personal statement for phd in civil engineering

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23 November 2023

4 minutes read

Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

Dirghayu Kaushik

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• Introduction

When aspiring to become a civil engineer, one of the most critical steps in your academic journey is crafting a persuasive personal statement for your university application.

This document not only reflects your academic prowess but also your passion, experiences, and vision for a future in civil engineering. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating an impactful civil engineering personal statement, highlighting key elements to include and strategies to make your application stand out.

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• The Role of a Personal Statement in Civil Engineering Applications

Crafting a Compelling Introduction

The introduction of your civil engineering personal statement is your first opportunity to capture the attention of the admissions committee. It should immediately convey your enthusiasm for civil engineering.

Start with a hook – an intriguing anecdote, a fascinating fact about civil engineering, or a personal experience that sparked your interest in the field. Your opening sentences should set the tone for the rest of your statement, showcasing your passion and curiosity for civil engineering.

Illustrating Your Academic Background

Your academic achievements form the backbone of your personal statement. Discuss your proficiency in subjects vital to civil engineering, such as mathematics and physics.

Highlight any awards, recognitions, or exceptional grades that set you apart. Remember to not just list your achievements but also to reflect on how they have prepared you for a degree in civil engineering. Discuss any relevant projects or research you have undertaken, emphasizing your analytical and problem-solving skills.

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• Demonstrating Practical Experience and Skills

In the field of civil engineering, practical experience and skills are as important as academic knowledge. Your personal statement should clearly highlight these aspects. Here’s how you can effectively demonstrate your practical experience and skills:

• Detail Your Roles : Describe the specific roles and responsibilities you undertook during any work placements or internships related to civil engineering or construction.
• Project Contributions : Talk about specific projects you contributed to, emphasizing your role and the skills you utilized or developed.
• Learning Outcomes : Reflect on what these experiences taught you about civil engineering, like understanding project management, design principles, or teamwork in a professional setting.
• Community Projects : If you have volunteered in community projects involving construction or engineering, discuss your participation and the impact of the project.
• Skill Application : Highlight how you applied civil engineering principles or used technical skills during your volunteering.
• Personal Growth : Describe how these experiences contributed to your personal growth and reinforced your passion for civil engineering.
• Engineering Clubs or Societies : Participation in engineering clubs or societies at school or in your community can demonstrate your proactive interest in the field.
• Leadership Roles : If you held any leadership positions in these clubs, explain your role and any significant initiatives or projects you led.
• Team Projects : Discuss any team-based projects, such as building a model bridge or participating in engineering competitions, highlighting collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Software Proficiency : Mention any civil engineering-related software you are proficient in, like AutoCAD, Revit, or SAP2000.
• Certifications : If you have completed any relevant courses or certifications, such as in project management or CAD, include these to showcase your commitment to learning industry-relevant skills.
• Research Involvement : Describe any research projects you participated in, particularly those related to civil engineering, and what your contributions were.
• Academic Design Projects : Discuss any design projects you undertook as part of your coursework, focusing on how you applied civil engineering principles.
• Construction Site Exposure : If you had the opportunity to visit or work on a construction site, describe the experience and your key takeaways about the practical aspects of civil engineering.
• Technical Challenges : Talk about any technical challenges you faced and how you addressed them, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
• Communication Skills : Illustrate instances where you effectively communicated complex technical information, perhaps during a presentation or team meeting.
• Adaptability and Flexibility : Provide examples of how you adapted to changing situations or requirements, a common scenario in civil engineering projects.
• Time Management : Highlight how you managed your time efficiently during projects or internships, balancing multiple tasks or deadlines.

By structuring your practical experience and skills in these points, your personal statement will paint a comprehensive picture of your readiness and suitability for a civil engineering program.

This approach demonstrates not only your theoretical knowledge but also your hands-on experience and the soft skills crucial for success in the field of civil engineering.

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• Personal Motivations and Aspirations

Connecting Personal Interests with Civil Engineering

Your personal statement should include a section dedicated to your personal interests and how they align with civil engineering. Perhaps you have a passion for sustainable development, a fascination with architectural design, or a keen interest in urban planning. Describe how these interests fuel your desire to study civil engineering and contribute to the field.

Articulating Long-Term Career Goals

Discuss your long-term professional objectives. Are you aiming to specialize in a particular area of civil engineering, such as structural or environmental engineering?

Do you aspire to work on significant infrastructure projects or contribute to innovative sustainable designs? Clearly articulating your career goals shows the admissions committee that you have a direction and are committed to making a meaningful contribution to the field.

• Reflection and Personal Growth

Learning from Challenges and Setbacks

Reflect on any challenges or setbacks you have faced and how they have shaped your journey towards civil engineering. This could include academic hurdles, personal obstacles, or even changes in your career aspirations.

Discuss how these experiences have strengthened your resolve to pursue a career in civil engineering and contributed to your personal growth.

The Evolution of Your Interest in Civil Engineering

Describe how your interest in civil engineering has evolved over time. This could include early experiences that piqued your interest, subjects at school that deepened your understanding, or interactions with professionals in the field that solidified your career choice. This evolution provides a narrative arc to your statement, showing a well-thought-out and genuine commitment to the field.

Reinforcing Your Commitment to Civil Engineering

Conclude your personal statement by summarizing your strengths, experiences, and aspirations. Reiterate your passion for civil engineering and your eagerness to contribute to the field.

End with a confident and forward-looking statement, leaving the admissions committee with a lasting impression of your potential as a civil engineering student and future professional.

How do I start my civil engineering personal statement?

Begin with a compelling anecdote or fact that reflects your interest in civil engineering and sets the tone for your statement.

What should I include in my personal statement for civil engineering?

Include your academic achievements, practical experiences, personal motivations, and how they align with your civil engineering aspirations.

Can I include personal challenges in my statement?

Yes, discussing personal challenges and how you overcame them can add depth to your statement and showcase resilience.

How important are extracurricular activities in a personal statement?

They are important as they demonstrate transferable skills and a well-rounded personality, which are valuable in civil engineering.

How do I conclude my civil engineering personal statement ?

Conclude by summarizing your key points and reiterating your passion and commitment to pursuing a career in civil engineering.

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Table of Contents

• • Introduction
• • The Role of a Personal Statement in Civil Engineering Applications
• • Demonstrating Practical Experience and Skills
• • Personal Motivations and Aspirations
• • Reflection and Personal Growth
• • Conclusion

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Civil | Construction | Nuclear

Graduate admissions, the university of utah is part of a prestigious group of tier-1 research universities, no. 1 highest-ranked public college in the west, student-led research making a difference, world-renown faculty, the department of civil & environmental engineering offers a variety of doctoral and masters degrees for recently graduated bachelors students and working professionals alike..

We invite you to explore the various degrees we offer, to visit the web pages of department faculty and to read about the cutting edge research we perform. If you have questions or wish to schedule a visit to our department, please do not hesitate to  contact us .

Civil & Environmental Engineering

MS and PhD degree offerings with eight distinct and competitive areas of study.

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Nuclear Engineering

We offer an MS non-thesis and PhD in Nuclear Engineering.

After creating an account, applicants must upload all documentation required for a complete application. 

Note: The GRE is not a mandatory component of our admission criteria. However, providing your scores may markedly elevate your application's position in our selection process, and may also increase your funding opportunities.

Submission Deadlines.

Unofficial transcripts are those that you, the student, can obtain without the assistance of your University. The unofficial transcript is a record of the grades received and the classes that these correspond with. You likely can retrieve this information through a student service portal. If admitted, that is when official transcripts are required from all higher education institutions attended.

In this application system, once you click submit, an inquiry is sent to the contacts you have provided information for. It is at this time these individuals are prompted to provide information about you as a student and a professional. Please include a reference from the most recent institution attended.

Recommendation : Notify these individuals in advance of approximately when you expect to submit your application. This way these contacts can be aware of when to expect this prompt.

This statement may address why you have interest in studying at the University of Utah, or studying under the direction of a particular professor. If there's one professor of particular interest, explain why the research they conduct is valuable or interesting to you. Mention how will this degree help you to attain your professional goals.

Provide the review committee information about you at a glance. This should include education, publications, research or pertinent professional experience, awards received and any other information that helps the admission committee understand your qualifications as a student and a professional.

• The GRE is not a mandatory component of our admission criteria. However, providing your scores may markedly elevate your application's position in our selection process, and may also increase your funding opportunities.
• If submitted, the GRE test date must be within 5 years of the admissions decision date.

