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Draft 3ish. Thought I'd have a go as I didn't see this the other night. Hope it will be of some use - let me know and get it done!! ;) Draft 4ish. Have hacked it a bit brutally, might try and clean it up some when more awake if no one else has. If you haven't sent it already by the time I wake up...
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I have had an interest in computing for many years since I got my Dragon 32 at the age of 8 [expand to some kind of introduction] I have had an interest in computing since obtaining my Dragon 32
'''[microcomputer?]''' at the age of 8. From programming in BASIC on
that machine, I have developed an interest in many areas of computer
science: Linux and programming languages in particular. I am usually
involved in computer-related projects, including working for the
Debian Linux distribution where I maintain the irssi IRC client and help
with KDE packaging. The work requires patience and persistence, often
taking extra time to attend to details or fix bugs. As a result, I
have honed my skills in Linux administration and programming using a
range of languages including C, C++, shell scripting, Perl and python.
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I undertook my BSc. at the University of Leeds as I was attracted by the theoretical nature of the course and the chance to develop my programming and mathematical skills. I enjoyed the Functional Programming and Graphics modules, and was particularly successful at Compiler Design and Database Design (although I feel perhaps my achievements were not reflected in my final 2:1 classification). My final year project was designing and implementing a static source code checker for C++, for which I received a first. While at Leeds I also helped to develop a replacement Student database for the department during one summer holiday [anything else that could show 'em how good you are?!] I enjoy problem solving and the sense of achievement on completion, I
show persistence in making something work and I will always put in the
time and effort required to obtain the best possible results. I take
great satisfaction and pride in a well designed piece of code or an
elegant proof and I have a particular interest in compilers and
parsing '''[parsing what? how parsing? some other word!]'''.
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Since graduating in 2001 I have worked as a systems administrator for a small computer consultancy. This job has involved using a number of skills acquired during my undergraduate studies [such as...?]. I have been required to do a fair amount of programming and analysis [and...? this seems too short]. The job has required me to develop my communication skills as it involves a lot of time working with clients, and it has also helped me to work to deadlines. Many aspects of the MSc. at Imperial appeal to these interests,
particularly the modules on Program Analysis and Advanced Issues in
Object-Oriented Programming, along with complexity, finite automata
and regular expressions. I would hope to build on work
undertaken for my final year project, to learn new skills and
consolidate my understanding of program analysis and compilers. I hope an
MSc will lead towards further academic study, possibly a PhD on
program analysis and static code checking.
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Outside of paid or academic study I am usually involved in computer-related projects, including working for the Debian Linux distribution. I maintain the irssi IRC client and help with the KDE packaging for Debian as I apply to become a [cetified/accredited/recognised?]Debian developer. This packaging work requires patience and persistence, and can often involve dedicating extra time to fix bugs and other problems. As a result, I have honed my skills in Linux administration and programming [the next bit sounds a little unnecessary, but include it if you want!...] and I think this shows that I have a genuine interest in the course material. I enjoy the challenge and satisfaction gained from learning the different languages required, including, C, C++, shell scripting, Perl and Python. In addition to my computer-related work, I enjoy juggling, music and have an interest in law and local government. I am also a parish councilor, which has helped me to develop organizational and teamwork skills. I undertook my BSc. at the University of Leeds, attracted by the
theoretical nature of the course and the chance to develop my
programming and mathematical skills. Amongst others I enjoyed the
Functional Programming and Graphics modules. I was particularly
successful at Compiler Design which I applied to my final year
project; designing and implementing a static source code checker for
C++. While at Leeds I helped to develop a replacement student database
for the department. I also helped teach C++ programming and discrete mathematics to the lower years.
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Over the last year I have had the opportunity to attend several technical conferences, including FOSDEM in Brussels and Debconf in Oslo. This provided a fantastic chance to meet up with like-minded people, exchange ideas and news, and start on new projects [?]. I am also a member of several local Linux user groups and have presented several talks to the groups, strengthening my public speaking skills. Since graduating in 2001 I have worked as a systems administrator for
a small computer consultancy. I have built on skills learnt
during my undergraduate studies '''[; particularly blah and
blah..?]''' and I have developed new skills---close attention to
deadlines has been important, as have communication
skills when interacting closely with customers. Programming and systems analysis have been [bad word, already used it] important. [can
these go in the above empty box? solve the repetition problem]
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Many aspects of the MSc. at Imperial appeal to the interests outlined, in particular the modules on Program Analysis and Advanced Issues in Object-oriented Programming, along with the areas of complexity, finite automaton and regular expressions. Through your course I am looking to build on work undertaken for final year project, to learn more skills [skills in what, or just generally?] and consolidate my knowledge of program analysis and compilers. I am interested in the research pathway, and I want to undertake an MSc. as the first step towards further academic study, possibly a PhD. I enjoy applying my mind to the solving of problems. I show persistence in making something work and I will always put in the time and effort required to obtain the best possible results. I take great satisfaction and pride in a well 'shaped' piece of code or a 'neat' proof as I have a specific interest in compilers and parsing areas of Computer Science. [You'll then need some final summary of why you'd be one of the most suitable candidates for their course, and anything else you could offer!] Over the last year technical conferences including FOSDEM in Brussels and Debconf in Oslo enabled me
to meet up with like-minded people to exchange ideas and news. I am also a member of several local Linux user groups and my public speaking skills have been strengthened when I have presented talks to the groups.

