DEH Student Workshop: Writing Statements of Purpose

On March 14, 2024, the Department of English and Humanities at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, hosted a workshop titled, "Writing Statements of Purpose". This workshop aimed to guide undergraduate students enrolled in ENG 498, ENG 499, and ENG 413, as well as graduate students, to understand the goals and steps involved in crafting a Statement of Purpose. The facilitator for the session was Dr. Sohana Manzoor, Associate Professor, DEH.

Dr. Manzoor began the workshop by explaining what a statement of purpose is and emphasizing the necessity of its being compelling. She talked about the importance of it in both professional and academic applications so that it can effectively convey the applicant's background, goals, and motivations. Moreover, Dr. Manzoor outlined the organizational structure for SoPs which can personalize narratives and illustrate one's qualifications for a specific program. Furthermore, she discussed the role SoPs play in enabling selection committees to determine whether an applicant is suitable for an available position. Here, Dr. Manzoor advised the attending students to summarize their backgrounds, hobbies, and motivations in addition to a brief overview of themselves so that they stand out to the employers or admission committees. She additionally emphasized the significance of incorporating recent extracurricular activities alongside academic achievements. By doing so, applicants can present a holistic portrayal of themselves, further enhancing their opportunity of attaining their desired job or admission.

Finally, Dr. Manzoor advised students to use the pronoun "I" and write the entire statement from the first-person perspective. She underscored the importance of relevance, honesty, and clarity. She stressed that writing an SoP is a transformative process that requires introspection, research, and meticulous attention to detail. Additionally, she stated that applicants can greatly improve their chances of success in the competitive environment of admissions by developing a clear narrative and stating their goals. Furthermore, she suggested exploring university websites before drafting their SoPs to ensure that it is aligned with the desired institution’s objectives.