English Language Proficiency (IELTS; TOEFL; DuoLingo)

• Duolingo 105 or higher
• iBT/TOEFL 80 or higher
• IELTS 6.5 or higher ( IELTS Indicator is not approved for admissions at this time.)
• Official test scores can take 2-3 weeks from the time requested, to be received electronically at the University of Utah.
• University of Utah school code 4853. No department code.
• Further information on scenarios in which English Language Proficiency Testing is not required .

• The application fee for domestic PhD applicants has been waived by the College of Engineering. Please use the following waiver code: CE2021CVEEPHD
• The Department and the College of Engineering do not currently have a way to waive the application fee, even for applicants experiencing financial hardship. Individuals who choose to submit a complete application will be thoughtfully reviewed.

What are appropriate GRE scores to apply to this program?

For students applying for Admission to the Masters and PhD program we seek a cumulative GRE score of 300 and above. (This is the sum of Verbal and Quantitative scores.) For analytical writing we seek a score of 3.5 or better.

Students applying for Admission to the Direct Admit PhD, (BS to PhD) we seek a GRE verbal score of 150 and above, a quantitative score of 155 and above, a score of 3.5 and above in the analytical writing section.

What GPA is appropriate for applicants to this program?

For students applying for admission to the Masters and PhD program we seek a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (on the 4.0 grading scale). For students applying for Admission to the Direct Admit PhD, (BS to PhD) we seek a GPA of 3.5 and above (on the 4.0 grading scale).

I've completed my application, however it is still showing as "incomplete"  What is the problem??

The most common reasons this may be listed as incomplete are (1) not all letters of recommendation have been submitted or (2) test scores have not yet been marked as received by university staff. This is an manual process and does not happen instantaneously.

Who is required to provide proof of English Proficiency?

The University of Utah has thorough guidelines regarding which applicants must submit information demonstrating English Proficiency. 

The guidelines are linked here.

Is there funding available for   graduate  students  in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering  at the University of Utah?

All MS-Thesis and PhD students admitted to the program are considered for financial assistance.

I have transcripts that are in another language. Do I need to provide the University with a translation?

No. This is not required. The staff in the Office of Admissions are trained to evaluate transcripts in other languages. If you choose to submit a translation, a service that is commonly used is wes.org . Please note, a translation does not fulfill the requirement of a  transcript  from the institution.

What is tuition benefit?

Tuition benefit comes into play as the "funding available" to support students. Most often students will work as a research assistant to a faculty member on a specific project. There is a formal arrangement made that documents the work expected of the student and the financial support the student will receive in return. This compensations comes in the form of tuition benefit, health insurance coverage and salary. Students eligible for tuition benefit, must meet all of the criteria for the cost of tuition to be waived. These regulations are available here.

What if I do not know which faculty member I would like to work with?

We encourage all applicants to become familiar with research conducted by our faculty to identify research related to your own academic interests. The ApplyYourself application portal allows applicants to list three faculty members you have interest in studying with.  This does not limit or bar you from the possibility of working with other faculty in a related academic area. This can be used to communicate which professors you have interest in working with. 

I applied by January 1st, why have I not heard yet? 

Applications that are complete on or before January 1 are evaluated beginning on January 2nd. This process  takes a minimum of six weeks . 

I completed my undergraduate education in a field other than civil engineering. May I still pursue a graduate degree in this field?

Yes! However, students with a bachelors degree in another academic area must complete the remedial coursework  to meet the minimum course requirements. Coursework must be completed with a final grade of 'B' or better.  

I understand I have remedial coursework to take, how do I enroll in these?

Apply to the University of Utah as a "Non-matriculated student". This designation is used for students who are most often completing coursework as a prerequisite to a higher level program. It is important to know, the University of Utah limits graduate students to nine credit hours completed as a non-matriculated student that can be applied to a graduate degree. 

The Office of Admissions is a useful resource for students applying to the University of Utah. 

They can help with:

• Questions regarding I-20's.
• Locating an official transcript and/ or test scores (GRE/TOEFL/IELTS) . 
• Payment of applications fees.
• And much more. 

Contact their office at: 

Office of Admissions:

Phone: (801) 581-8761 Toll-free: (800) 685-8856 Fax: (801) 585-7864 Website:   https://admissions.utah.edu/ Email:  [email protected]

Domestic Student Admissions:   [email protected]  International Student Admissions:   [email protected] 

If you have further questions, please schedule an appointment with the graduate advisor.

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Graduate Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions regarding the graduate admissions process.

Please see the General Application Requirements  page on the Graduate Admissions website for more information.

Note: Our PhD in Civil Engineering is now a PhD in Civil and Systems Engineering. If the application portal does not reflect this change at the time you apply, please choose PhD in Civil Engineering (research area – Systems) on the application and specify your interest on the Statement of Purpose.

Programs and Research Areas

What graduate programs are offered in the department?

The department offers Master’s of Science (MS), Master’s of Science in Engineering (MSE) and PhD graduate programs:

• Master’s of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Civil Engineering
• Master’s of Science (MS) in Systems Engineering
• PhD in Civil and Systems Engineering
• Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Status

What is the Bachelor’s/Master’s Status?

The Bachelors/Master’s Status is designed for undergraduates currently enrolled at Johns Hopkins University who are interested in pursuing a WSE master’s degree. If you already have a Bachelor’s degree, you will need to apply to our graduate program. We offer two full-time master’s degree programs as well as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

What areas of research do you offer?

Structural engineering/structural mechanics: e.g., computational mechanics, stochastic mechanics, structural stability, performance-based structural design, structural systems reliability, structural fire engineering, damage mechanics and fatigue modeling, finite element modeling, and topology optimization. Resilience of civil systems: community resilience assessment, probabilistic modeling, hazard assessment, natural disaster modeling, mechanics of extreme events/environments, and risk assessment and mitigation. Multi-scale modeling of materials, structures and systems.

Deadline Information

What is the deadline for graduate program applications?

Master’s programs for Spring – November 1 Master’s programs for Fall – March 1  Doctoral program (PhD) for Fall – December 31

Will you accept late applications?

Are conditional admissions available?

No. Conditional admissions are not offered. Admission is determined using an applicant’s complete application and the compatibility of research and academic interests.

When are decisions made?

Review of applications by the departmental Admissions Committee begins after the application deadline has passed. Decisions are not likely to be made until February or March. You will be notified if you have been accepted, rejected, or waitlisted. Please do not contact the department to inquire about the status of your application. Due to the high volume of emails at this time of the year, it is not possible for us to read and respond to these inquiries. You will receive the official notice through the admissions portal.

Required Materials

What materials are required for the application?

• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Toefl/Ielts scores
• Statement of Purpose
• Transcripts (unofficial)

Do I need to submit a Statement of Purpose AND a Personal Statement?

You only need to submit a Statement of Purpose – typically 1-3 pages outlining your background and interests in civil engineering, why you chose to pursue it, events or places that inspired you, etc. This Statement of Purpose will be read by the Admissions Committee. Personal statement is optional, but encouraged.

Do I need to submit a CV/Resume?

No. You are welcome to provide it, but it is not necessary.

Qualifications for Program

All graduate applicants applying to the Whiting School of Engineering are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent prior to beginning our graduate program. We do not distinguish between a 3-year or 4-year degree. Admitted students will be required to submit final official transcripts with degree conferral by the end of their first term enrolled.

I have a master’s degree already. Can I still apply to your master’s program?

I am potentially interested in a PhD but would like to pursue my Master’s Degree first. Which program should I apply to? Is it possible to continue on towards a PhD after completion of the Master’s Degree?

MS and MSE applicants who might be interested in pursuing a PhD degree should certainly indicate this interest in their personal statement. Students admitted as MSE or MS candidates must apply again to be considered for the PhD program (acceptance is not guaranteed).

I have a Bachelor’s Degree, but not in civil engineering. Can I still apply to your graduate program?

Yes. Students with undergraduate degrees in engineering, physics, math, or applied math are encouraged to apply. Liberal arts students, with a strong background in mathematics and sciences, are also welcome to apply. Details on what may be required to get you up to speed are best discussed on a case-by-case basis.

If you have concerns and would like to discuss your situation, please contact the relevant person:

Cristopher Moen , Director, MSE in Civil Engineering Gonzalo Pita , Director, MS in Systems Engineering Thomas Gernay , Director of Graduate Studies, PhD program

Should I email faculty to determine if they have openings?

