Personal Statement

By Zhang Fan Deriving from the influence of my family, four-year study and practice at university, I wish to dig deep into the field of finance and economics and seek my contribution to the development in the financial field. Born with the gene in finance, my interests in this field have grown up with me. My father has been working in the financial field for many years, which has greatly influenced on me. Additionally, when the Financial Crisis happened in 2008, I was concerned with what was going on in the Chinese economy, what impacts will the crisis lead to, and what can we do. Therefore, I emphasized my undergraduate study on financial and economics, and learned related academic courses like Finance, Accounting and Human Recourse Marketing, etc. To best plan my future with my solid economic and finance background, I have been more determined to seek further education in a finance-related field in the United Kingdom bringing myself closer and better to my career objectivean excellent financial person. I believe that, apart from inspiration, any academic breakthroughs and innovations can only derive from a substantial theoretical buildup. In 2009, after graduation from high school, I kicked off the door of Shandong University and attended China& Canada Co-operative program. Studying in Shandong University, a university included in the national 211 and 985 project, and specializing in Economics and Commerce, I acquired the most needing education to keep pace with the times. During my two-year academic study in China, I find myself has been strongly attached to this specific territory. From the prepared required courses, I learned basic methodology and theories of economics and finance. I got to know the subject from its origin to the process of development. Till the end of study in Shandong University, my GPA of major course reached 85%. My performance in Calculus, The Principles of Macroeconomics and Marketing respectively achieved 91%, 90%, 90%. In the meantime, I prepared to study at University of New Brunswick, Canada. In my junior year, 2011, I was admitted at University of New Brunswick, majoring in Finance and Economics. During my study in the Canada, it occurred to me that a completely new environment can inspire my potential and some of my ignored talents began to emerge. I have to suit myself to the different educational system and total English-teaching environment. When I first arrived in the Canada, I was not able to speak good English. I consulted my teammates with an open mind and read the material many times. Meanwhile, I improved English proficiency, also my responsibility and creativity. The study in University of New Brunswick not only provided me an opportunity to learn financial and economic-related knowledge systematically but also allowed me to venture out and explore my surroundings-both my immediate and more distant surroundings. During my study period, I deeply realized that cultural difference are more than just differences in language, food, appearance, and personal

habits. Case analysis, group discussions, reports by PPT, were all the teaching methods that obsess me. These experiences have given me a first-hand look at the differences between cultures and reality. Apart from academic studies, the most beneficial aspect of my undergraduate life, in my opinion, was the myriad of opportunities to apply the obtained knowledge in practice. During more than two-year study in University of New Brunswick, I am the member of Financial Department of Chinese Students Association. Our department was mainly in charge of contacting sponsorship for our students organizations and arranging the social activities. What I participated in organizing included simulating sales competition, visiting companies to understand the operation process, donating books for the children of remote villages, and interviewing new members. Our teammates all have become friends with no relationship-related conflicts. When task-related conflicts occurred at work, we always discussed intensely but made discussions in peace. I am very proud of the harmony atmosphere in our team and the contributions we made. Working in the Chinese Students Association is also a wonderful opportunity to build up my leadership, especially when new members joined us. I signed them with different missions and communicated with them in different ways, depending on their unique characteristics, and this clear division of work turned out to be efficient and harmonious. Overall, I improved my capability of leadership and organization. All these feelings enhanced my desire of further studying in the financial area. I am confident that my firm academic foundation and unique experience together with my passion and enthusiasm could offer me all that I will require in succeeding in economic-finance field. Moreover, having studied in the Canada for more than two years, I experienced the Canada diversity culture and found my strength in communicating with people from different cultural background. The Great Britain plays a decisive role in the global affairs with its capital city London as one of the world famous financial metropolises, and it is especially attractive to me for its perfect educational system and excellent postgraduate education. I am hoping study in United Kingdom will provide me with an understanding of the business world as well as offering me a wide range of choices and connections after my course. I hope that you have analyzed this piece carefully enough to offer me a place at your university, and trust that you have yet to see the bigger picture of me. I look forward to the challenge of the demanding degree course, and I am confident that I have the personal qualities and academic motivation to make a success of it.