IT Networking Personal Statement
In the past two years, I have been studying networking at <redacted>. I have always been excited by computing, and this course has allowed me to expand my knowledge, within this specific field. I have already achieved a distinction in CCNA Discovery one, and it was also one of my favourite modules on the course. Prior to coming to college, I already had experience with computers, as I spent time during my school years on forums where I learnt how computers behave. This meant that I could subsequently repair my own computer, whenever a fault occurred. This also means that I am able to identify problems with computers, and also solutions.
The networking sector of the IT industry has interested me a lot. I understand how subnetting works, and how to initially configure Cisco routers. I have experience of using packet tracer, where a physical connection to a router is not available. As a lot of the material is online, it means that the work can be accessed outside college, and in my own time. I have also visited the Museum of Science and Industry, which has really inspired me to continue with networking. The visit really showed how technology has been innovated since the 1800’s
I have developed good time management skills, considering I am always handing assignments on time. As I have been travelling to study since the age of eleven, it means that I have been able to build this skill up in order to be punctual for my studies.
As my thirst of knowledge grows, it means that I would like to go to university in order to complete a CCNA and a CCNP qualification, as well as later pursuing a masters and a PHD. I have visited the campus at one of the open days, and I immediately felt welcome. I was delighted that the university also gave the option to have a four year sandwich course, which means that I can gain industry experience, before coming back to finish my final year in order to graduate.
I spend some of my time volunteering at a relative's local clothes shop, where I have grown confidence and gained a good rapport with customers. In addition, I am a student representative, where I deal with student issues. As a representative I act as a go between to discuss problems, and this also means that I am part of the collective student voice to voice our opinions as to what is best for our college. Furthermore, I am also part of the “Aimhigher” group, where I have researched different higher education courses, and then decided which course is best for me.
In my spare time I enjoy going to the cinemas; where I can watch new movies, and going to the local gym for cardio vascular exercise. At the gym, I am also able to make new friends and socialise. I do like to spend time repairing computers as a hobby, which means that I do spend some of my time on forums.
I am able to communicate clearly and concisely in English, and I am also able to speak a low level of Mirpuri Punjabi as well as being able to read Arabic. I can say a very short amount of words within the Arabic language that I can translate in to English. I am a very enthusiastic person, and I am always willing to take on new challenges, in order to reach my full potential. After university, I hope to achieve a CCNA and a CCNP qualification to prepare me for my working life within the industry.
Universities Applied to:
- Staffordshire University (Network Computing) - Offer - Firm
- Staffordshire University (Computer Networks & Security) - Offer - Insurance
- Sheffield Hallam (Computer and Network Engineering) - Offer
- Birmingham City University (Computer Networks) - Offer
Grades Achieved:
- Overall Classification for ND Networking BTEC - DDD
- Computer Systems - D
- Communication Technologies - D
- Client Side Customisation Web Pages - D
- Principles of Computer Networks - D
- Mathematics for IT Practitioners - M
- Computer Architecture - D
- Communication and Employability Skills for IT - M
- IT Systems Analysis and Design - P
- Cisco Discovery 1 - D
- Cisco Discovery 2 - D
- Maintaining Computer Systems - D
- Network Management - D
- Organisational Systems Security - D
- Website Production and Management - D
- Installing and Upgrading Software - D
- IT Technical Support - D
- IT Systems Troubleshooting and Repair - D
- Controlling Systems Using IT - D
- Functional Skills
- Key Skills
Comments
I ended up firming my offer at Staffordshire University. I originally applied, as a result of college lecturers telling me how good it was, in terms of having industry links, though truth be told, Sheffield Hallam, BCU and Staffs all have great industry links. At the time I wrote my personal statement, BCU didn't incorporate the CCNP course in to their undergrad course, so even though it is the "main" Cisco academy, I ended up going to Staffs, due to a heavier workload in undergrad. They also have quite an amount of equipment at Staffs now, it seems.
Comments on the statement:
Looking back, it obviously got me in to uni, but I don't think it really needed to mention any thing about "knowing a very short amount of words in Arabic" It would be preferable to simply say "I am also learning Arabic in my spare time"