No. While the department is always looking for bright, highly motivated students, if you find a faculty member’s research particularly interesting, it is best to indicate this on your application and in your personal statement . Direct emails to faculty and staff attempting to identify ‘openings’ is discouraged – faculty receive several such emails from international students every day and it is not possible for us to read them all.

Application Problems

I submitted all my materials, but I have not received any confirmation. What’s wrong?

Please check your application status on the portal to make sure you hit the “Submit” button after review. If you would like to know if it has been received, please contact the Whiting School’s Graduate Admissions team.

My TOEFL or GRE scores were sent to Johns Hopkins, but my application does not indicate that they have been received. What should I do?

Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office . They will work with you to locate these materials.

I applied for admission last year but was not not admitted. Do I need to apply again?

Previously denied applicants may contact the Graduate Admissions Office , should you choose to apply again and would like to request duplication of your original application.

How many applicants do you plan to admit?

There is no pre-determined number, as it will vary from year-to-year.

What is the acceptance rate for applications?

The number of applications accepted varies from year to year and from program to program. The rate of application acceptance in previous years has no influence on the number of application acceptances in the current year as each application is considered on its own merits.

Fee and Waivers

Our Department offers a reduced fee ($25) for the PhD program and no fee for the Master’s programs.

The application fee for a PhD program is non-refundable and must be received by the application deadline for the degree program that you are applying to. Payment is made in the payment section of the application by credit/debit card after completing the final “Review” section of the application. If you are eligible for a fee waiver, you must request an Application Fee Waiver directly on the application.

Transcripts and Test Scores

The Whiting School of Engineering requires GRE General Test scores. However, GRE scores are optional for applications to our master’s programs .

The Whiting School of Engineering does not require GRE General Test scores for applications to our PhD programs .

GRE scores are one of a number of factors taken into consideration when reviewing applications. These include (but not limited to) personal statement, transcripts, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation.

Applicants are required to provide unofficial transcripts for application review. If a university-provided unofficial transcript is not available, contact our office for assistance by email: [email protected] . Do not send official transcripts directly from your school or a third-party vendor for application review. Official transcripts are only required by admitted students at the time of enrollment and must include degree conferral. Newly admitted students should reference Submitting Final Documents for details.

The Office of Engineering Graduate Admissions requires literal, certified translations for all documents issued in a language other than English. For all foreign academic work, we strongly recommend, but do not require, that you submit a professional credential evaluation from World Education Services (WES). We recommend the WES ICAP course by course evaluation. Visit Information for International Students for detailed information on Certified Translations and Credential Evaluations.

Additional questions on GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, transcripts may be answered on the  General Application Requirements page.

Financial Questions

Costs and Funding – PhD program

Tuition Requirements – Master’s programs

College of Engineering

Civil Engineering (Ph.D.)

Civil Engineering

Doctor of philosophy, department of  civil and environmental engineering, program details.

• Application process

The Ph.D. program focuses on research, and typically involves at least 3 years of study beyond the M.S. Applications are due December 31 for study that begins the following Fall (end of August).

• Program overview (Office of Registrar)
• Course descriptions (Office of Registrar)

Graduate Handbook   

Current MSU students

Future students

Michigan State University uses a decentralized admissions process for graduate studies. Visit the College of Engineering graduate admissions page for details on the overall process.

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering accepts graduate applications during both the fall and spring semesters. For applicants desiring full consideration for financial support, the application deadlines are December 31st for the subsequent fall semester and September 30th for the subsequent spring semester. For fall semester, applicants are notified of admission and financial support decisions in early March, with acceptance of financial support due by April 15th. Spring semester admission decisions are made in early November, with financial support limited based upon the availability of graduate research assistant positions on a per-faculty basis. Students may defer enrollment by a maximum of one year.

Department Ph.D. admission standards are:

• A GPA of at least 3.5 (out of 4.0) or equivalent in an M.S. degree program in civil and/or environmental engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum GRE scores of 160 for the quantitative section, 150 for the verbal section, and 3.0 for the analytical writing section.
• Letters of recommendation showing clear indication that the applicant has the potential for success as an independent researcher.
• For international applicants, a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL (19 in each category except writing which is 22) or 6.5 on the IELTS 6.5.

Admission to graduate programs in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is open to all candidates on the basis of academic preparation and ability, and, in the case of the Ph.D. program, the availability of funding. The applicants must complete the Online Application for Admission to Graduate Study, submit it with a credit card number or by electronic check or money order to cover the application fee (domestic = $65.00; international = $75.00). Only complete applications will be reviewed, which requires submission of the following items:

• A curriculum vitae (CV).
• A personal statement that articulates the applicant’s professional development goals, including details of the areas of research interest and/or specific faculty with whom the applicant is interested in working.
• Three letters of recommendation. In the Online Application, enter the contact information for each reference, including their e-mail address.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for all applicants. GRE test scores must be provided directly by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
• For international applicants, test scores from the exam for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are required. Scores must be sent to MSU directly by the testing agency. Results are generally not required for international applicants who have graduated from a US university or are from universities where English is the language of instruction.
• Two official copies of transcripts from all previous universities attended (undergraduate and graduate), as well as proof of diploma (graduate certificate) in an unopened sealed university envelope by the university. International students’ transcripts must be in the original language and in English, if applicable.

Transcripts and certificates should be sent to:

Michigan State University Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering 428 South Shaw Lane Room 3546 Engineering Building East Lansing, Michigan, USA 48824

Civil Engineering Profession

Civil engineering is the design and maintenance of public works such as roads, bridges, water and energy systems as well as public facilities like ports, railways and airports. (American Society of Civil Engineers)

Civil engineers perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures, and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems. Includes architectural, structural, traffic, ocean, and geotechnical engineers. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm )

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How to Apply

We offer admission into the ph.d. degree in the following areas:.

• Applied Mathematics
• Applied Physics
• Computer Science
• ​​​​​ Bioengineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering

​​​ ​​​ *Note we do not offer admission into masters degree programs in these areas.

We offer admission into a terminal masters degree in the following areas:

• Data Science  (S.M.) 
• Computational Science and Engineering  (S.M. or M.E.)
• Master in Design Engineering  (M.D.E.) (joint with  Harvard Graduate School of Design )
• MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences (joint with Harvard Business School)

Application Process and Requirements  

All prospective graduate students to our Ph.D., M.E., S.M., and A.B./S.M. programs apply to the School of Engineering through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin  Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) .

Students interested in the Master in Design Engineering with the Harvard Graduate School of Design will find information about applying to that program  here .

Students interested in the MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences program offered jointly with Harvard Business School will find information about applying to that program  here. Students with bachelor's degrees in the natural or quantitative sciences, mathematics, computer science, or engineering are invited to apply.

All students begin graduate study in the fall term only. 

What does the application require?

• Completed  application form  submitted by the appropriate application deadline (Dec.1st for masters applicants;  December 15th for Ph.D. applicants)
• Statement of Purpose: describe your future research interests, how they relate to your classroom and/or research experience, and which labs at SEAS you're most excited about.  Your statement should be no longer than 1,000 words.
• Personal Statement:Please share how your experiences or activities will advance our mission and commitment to sustain a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment  (full text of prompt can be found in the application).  No longer than 500 words.
• Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically
• Transcripts; please upload copies of all transcripts to the Academic Background section of the online application; unofficial copies are acceptable. 
• C.V. or Resume
• SEAS does not accept General GRE scores nor Subject Test GRE scores for applicants to our Ph.D. programs.  Applicants to these programs should not submit official or unofficial GRE scores to us nor mention them anywhere in their application materials.  
• SEAS does not accept General GRE scores nor Subject Test GRE scores for applicants to our masters degree programs in Computational Science & Engineering and Data Science.   Applicants to these programs should not submit official or unofficial GRE scores to us nor mention them anywhere in their application materials.  
• Either the GRE or GMAT is required for applicants applying to the Master of Design Engineering or the MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences programs.   The applications for these programs are available via the Graduate School of Design or Harvard Business School, respectively. 
• If required, an official  TOEFL  or  IELTS  score report. The school code to use to submit your TOEFL score is 3451.  *TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for applicants whose native language is other than English and who do not hold a Bachelor degree or its equivalent from an institution at which English is the language of instruction.  The score must be valid at the time of entry into the program.   Note that a masters degree from an English-speaking institution does not meet this requirement.   
• The application fee of $105.00. Should you want to request a fee waiver from Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, you may do so in the fee section of the application.

