of these qualities in action.

Laith Abdin, a 2021 Chevener from Jordan, focused on highlighting his social skills.

“I mainly focused on multiple examples that revolved around social influence, two of which were about leaving a positive impact on society through my job and my voluntary experiences,” he says.

“One of my favourites is that, despite working for a for-profit organisation, I was privileged to lead a project that ultimately aimed to support the government in responding to a vital challenge that contributes to the greater good of my country.”

Sithabile Daka-Mungombe, another 2021 Chevener from Zimbabwe, chose to foreground her work empowering women in her community.

“I [showed] my ability to give back to my community through various volunteer activities with UNICA-AfroEdge and other community based organisations that are greatly impacting society through early childhood education and girl child education,” she says.

“[These are] causes which are dear to me because of the odds I had to overcome as a girl child growing in a community that valued girls less.”

By thinking deeply about your unique leadership style and demonstrating this with a specific example, you can put yourself in the best position to receive a Chevening Scholarship. Good luck in your interview!

By  Amy Hughes

• Sep 17, 2020

Part 2: Applying for the Chevening Scholarship (Essay Tips)

Updated: Oct 14, 2020

This serves as Part 2 of the Chevening Tips, in the event that you would like insight in as far as what is Chevening and an overall insight on what is required to apply, kindly have a look at Part 1: Applying for the Chevening Scholarship (FAQ).

Applying for the Chevening Scholarship Series

Three Years a Charm: Becoming a Chevening Scholar

Part 1: Applying for the Chevening Scholarship (FAQ)

Disclaimer: Note that the advice given here below is my own personal opinion and not that of the Chevening Secretariat or the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office .

When applying for the Chevening Scholarship, you will be required to submit four written essays, each a minimum of 100 words and a maximum of 500 words.

Quick Tips on how to write your 4 Chevening Essays:

When writing your essays, use the STAR and SMART approach.

Ensure that you cover the bases in each of your essays, mentioning the most important elements.

Your essays have to be truthful, concise, and well-written.

Ensure that you tell a story when writing your essays, you can add bullet points to list achievements and highlight career goals however there should be a flow.

Ensure that any stranger can make out what you are trying to say, making it clear what you are talking about. When making references to data or situations from your home country, be sure to mention the country's name.

Refrain using words like our and their, and opt to name what you are talking about.

Use Grammarly to spell check your work and ensure that your grammar is correct.

STAR Approach - Derived from Muse

Situation: Set the scene and give the necessary details of your example.

Task: Describe what your responsibility was in that situation.

Action: Explain exactly what steps you took to address it.

Result: Share what outcomes your actions achieved.

SMART Approach - Derived from CFI

Specific: Well defined, clear, and unambiguous.

Measurable : With specific criteria that measure your progress toward the accomplishment of the goal.

Achievable: Attainable and not impossible to achieve.

Realistic: Within reach, realistic, and relevant to your life purpose.

Timely: With a clearly defined timeline, including a starting date and a target date. The purpose is to create urgency.

Four Essay Topics

Leadership and Influence

Chevening is looking for individuals who will be future leaders or influencers in their home countries. Explain how you meet this requirement, using clear examples of your own leadership and influencing skills to support your answer. - Question as per the Chevening Website

Using the methods explained above (STAR AND SMART Approach), ensure that you speak on the times you have depicted leadership traits, the leadership positions you have occupied and the times you have displayed a position of influence. These can range from managerial positions, leadership in organizations (NGO's included), or in your day-to-day life. In addition, you can touch on what leadership ambitions you have and how this ties back to your community.

It is important to ensure that the examples are impact-driven and not only for self-gain.

Chevening is looking for individuals with strong professional relationship-building skills, who will engage with the Chevening community and influence and lead others in their chosen profession. Please explain how you build and maintain relationships in a professional capacity, using clear examples of how you currently do this, and outline how you hope to use these skills in the future. - Question as per the Chevening Website

Writing your networking essay is primarily about showing clear examples of the relationships you have built, how they were established, and how you have managed to maintain them. In addition, highlight how these said relationships have been instrumental in your personal development and the work that you do. Ensure that you are able to glean from every example the skill acquired and how these skills will be useful to you in the future as a possible Chevening scholar. This essay, in essence, is to show that you have the ability to use the opportunities given to you in a tangible and impactful manner.