Balancing my computer-related work, I keep fit through juggling and
badminton, relax with music, films and take an interest in law and
local government. I am a parish councillor, through which I've
developed organizational and teamwork skills.

I will require funding.
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This is a temporary place to edit a personal statement for JD's application to ic.ac.uk for a MSc in Advanced Computer Science. Please feel free to edit things as you feel neccessary. You may want to look at [http://www.davidpashley.com/resume.html my CV].

The Question says:

Supplementary Personal Statement - Describe your academic interests and reasons for applying. Include details of work experience you consider relevant to your proposed study, careers objectives and relevant non-academic achievements. Expand on a separate sheet if required.

The Notes also have this to say: Use this space to tell us why you are interested in the subject for which you have applied. Describe your academic interests and reasons for applying to Imperial College. Selectors place particular importance on the personal statement.

  • PhD:

    • ooh that looks scary when written down

  • Computers:

    • okay need to mention a few things here

    • Compilers, source code checking, clint
    • debian
    • general interest? tinkering? list programming etc.
    • many programming languages mentioned in CV
      • -done any fixing for local people? -degree? dissertation?
  • jobs:
    • Cranfield - skills?
    • Leeds Uni Summer programming job, teaching lower years. shows good communication and an understanding of your subject.
    • PGL - skills? relevance???
  • Parish council, law, music: juggling?
    • Skills: Parish council - skills?
      • Juggling, photography - skills? badminton, music - relevant? if so - variety? anything else?

Draft 4ish. Have hacked it a bit brutally, might try and clean it up some when more awake if no one else has. If you haven't sent it already by the time I wake up...

I have had an interest in computing since obtaining my Dragon 32 [microcomputer?] at the age of 8. From programming in BASIC on that machine, I have developed an interest in many areas of computer science: Linux and programming languages in particular. I am usually involved in computer-related projects, including working for the Debian Linux distribution where I maintain the irssi IRC client and help with KDE packaging. The work requires patience and persistence, often taking extra time to attend to details or fix bugs. As a result, I have honed my skills in Linux administration and programming using a range of languages including C, C++, shell scripting, Perl and python.

I enjoy problem solving and the sense of achievement on completion, I show persistence in making something work and I will always put in the time and effort required to obtain the best possible results. I take great satisfaction and pride in a well designed piece of code or an elegant proof and I have a particular interest in compilers and parsing [parsing what? how parsing? some other word!].

Many aspects of the MSc. at Imperial appeal to these interests, particularly the modules on Program Analysis and Advanced Issues in Object-Oriented Programming, along with complexity, finite automata and regular expressions. I would hope to build on work undertaken for my final year project, to learn new skills and consolidate my understanding of program analysis and compilers. I hope an MSc will lead towards further academic study, possibly a PhD on program analysis and static code checking.

I undertook my BSc. at the University of Leeds, attracted by the theoretical nature of the course and the chance to develop my programming and mathematical skills. Amongst others I enjoyed the Functional Programming and Graphics modules. I was particularly successful at Compiler Design which I applied to my final year project; designing and implementing a static source code checker for C++. While at Leeds I helped to develop a replacement student database for the department. I also helped teach C++ programming and discrete mathematics to the lower years.

Since graduating in 2001 I have worked as a systems administrator for a small computer consultancy. I have built on skills learnt during my undergraduate studies [; particularly blah and blah..?] and I have developed new skills---close attention to deadlines has been important, as have communication skills when interacting closely with customers. Programming and systems analysis have been [bad word, already used it] important. [can these go in the above empty box? solve the repetition problem]

Over the last year technical conferences including FOSDEM in Brussels and Debconf in Oslo enabled me to meet up with like-minded people to exchange ideas and news. I am also a member of several local Linux user groups and my public speaking skills have been strengthened when I have presented talks to the groups.

Balancing my computer-related work, I keep fit through juggling and badminton, relax with music, films and take an interest in law and local government. I am a parish councillor, through which I've developed organizational and teamwork skills.

I will require funding.

TheEarthWiki: JD (last edited 2008-02-19 15:39:14 by localhost)