Please list only SEAS ladder faculty on the application.  "Affiliate faculty" cannot admit PhD students.  There are many SEAS ladder faculty with formal joint appointments in other Harvard Griffin GSAS departments, like Physics and Earth and Planetary Sciences.  These faculty can serve as primary research advisors to SEAS students.   A complete list of the SEAS ladder faculty can be found  here - filter for "primary graduate advisors" once you're on this page. 

We do not require an interview as part of the application process and we cannot offer applicants the opportunity for an in-person interview with the admissions staff.  Attending a Ph.D. or Masters Programs admissions information session is the best way to have your questions answered.   More information about our information sessions that will be held in the Fall can be found  here.

We require electronic submission of the entire application, including letters of recommendation and transcripts.  Please do not send us any hard copy materials.

Admissions Timeline for Ph.D., M.E., S.M., and A.B./S.M. Programs  (Note: The  Master in Design Engineering  and the  MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences  have different deadlines and timetables.) Please note:   The application deadline for applicants to our masters programs (S.M., M.E., and AB-SM) is earlier than the application deadline for applicants to our Ph.D. program.    Applicants to our S.M., M.E., and AB-SM masters programs must apply by December 1, 2024.  Applicants to our Ph.D. program   must apply by December 15, 2024 .   We do not accept late applications to any of our programs.

Graduate Civil Engineer CV example

Build your CV on this template 

Congratulations, you’ve graduated with a shiny new engineering degree. Now it’s time to get your foot on the career ladder with your first civil engineering role.

But in order to do that, you need an impressive application that’s going to make your new qualifications stand out.

In the guide below, we will teach you how to build a strong CV using our step-by-step advice, complete with a graduate civil engineer CV example.

Article contents

Graduate Civil Engineer CV example

CV templates 

This example CV demonstrates how to structure and format your own Graduate Civil Engineer CV, so that it can be easily digested by busy hiring managers, and quickly prove why you are suitable for the jobs you are applying to.

It also gives you a good idea of the type of skills, experience and qualifications that you need to be highlighting in your CV.

Build your CV now 

Graduate Civil Engineer CV format and structure

Think your CV is just about the content within it? Think again.

Your CV needs to look professional and be easy for recruiters to read, meaning the structure and format of your CV are just as important as the written content within it.

Facilitate ease of reading by using a simple structure which allows anybody to easily navigate your experience.

Tips for formatting your Graduate Civil Engineer CV

• Length: If you want to hold the reader’s attention and ensure your CV isn’t yawn-worthy, it’s best to stick to two sides of A4 or less. This is more than enough room to highlight why you’re a good match for the role – anything more can quickly become tedious!
• Readability : To help busy recruiters scan through your CV, make sure your section headings stand out – bold or coloured text works well. Additionally, try to use bullet points wherever you can, as they’re far easier to skim through than huge paragraphs. Lastly, don’t be afraid of white space on your CV – a little breathing space is great for readability.
• Design & format: While it’s important that your CV design looks good, it also needs to be functional (which means easy for recruiters to read) Keep the design simple to achieve a good balance between looking good and reading well.
• Photos: You can add a profile photo to your CV, if you want to add some personality to it, but they are not a requirement the UK, so you don’t have to.

Quick tip: Creating a professional CV style can be difficult and time-consuming when using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. To create a winning CV quickly, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder and use one of their eye-catching professional CV templates.

CV structure

When writing your own CV , break up your CV content into the following key sections:

• Name and contact details – Place them at the top of your CV, so that employers can easily get in touch.
• CV profile – A punchy sales pitch of your key experience, skills and achievements to reel readers in.
• Core skills section – A bullet-pointed snapshot of your abilities.
• Work experience – A well-structured list of your relevant work experience.
• Education – An overview of any relevant qualifications or professional training you have.
• Hobbies and interests – A short description of any relevant hobbies or interests (optional).

Now you understand the basic layout of a CV, here’s what you should include in each section of yours.

Contact Details

Write your contact details in the top corner of your CV, so that they’re easy to find but don’t take up too much space.

You only need to list your basic details, such as:

• Mobile number
• Email address
• Location – Don’t list your full address. Your town or city, such as ‘Norwich’ or ‘Coventry’ is perfect.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – Remember to update these before listing them on an application.

Graduate Civil Engineer CV Profile

Recruiters and hiring managers are busy, so it’s essential to catch their attention from the get-go.

A strong introductory profile (or personal statement , for junior candidates) at the top of the CV is the first thing they’ll read, so it’s a great chance to make an impression.

It should be a short but punchy summary of your key skills, relevant experience and accomplishments.

Ultimately, it should explain why you’re a great fit for the role you’re applying for and inspire recruiters to read the rest of your CV.

How to write a good CV profile:

• Make it short and sharp: Recruiters have piles of CVs to read through and limited time to dedicate to each, so it pays to showcase your abilities in as few words as possible. 3-4 lines is ideal.
• Tailor it: Before writing your CV, make sure to do some research. Figure out exactly what your desired employers are looking for and make sure that you are making those requirements prominent in your CV profile, and throughout.
• Don’t add an objective: Want to talk about your career goals and objectives? While the profile may seem like a good space to do so, they’re actually much better suited to your cover letter .
• Avoid generic phrases: Cheesy clichès and generic phrases won’t impress recruiters, who read the same statements several times per day. Impress them with your skill-set, experience and accomplishments instead!

Example CV profile for Graduate Civil Engineer

What to include in your graduate civil engineer cv profile.

• Experience overview: Showcase your aptitude for the job you are aiming for by giving a brief summary of your past work history , including the industries you have worked in, the kinds of employers you have served, and the roles you have held.
• Targeted skills: Employers need to know what skills you can bring to their organisation, and ideally they want to see skills that match their job vacancy. So, research your target roles thoroughly and add the most important Graduate Civil Engineer skills to your profile.
• Important qualifications: If you have any qualifications which are highly relevant to Graduate Civil Engineer jobs, then highlight them in your profile so that employers do not miss them.

Quick tip: If you are finding it difficult to write an attention-grabbing CV profile, choose from hundreds of pre-written profiles across all industries, and add one to your CV with one click in our quick-and-easy CV Builder . All profiles are written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

Underneath your profile, write a core skills section to make your most relevant skills jump off the page at readers.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points of your relevant skills.

Before you do this, look over the job description and make a list of any specific skills, specialisms or knowledge required.

Then, make sure to use your findings in your list. This will paint you as the perfect match for the role.

Important skills for your Graduate Civil Engineer CV

Engineering Software – Using engineering software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or Revit for drafting, designing, and analysing civil engineering projects.

Structural Analysis – Performing structural analysis and calculations to ensure the safety and stability of buildings and infrastructure.

Geotechnical Engineering – Utilising knowledge of geotechnical principles and soil mechanics to assess soil properties and their impact on construction projects.

Construction Management – Utilising knowledge of construction project management, including cost estimation, budgeting, and project scheduling.

Environmental Engineering – Understanding environmental regulations and practices, including water quality management, environmental impact assessments, and sustainability principles.

Surveying – Using land surveying techniques and equipment to collect accurate data for site analysis and design.

Materials Testing and Quality Control – Conducting materials testing and quality control to ensure construction materials meet specified standards.

AutoCAD and Civil 3D – Using AutoCAD and Civil 3D for drafting and designing civil engineering plans, layouts, and models.

Hydraulics and Hydrology – Using knowledge of hydraulics and hydrology principles to design drainage systems, stormwater management, and flood control measures.

Risk Assessment – Identifying and assessing project risks, including safety hazards, environmental impacts, and regulatory compliance.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy CV Builder has thousands of in-demand skills for all industries and professions, that can be added to your CV in seconds – This will save you time and ensure you get noticed by recruiters.

Work experience

Recruiters will be itching to know more about your relevant experience by now.

Kick-start this section with your most recent (or current) position, and work your way backwards through your history.

You can include voluntary and freelance work, too – as long as you’re honest about the nature of the work.

Structuring each job

Whilst writing your CV, it’s essential to look at it from the eyes of a recruiter.

If they’re met with giant blocks of text which are impossible to navigate, they might get frustrated and skip onto the next CV.