Career Plan

Chevening is looking for individuals who have a clear post-study career plan. Please outline your immediate plans upon returning home and your longer-term career goals. You may wish to consider how these relate to what the UK government is doing in your country. - Question as per Chevening Website

This essay provides an opportunity for you to layout an immediate 2-year plan, and a 5 to 10-year plan. Your plans need to be attainable and should speak to your ambitions as laid out in your career plan. The most important tip for when writing out your career plan, is to ensure that when you touch on your professional experience, it not be written as though it is a Curriculum Vitae but rather speaking on impact, journey, and career trajectory. You too are welcome to link your journey thus far, to how this informs your next career move, namely pursuing a masters degree. You should depict an understanding of what you want to do in the future, how this is tangibly attainable, and what your ambitions are long term.

Studying in the UK

Outline why you have selected your chosen three university courses, and explain how this relates to your previous academic or professional experience and your plans for the future. Please do not duplicate the information you have entered on the work experience and education section of this form. - Question as per the Chevening Website

Do not duplicate your career essay in this essay, however, you can link the information. You will also be required to list the three universities you will be applying to, the name of the courses at the said universities, and why you chose the particular university.

Tip: Depending on which course you intend to study, google the top-performing universities in the said field to inform your university choice. Then ensure that the universities you would like to attend are Chevening partner universities, before finalizing your list of your three chosen universities.

Bonus: I have asked three scholars who have managed to successfully be chosen for Chevening before to assist with proofreading 3 prospective scholars essays before submission. Kindly note that these will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. This available to a total of 9 prospective scholars and no more. Only the 9 successful prospective scholars will be contacted. If you are not contacted, unfortunately, the 9 spots were already taken.

To get your essays proofread - please fill in the form at the link here .

(Available to ONLY the first 9 applicants)

Proofreading volunteer scholars (each reading 3 prospective scholars essays EACH)

Rosalia Shiimi - Rosalia holds a BSc Honours Degree in Geology and a Certificate in Investment Management from the University of Cape Town. She is currently the Acting Grade Control Geologist at Vedanta Zinc International’s Gamsberg Operation. She is a part of the 2021/2022 Chevening cohort, pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Environment Geology at Cardiff University.

Abel is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and former Head of Internal Audit. He holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science and Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Auditing. In addition, he too is a Section Chairperson and Branch Executive member in SPYL and serve on the NCCI Windhoek Trading Committee. He will be pursuing a Master of Arts in International Relations at the University of Birmingham.

Hilja Eelu - Hilja is a UCT molecular biology graduate and a previous recipient of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship. Having been awarded both the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship, she will be pursuing the MSc Control of Infectious Diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine starting September 2020, thanks to the Commonwealth scholarship.

Additional Reading Material

Essay Tips from the Reading Committee of Chevening

Essay Examples

Writing an effective networking essay

My Application for Chevening Scholarship

Chevening Leadership Essay

How I won the Chevening Scholarship - Part 2: Writing your Essays

From One Powerhouse to another

Twitter - @MavisBraga

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Website - www.mavisbraga.com

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Thank you so much for your great effort. I have got tons of ideas after reading your tips and essay prompts. You are really amazing one. Love you from Myanmar

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Chevening scholarship essay on Leadership and Influence: Managing a team at workplace

a self-driven and compassionate leader

pionpt 2 / 2   Oct 30, 2019   #2 Hi@Iqbal3993, I think some sentences need to be trimmed down a bit, especially the 1st one of the second paragraph. Try cutting all unnecessary words and work on better sentence composition. The last sentence of the 3rd paragraph also needs to be omitted as it doesn't help supporting your general ideas, yet brings an unneeded negativity to your overall essay. Instead, you can say you will work out to bring the campaign back on track and promote it, for example. I'm no expert but I'm applying for Chevening as well and hope you'll find these helpful :)