Instead, make use of the 3-step structure shown below, to give them a pleasant reading experience.

Firstly, give the reader some context by creating a punchy summary of the job as a whole.

You should mention what the purpose or goal of your role was, what team you were part of and who you reported to.

Key responsibilities

Next, write up a punchy list of your daily duties and responsibilities, using bullet points.

Wherever you can, point out how you put your hard skills and knowledge to use – especially skills which are applicable to your target role.

Key achievements

Lastly, add impact by highlight 1-3 key achievements  that you made within the role.

Struggling to think of an achievement? If it had a positive impact on your company, it counts.

For example, you might increased company profits, improved processes, or something simpler, such as going above and beyond to solve a customer’s problem.

Sample job description for Graduate Civil Engineer CV

Selected for the 12-month graduate scheme at the leading European renewable energy provider, assisting the installations team with commercial and council wind and solar projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed structural analyses and assess machinery for various loading scenarios
• Perform intricate calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) for project optimisation
• Adhere to and implement industry standards, including API, AISC, and DNV regulations
• Communicate technical principles and equipment operations to project stakeholders

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy CV Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education section

After your work experience, your education section should provide a detailed view of your academic background.

Begin with those most relevant to Graduate Civil Engineer jobs, such as vocational training or degrees. If you have space, you can also mention your academic qualifications, such as A-Levels and GCSEs.

Focus on the qualifications that are most relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

Hobbies and interests

This section is entirely optional, so you’ll have to use your own judgement to figure out if it’s worth including.

If your hobbies and interests could make you appear more suitable for your dream job, then they are definitely worth adding.

Interests which are related to the industry, or hobbies like sports teams or volunteering, which display valuable transferable skills might be worth including.

Once you’ve written your Graduate Civil Engineer CV, you should proofread it several times to ensure that there are no typos or grammatical errors.

With a tailored punchy profile that showcases your relevant experience and skills, paired with well-structured role descriptions, you’ll be able to impress employers and land interviews.

Good luck with your next job application!

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Personal Statement for Engineering: Examples and Advice

In this article, we look at how to write a personal statement for engineering courses with examples and advice.

A roller coaster helped one student to decide to specialise in engineering, and her experience in coaching younger students helped her application.

Why did a student volunteering in Mississippi decide to study structural engineering? How much of your family history should you add in? Keep reading for useful tips and great examples.

Table of Contents

What is a personal statement for engineering, how to write an engineering personal statement, engineering personal statement example 1 – structural engineering, engineering personal statement example 2 – general engineering, engineering personal statement example 3 – marine engineering, faq (frequently asked questions), more personal statement tutorials.

It’s an important document used by universities to evaluate a student’s strengths, skills, experience and ambitions.

It is also used to show a student’s enthusiasm for engineering (either in general, or for a specific type such as civil or aeronautical), and what aspects of the subject they enjoy and why.

It is essential for an applicant to craft a 100% unique, yet effective personal statement as it allows universities to make an informed decision on who to admit to their engineering course.

Step 1: Start with your proudest achievement

Volunteering to help construct houses in Mississippi through Habitat for Humanity was a life-changing experience that made me want to become a structural engineer.

Starting with your proudest achievement in your engineering personal statement can help make your application stand out.

By mentioning your most impressive achievements first, the admissions committee will be able to quickly recognize your capabilities, dedication, and skills.

Step 2: Describe your ambitions and experience

In an engineering personal statement, it is important to clearly explain your ambitions and experiences that demonstrate your skills and passion for the field.

A good framework to follow is to first explain your motivation and enthusiasm for the course, and provide examples of any specific knowledge you already have.

Then, outline any relevant experience, insights, interests or achievements you have that relate to engineering, starting with the most impressive.

Step 3: Show evidence of being capable, by describing a project in depth

When writing a personal statement for engineering, it’s important to showcase your capabilities (skills) and qualifications to potential admissions committees or employers. Here are a few tips to help you demonstrate your capabilities in your personal statement:

• Highlight your technical skills: As an engineer, you will need to have a strong foundation in technical skills. Make sure to list the technical skills you possess and provide examples of how you have used them in your past experiences.
• Showcase your academic achievements: Highlight your academic achievements, including your GPA and any awards or honours you have received. This demonstrates that you have a strong academic foundation and are capable of handling challenging coursework.
• Discuss relevant work experience: If you have relevant work experience in engineering, make sure to discuss it in your personal statement. Highlight any projects you have worked on, problems you have solved, or skills you have developed in your previous roles.
• Emphasize your problem-solving skills: Engineers are problem solvers, so make sure to emphasize your ability to analyze and solve problems. Provide examples of how you have approached problems in the past and the steps you took to solve them. These can include time management, teamwork, or leadership

By focusing on one project and exploring it in depth, you can demonstrate your understanding of the subject and show that you are ready and committed to study engineering.

Step 4: Leave out (most of) your family history

Growing up, it was my job to fix anything that broke around the house. My father, a third-generation oil rig supervisor, was often away for months at a time and he taught me resilience and problem-solving along with practical DIY.

Why is it important to leave out (most of) your family history in an engineering personal statement?

The personal statement is an opportunity to tell a university or college about yourself and why you are a suitable candidate for the program.

Every word you spend writing about your family’s history and experiences is a word that you’re not using to tell the university about your own achievements, plans and passions.

Your family’s history and experiences may be influential on your choice of course, but keep it very brief – less than a sentence, to give a bit more context to your achievements, plans and aspirations.

By doing so, you can demonstrate to the university that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to succeed in their program.

Step 5: Include your hobbies

While hobbies may not be directly related to engineering, they can still be included in your personal statement to showcase your personality, interests, and skills.

Here are some tips on how to effectively include hobbies in your engineering personal statement:

• Choose relevant hobbies: Make sure to choose those that are relevant to your engineering career or showcase your technical or problem-solving skills. For example, if you enjoy building and programming robots as a hobby, you could mention this as evidence of your technical skills.
• Explain how your hobbies relate to your engineering goals: For example, if you enjoy designing and building furniture as a hobby, you could mention how this has honed your ability to create complex designs, which could be applicable to engineering projects.
• Showcase your teamwork and leadership skills: If you participate in team sports or volunteer in leadership roles, make sure to mention this in your personal statement.
• Avoid irrelevant or controversial hobbies: I f you enjoy partying or binge-watching TV shows, these hobbies may not be seen as relevant or professional.

Overall, including hobbies in your engineering personal statement can help the panel to get to know you a bit better and showcase your skills and interests beyond your academic achievements and work experience.

Step 6: Edit and proofread your statement

Editing and proofreading your engineering personal statement is an important part of the application process. To ensure your statement is professional and free of errors, follow these tips:

• Read your statement aloud slowly to catch any minor spelling or grammatical errors.
• Ask a friend or colleague to read it for you and provide feedback.
• Analyze your document with an online application to provide suggestions for improvement.
• Have a mentor, professor, or trusted friend look it over before you submit it.
• Make sure you dedicate enough time to the process by planning ahead and leaving time for editing and proofreading.
• Be truthful and concise, and ensure it is 100% unique.
• Avoid including unrelated information, maintain your professionalism, and make it a reflection of yourself.

By following these tips, you can make sure your engineering personal statement is as polished and professional as possible.

Growing up, it was my job to fix anything that broke around the house. My father, a third-generation oil-rig supervisor, was often away for months at a time and he taught me resilience and problem-solving along with practical DIY.

Volunteering to help construct houses in Mississippi through Habitat for Humanity was a life-changing experience. I worked with a group that included veterans being trained in construction skills and volunteers from all over the country. I saw first-hand how important it is to have a safe, well-run construction site and communicate clear expectations to the whole team.

As a result of an incredible team effort, families are able to transition from temporary, unsafe accommodation to having their own homes. I want to combine my love of construction, design and problem-solving in a career that makes a positive difference to people.

Already drawn to civil engineering, my fascination with designing made me want to become a structural engineer, specifically to design buildings. Majoring in structural engineering will allow me to further develop my IT skills by using computer-aided design technology, which I have been fortunate enough to learn to use during an internship with a local company this summer. I am already confident with using the AutoCAD program.

My time-management skills have been honed this year as I have combined volunteering, my internship and working 16 hours a week on a local construction crew to save for college while maintaining a 3.7 GPA. I am confident that I am well able to handle any workload asked of me.

I am highly analytical and can approach a problem from several angles. I am particularly drawn to your structural engineering program because of its reputation for hands-on, practical experience. I am confident that I will be a positive addition to the team and your program will provide me with the skills and experience I need to achieve my dream of becoming an outstanding structural engineer.

I am excited by the prospect of applying fundamental principles to real-world design challenges. Of all things, it was the mechanics of roller coasters, which I learned about in a lecture, that highlighted the practical applications of engineering principles and sparked my interest in pursuing a career in this field.

Studying engineering has always appealed to me because of its heavy reliance on problem-solving and its integration of two of my favourite subjects, Math and Science. The ability to apply logical reasoning to create solutions to complex problems is what attracts me to engineering as well as the huge range of specialisms to choose from further down the road.

My academic background has prepared me well for a degree in engineering. I have excelled in my Math and Science coursework, receiving high grades in all of my relevant subjects. I have also participated in extracurricular activities, such as robotics competitions and science fairs, where I have had the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills in practical settings while mentoring and coaching younger students.

I am eager to pursue a degree in engineering to further develop my problem-solving skills and gain a deeper understanding of the principles and concepts that underpin this field. I believe that a degree in engineering will enable me to make a positive impact on society by contributing to the design and development of innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, in a field in which women are still under-represented.

In addition to my academic and extracurricular experiences, I bring a strong work ethic, determination, and a passion for learning to my studies. I am confident that my skills, combined with the resources and opportunities provided by your engineering program, will enable me to excel in my studies and make meaningful contributions to the field.

I look forward to the opportunity to pursue a degree in engineering and whether I will be designing roller coasters or factory equipment, I will be making a positive difference in the future and hopefully, inspiring other young women to become engineers.

As an aspiring engineer, I am driven by the opportunity to apply fundamental principles to the design of complex systems. With a fascination for engineering plants and an interest in the sea, I have been drawn to the marine industry as a way to combine my passions with the challenge of problem-solving.

I have chosen a major in marine engineering because it will allow me to further explore the fascinating findings of physics and put my mathematical knowledge into practical application. It is my ambition to work in the submarine design industry and gain Chartered Engineer status, and I believe that pursuing a graduate degree in marine engineering will help me achieve these goals.

Throughout my academic and professional career, I have demonstrated a strong work ethic, determination, and a passion for learning. I have excelled in my coursework and participated in research projects, internships, and other extracurricular activities that have allowed me to apply my knowledge and skills in practical settings.

My own experience in the marine industry has given me a unique perspective on engineering and the challenges of designing complex systems in a dynamic environment. As a mature student, I am excited by the opportunity to further develop my skills and knowledge in a graduate engineering program and to apply these to real-world challenges in my chosen field.

I am particularly drawn to your graduate engineering program because of its reputation for academic excellence and its focus on hands-on, practical experience as well as strong links with the outstanding teams at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyards. I am confident that your program will provide me with the resources and opportunities I need to achieve my goals and make meaningful contributions to the engineering industry.

In conclusion, I am passionate about engineering and am committed to pursuing a career in this field. I am excited about the prospect of joining your graduate engineering program and am eager to continue developing my skills and knowledge in this dynamic and challenging field. Thank you for considering my application.

Some of these questions were already covered in this blog post but I will still list them here (because not everyone carefully reads every paragraph) so here’s the TL;DR version

What are the key components of a personal statement for engineering?

The key components of a personal statement for engineering include:

• expressing your enthusiasm for engineering
• conveying your strengths, skills, experience and ambitions
• being truthful, concise, and authentic
• providing specific examples of your interests, goals, and strengths.

Additionally, you should explain why you want to study engineering at the university level, back up everything with examples, and have a good introduction, middle, and conclusion. Finally, be sure to save time for editing and proofreading the statement.

What qualifications should I include in my personal statement for engineering?

In your engineering personal statement, you should include qualifications that are related to engineering as well as other academic or practical qualifications, such as project management.

What skills should I demonstrate in my personal statement for engineering?

In your personal statement for engineering, you should aim to demonstrate a range of skills that are important for success in this field. Some of the key skills that you may want to highlight include:

• Problem-solving: Engineering is all about solving problems and coming up with creative solutions to complex challenges.
• Technical knowledge: Engineering is a technical field, and it is important to demonstrate that you have a strong foundation in math, science, and other related subjects.
• Communication: Engineering often involves working in teams and communicating complex ideas clearly to a range of stakeholders.
• Creativity: While engineering is a technical field, it also requires a certain level of creativity and innovation. Highlight any projects or activities that have allowed you to demonstrate your creativity or come up with innovative solutions to problems.
• Leadership: As you progress in your engineering career, you may be called upon to lead teams or manage projects. Show that you have leadership potential and are able to work effectively with others.
• Adaptability : Engineering is a dynamic and ever-changing field, and it is important to demonstrate that you are adaptable and can handle uncertainty and change calmly and flexibly.

How should I structure my personal statement for engineering?

Writing a successful engineering personal statement can seem like a daunting task. But by breaking it down into smaller steps, you can make the process much easier. To get started, here are some steps you can take to structure your engineering personal statement:

• Start with an introduction: This should take up about 15-20% of your statement and answer the question “Why do you want to study engineering?” Talk about the experiences that shaped your love of the subject and the things about it that you find interesting.
• Add in body paragraphs: In these paragraphs, address questions such as “What have you done that has prepared you for this course?” “How have you cultivated the knowledge you need to succeed in this field?,” and “Did you receive high marks in the classes relevant to an engineering course?”
• End with a conclusion: Here you’ll sum up your personal statement and bring it to a close. Include any other extracurricular activities that might not be directly related to engineering, but are impressive enough that you want the admissions team to know about them.

What should I do to make my personal statement for engineering stand out?

To make your engineering personal statement stand out, follow these steps:

• Be truthful, concise, and authentic. Avoid plagiarism and cheating.
• Start your statement by explaining why you want to study engineering and which aspects of the field you enjoy.
• Back up everything with examples.
• Write your statement clearly and concisely, with a good introduction, middle, and conclusion.
• Take inspiration from engineering personal statement examples, but make sure yours is unique.

How do I avoid plagiarism in my personal statement for engineering?

In order to ensure that your engineering personal statement is completely original, here are some steps to take to avoid plagiarism:

• Research: Spend some time researching engineering topics and schools before writing your statement. This will help you to get a better understanding of the field and come up with unique points and ideas.
• Brainstorm: Take the time to brainstorm some ideas for your statement before putting your pen to paper. This will help you to come up with unique ideas, rather than using someone else’s.
• Outline: Create an outline for your statement that includes all of the points that you want to make. This will help you to stay organized and make sure that your statement flows naturally.
• Write: Once you have your outline and research, start writing your engineering personal statement. Be sure to use your own words and phrase each sentence the way you would say it.
• Check: Once you have finished your statement, it is important to double-check that all of your words and phrases are unique. Use a plagiarism checker (such as this one) to make sure that there are no similarities to any other statement.
• Proofread: Finally, make sure to dedicate enough time to the editing and proofreading stages after you have finished your first draft. This will help to ensure that there are no errors or mistakes in your statement.

By following these steps, you can be sure that your engineering personal statement is unique and free from plagiarism. Remember to be truthful, concise, authentic, and professional when writing your statement. Good luck!

What should I research when writing my personal statement for engineering?

When writing your personal statement for engineering, it is important to conduct thorough research to ensure that you are able to tailor your statement to the specific program or institution you are applying to. Some areas to research include:

• Curriculum: Look into the specific courses and areas of focus within the engineering program. This can help you highlight relevant coursework or projects you have completed that align with the program’s focus.
• Faculty and research: Look into the faculty members within the engineering program and their areas of expertise. This can help you tailor your personal statement to align with specific research areas or interests within the program.
• Industry partnerships and internships: Look into any partnerships the program may have with industry organizations or companies, as well as any internship or co-op opportunities offered through the program. This can help you highlight any relevant industry experience you may have and demonstrate your interest in pursuing practical experience in the field.
• University values and culture: Research the university’s overall mission and values, as well as the culture of the campus community. This can help you tailor your personal statement to demonstrate your fit with the university and program culture.

By conducting thorough research on these areas, you can tailor your personal statement to align with the specific program and institution you are applying to, demonstrating your interest and fit for the program.

How can I check my personal statement for engineering for errors?

Checking your engineering personal statement for errors is an important step in the application process. You should:

• Read your statement aloud to catch any minor spelling or grammatical errors.
• Ask a friend, colleague, or mentor to read your statement and provide feedback.
• Use online applications to analyze the document and suggest improvements.
• Seek advice from a careers centre or advisor to help polish the statement.
• mxddasasProofread and edit the statement multiple times.

By following these steps, you can ensure your engineering personal statement is professional and error-free before submitting your application materials.

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• FindAMasters
• Engineering Masters Personal Statement Sample

Written by Jennifer Bevan

This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Engineering. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement .

With an ever-increasing population, the upscaling of processes to efficiently mass produce food, pharmaceuticals and chemicals is essential to society. From COVID-19 vaccines to vegan products, over recent years there have been many examples of manufacturing processes that have inspired me to specialise in the field of chemical engineering. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the ability of engineers worldwide to suddenly and rapidly mass produce the coronavirus vaccines in order to save countless lives. In contrast to the abrupt demand seen in the vaccine industry, challenges also arise in keeping up with the constant growing demand for products such as vegan food. As I aspire to become a specialist in chemical engineering, I am applying for this Masters as the first step on my career journey.

During my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, for which I achieved a 2:1, I was able to select modules to cater to my interests, therefore studied materials and manufacturing and industrial management. These modules expanded upon the more basic principles introduced in the initial two years which allowed for a significant improvement to not only my technical skill but also the confidence in my ability to analyse and rectify mechanical failure. Through several of my core modules I developed my skills at utilising computer aided design (CAD) software packages such as SolidWorks for the design and analysis of products. For my final year project, I worked as project lead in a group to determine the advantages and disadvantages of additive manufacturing through the design and printing of a part. This allowed me to gain invaluable first-hand experience with fused deposition modelling machines and further refine my CAD skills, whilst developing excellent team management skills.

By the end of the second year of my degree, I knew my interests lay more towards chemical engineering and decided to undertake a placement year in industry. During this year I worked at a pharmaceutical company, adopting minor design roles within pre-existing projects and learning the importance of effective teamwork in producing a successful project. I attended several career fairs across universities and talked to students about the company, how best to apply and my experience working with them. This significantly improved my public speaking ability and communication skills, which are key for teamwork. I also gained some managerial experience during my free time as the president of the university running club. This involved planning and organising events, attending meetings with the student union and looking out for the welfare of members of the club.

I have applied to your university because of your excellent reputation in chemical engineering and am eager to study the specialist modules you have on offer, most notably pharmaceutical process development and advanced bioprocess engineering. On completion of my Masters I hope to pursue a career in industry and become a chartered engineer. This course would be an excellent opportunity to be at the forefront of chemical engineering technique development and to achieve a Masters accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

What are my options for studying Engineering?

Advanced structural engineering msc (campus), aberdeen university school of engineering, advanced mechanical engineering msc, advanced chemical engineering msc, civil engineering - msc, university of glasgow college of science and engineering, master of engineering in geotechnical engineering with structural engineering, atlantic technological university online, flexible and professional development, find a masters in engineering.

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SOP and Personal Statement Review (PhD* in Civil Engineering)

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• NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology
• Posted on: 30 August 2024

PhD candidate in Hydropower Technology

Job Information

Offer description.

This is NTNU

NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus in professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

You will find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

About the job

For a position as a PhD Candidate, the goal is a completed doctoral education up to an obtained doctoral degree.

The Norwegian Research Centre for Renewal of Hydropower Technology, RenewHydro. has a vacancy for a PhD Candidate. HydroCen is hosted by the Department of Energy and Process Engineering at NTNU in Trondheim, Norway, and it is funded by the Research Council of Norway and the Norwegian hydropower industry. The research is both theoretical and experimental and it is mainly focused on hydropower technology. However, the market, environmental impact and social acceptance is also part of the research.

The candidate will work with pump-turbines for future flexible operation. It involves both numerical and experimental work in the Waterpower Laboratory. The work will be part of the research program about the future hydropower plants in the new centre for renewable energy, RenewHydro. More information can be found here: www.ntnu.edu/renewhydro

The project aim to enhance efficiency and performance through advancement of hydropower technology. This includes hydropower technology through innovative approaches, including turbine, generator and converter design, storage solutions, and operational enhancements. Pump-storage schemes in existing hydropower plants can increase the storage capacity by increased utilization of the reservoir volume.  

The research will focus on how pump-turbines will operate under highly flexible operation. The submergence of the pump-turbine and its cavitation performance will be the focus in this PhD-work. However, it will require close collaboration with team members who work with the head loss in the tunnels, surge shaft oscillation, generator performance, variable speed operation, fish behaviour, etc. 

The position reports to Professor Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug at the Department of Energy and Process Engineering.  

Duties of the position

• Plan and execute comprehensive, independent research under supervision.
• Interact and collaborate with researchers and project partners.
• Communicate results effectively through research journal publications, conference presentations and other forms of communication to a diverse range of audiences.

Required selection criteria

• You must have a professionally relevant background in mechanical engineering, fluid mechanics or equivalent education.
• Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree program, where 120 credits are obtained at master's level.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an average grade from the master's degree program, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared with NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic basis. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• Master's students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented by 15.12.2024.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's doctoral program in Engineering, Doctoral Programme - PhD - Faculty of Engineering Science - NTNU.
• Programming skills in LabView, MATLAB, Python, or similar.
• Strong theoretical background in fluid mechanics, mathematics and physics.
• Experience from laboratory work and/or prototype experiments on hydro turbines.
• Experience from numerical analysis (CFD-analysis) of hydro turbines.
• Good written and oral English language skills.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with  Regulations on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, Phd candidate, research assistant and specialist candidate and  Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosodophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant 

Preferred selection criteria

•    Experience from programming design and optimization algorithms. •    Practical experience from working at hydro power plants.

Personal characteristics

• Strongly motivated and ambitious.
• Able to work efficiently in a team.
• Be structured, targeted and solution oriented.
• Have motivation to work interdisciplinary.
• The successful candidate should be creative and actively contribute in the team he/she will be part of.
• Have good dissemination skills.
• Personal skills like a positive and friendly attitude, and contributing to a sustainable social environment will also be valued.
• Open-minded and tolerant, able to work in a highly multicultural environment and collaborate equally well regardless of colleagues’ cultural background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or nationality.  

Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.

• Exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment.
• An open and  inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues.
• Favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund .
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

As a PhD candidate (code 1017) you are normally paid from gross NOK 532 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years. Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Engineering, Doctoral Programme - PhD - Faculty of Engineering Science - NTNU  within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

--------------------------------

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants , and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

The position is subject to external funding. The position is fully funded by the Norwegian Research Centre for Renewal of Hydropower Technology, RenewHydro.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must be attached to the application. Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.

The application must include: 

• CV and certificates.
• transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's and master's degrees. If you have not completed the master's degree, you must submit a confirmation that the master's thesis has been submitted.
• A copy of the master's thesis. If you recently have submitted your master's thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Candidates are required to submit a one-page sketch on how they plan to use their scientific background and research ambitions to address the research challenges of this position. 
• Name and contact information of three referees.
• If you have publications or other relevant research work.

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor's and master's education, in addition to other higher education. Description of the documentation required can be found  here . If you already have a statement from  Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills , please attach this as well.

We will take joint work into account. If it is difficult to identify your efforts in the joint work, you must enclose a short description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

General information

Working at NTNU

NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is our strength. We want to recruit people with different competencies, educational backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to solving our social responsibilities within education and research. We will facilitate for our employees’ needs.

NTNU is working actively to increase the number of women employed in scientific positions and has a number of resources to promote equality.  

Department of Energy and Process Engineering has established EPT Women in Science. The group is focused on supporting female PhD Candidates, Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Assistants and permanent academic employees within the Department. This support aims to help develop the careers of female PhD Candidates, Postdocs and Research Assistants, and is also made visible to our student body to encourage them to consider an academic path. As part of the EPT Women in Science initiative we are building an international network, inviting prominent female academics within and beyond the field of Engineering to speak at our events.

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation . You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug , telephone: +47 91897609 , email: [email protected] . If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Ingrid Wiggen, e-mail: [email protected] .

If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.  

Application deadline: 22.09.24

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Energy and Process Engineering

We conduct research and teaching covering the entire energy chain, from resources to the end-user. We look at how energy is produced and used by humans and machines in a sustainable way with regard to health, climate change and the resource base. The Department of Energy and Process Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

Where to apply

Requirements, additional information, work location(s), share this page.

Graduate School Personal Statement

Criteria for success.

• Your personal statement convinces a faculty committee that you are qualified for their program.
• It convinces them that you a good fit for their program’s focus and goals.
• You show a select group of skills and experiences that convey your scientific accomplishments and interests.
• Your experiences are concrete and quantitative.
• Your personal statement is no more than 3 pages.

Structure Diagram

The graduate school personal statement tells your story and demonstrates that you are a good match for a particular department or program. Matching goes both ways: they should be interested in you, and you should be interested in them. Your personal statement should make this match clear.

Analyze Your Audience

Your personal statement will be ready by a graduate committee, a handful of faculty from your program. They’re trying to determine if you will be a successful graduate student in their department, a positive force in the department’s intellectual life, and a successful scientist after you graduate. They are therefore interested in your qualifications as a researcher, your career goals, and how your personality matches their labs and department.

The graduate committee probably reads hundreds of applications a year. To make it easy for them to figure out that you are a good fit, make direct, concrete statements about your accomplishments and qualifications. To make it easy for them to remember you, create a narrative that “brands” you.

Create a personal narrative

PhD programs invest in the professional and scientific growth of their students. Get the committee excited about investing in you by opening your essay with a brief portrait of what drives you as a scientist. What research directions are you passionate about, and why? What do you picture yourself doing in 10 years?

Close your essay with a 2-3 sentence discussion of your career interests. No one will hold you to this; this just helps your committee visualize your potential trajectory.

Describe your experiences

Experiences are the “what” of your essay. What experiences led you to develop your skill set and passions? Where have you demonstrated accomplishment, leadership, and collaboration? Include research, teaching, and relevant extracurriculars. State concrete achievements and outcomes like awards, discoveries, or publications.

Quantify your experiences to show concrete impact. How many people were on your team? How many protocols did you develop? How many people were in competition for an award? As a TA, how often did you meet with your students?

Describe actions, not just changes in your internal mental or emotional state. A personal statement is a way to make a narrative out of your CV. It is not a diary entry.

Explain the meaning of your experiences

Meaning is the “why” or “so what” of the document. Why was this experience important to your growth as a scientist? What does it say about your abilities and potential? It feels obvious to you, but you need to be explicit with your audience. Your descriptions of meaning should also act as transition statements between experiences: try to “wrap” meaning around your experiences.

Demonstrate match to your target program

Demonstrate an understanding of the program to which you’re applying and about how you will be successful in that program. To do this:

• Read the program’s website. See what language they use to describe themselves, and echo that language in your essay. For example, MIT Chemical Engineering’s website points out innovative research areas and interdisciplinary opportunities.
• Get in contact with faculty (or students) in your target program. If you have had a positive discussion with someone at the department, describe how those interactions made you think that you and the department may be well-matched.
• State which professors in the program you would be interested in working with. Show how their research areas align with your background and your goals. You can even describe potential research directions or projects.

Resources and Annotated Examples

Annotated example 1.

These 2021 short answer responses are from an MIT ChemE graduate student’s successful application to the MIT ChemE program. 237 KB

Annotated Example 2

This is the personal statement from an MIT ChemE graduate student’s successful application to the MIT ChemE program. 121 KB

Annotated Example 3

This is the personal statement from an MIT ChemE graduate student’s successful application to the MIT ChemE program. 361 KB

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Civil engineering personal statement example 2.

The world is forever growing and evolving, as is the demand for new buildings and good infrastructure.

The pressures of population growth and global warming are ever increasing, and civil engineers can help play a major role in designing more efficient structures, as well as planning projects in developing countries. I am attracted to me to civil engineering because I like the idea of helping to shape the world around me to meet the demands of the future.

I hope for a challenging career which I will find personally rewarding and be able to feel that I have given something back to the community.

Academically, science has always been my main interest and is the area in which I am most able. I enjoyed biology, in particular learning about human impact on the environment.

However, during my A levels I realised that my interests lay deeper in maths and physics. I enjoyed the problem solving involved within my subjects and the way a real life situation could be expressed and manipulated mathematically.

What I found particularly interesting was relating what had been learnt in the classroom to real life situations, which is what gave me more interest in civil engineering - the appeal of a challenging career where I would have the opportunity to theoretically solve problems and practically apply solutions to have a beneficial effect on the world around me.

During my gap year I have had several work experience placements in various skilled trades such as building and joinery.

Through joinery I gained an appreciation of the need for accurate design and construction, as well as a knowledge of the uses of wood as a building material. Though much of the building work I have undertaken was in construction, I found it to be invaluable experience.

For example, whilst helping to build a garage I learnt about the importance of good design and planning by having to interpret the designs in order to determine how many bricks would be needed. During its constuction I noticed how important it was to build accurately, particularly at the corners of the building which supported most of the weight of the roof.

I also discovered the importance of keeping costs low, but the quality of work high. We made a different type of cement which was cheaper and weaker, but still met the needs for the inner walls. The most rewarding part of this experience seeing the project through from a plan on paper to its completion, and the feeling of satisfaction once it was completely built.

I have a passionate interest in music and have been playing guitar for about 5 years. I have enjoyed my time as a member of a band, which has helped me to work creatively as part of a team.

More recently, I have also achieved grade 2 in jazz piano. For years I have had a great enthusiasm for skateboarding and in November 2005 began undertaking voluntary work with a group helping to plan and design a skateboarding facility in Kings Heath park.

We were involved in preparatory work such as gaining public support and undertaking research at existing facilities across the UK, as well as its design. From this experience I learnt the importance of working as part of a team and meeting deadlines. Also, I gained an understanding of just how much preparation and organisation is needed, even for a small development.

By studying civil engineering at university I hope to build on my knowledge of maths and physics and learn how to apply it to real life situations. Having enjoyed my time at school I am excited by the prospect of going to university and learning more about our world around us. I hope for both a challenging and diverse career where I can help to improve the world for future generations to come.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by cycomiko for application in 2008.

cycomiko's Comments

Did this two days before the application deadline... BIG MISTAKE! It took a lot longer than I thought it would and I'd have saved a lot of stress if I'd done it before. I know its not perfect, but it worked, got all 5 offers. Feel free to criticise whats bad (its not like i care if you don't like it :P). My advice to anyone would be to draft, redraft, reredraft and get anyone and everyone to check it over, put in anything relevant and anything that makes you look 'well rounded', and what qualities that gives you (like patience, teamworking, leadership etc). I did however know my results having applied a year late, got 3 As, might have had something to do with it.

Related Personal Statements

Which unis were you accepted a place.

Thu, 18/09/2008 - 18:08

nice and genuine.

Sat, 20/09/2008 - 11:16

what did they focus on in ur interview? was it something on ur PS?

What uni's did u apply to?

Tue, 30/09/2008 - 08:51

Wed, 22/10/2008 - 09:16

houw man, that was cani gud that lyk

pretty decent statement, i

Wed, 10/12/2008 - 16:51

pretty decent statement, i think u covered what most universities desire, teamwork, interest which is the most valuable.

Applied for:

Fri, 13/03/2009 - 14:51

Applied for: Birmingham Cardiff Bristol Nottingham Oxford (not civ eng)

Got offers from all (oxford wanted an interview but i wanted to go birmingham regardless), in the interview at bham (was only informal) just asked me bout what generally interests me in civil engineering, and about what qualities i posessed (hint hint teamwork, leadership, time managements etc etc). Tbh if you're interested in civil enginerring then get some work experience otherwise the sort of interviews you'll face at uni will be a scary experience.

Nah kings heath in birmingham (the skatepark plan all kinda fell thru as far as i know)

did you by any chance go to

Mon, 05/07/2010 - 22:01

did you by any chance go to king edwards...cuz i go there.

tell me some tips about what

Tue, 01/11/2011 - 18:30

tell me some tips about what you need to know, and what you should write in your sinnce i am applying for civil engineering as well

Tue, 01/11/2011 - 18:33

Mon, 13/02/2012 - 14:05

Of course, I understand a little about this post but will try cope with it!!....

Holistically its a fairly

Fri, 22/06/2012 - 17:54

Holistically its a fairly good statement and you did pretty well considering your awful spelling and grammar.

Wed, 24/07/2013 - 08:38

Thanks-a-mundo for the article post.Really thank you! Keep writing.

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