Personal Statement

University of Southampton
MSc Strategy and Innovation
My interest in management, strategy and organisational sciences dates back to my fourth year of studies
at the University of Montenegro, from which I graduated as a Specialist of Arts at the Department for
English Language and Literature. The context might be unorthodox, as I am a linguistics graduate who
specialised in the field of Translation Studies. However, it is in this period that I developed an interest in
the field of marketing and sociology, which resulted in a thesis paper entitled A Critical Discourse Analysis
of Advertising Messages. Through this research, I delved into issues related to marketing management
and promotion, which represents my first encounter with organisational structures.
Immediately upon the completion of my academic studies, I applied for an internship at the Regional
Cooperation Council Task Force on Culture and Society Secretariat, an international organization dealing
with cultural heritage rehabilitation in South East Europe. I have been working for the RCC TFCS Secretariat
for five months, and although I am gaining skills required for work in such a serious organisation, I am
aware that there is room for further improvement, and I firmly believe that master studies at the
University of Southampton would contribute to my education, thus widening my prospects for a future
career. My duties at the RCC TFCS mostly entail assisting the Project Manager and providing help in the
administrative sector. Consequently, I have come to realise that I want to apply the practical skills I gained
during my academic studies to a new context. I see this internship as a unique opportunity to work with
superb experts who provide me with the needed guidance and motivation.
I most certainly intend to pursue a career in the field of project management. The Western Balkans is
passing through a transitional phase, and we are developing regional strategies that aim to improve the
overall image of the region. One such strategy is SEE 2020, created by the model of Europe 2020. The
strategy entails a number of draft programmes and projects, expected to be implemented by 2020, and
we are in need of experts and zealous, knowledgeable individuals in various fields. It is precisely for this
reason that I believe the moment is ripe for me to receive high-quality education, which, combined with
my creativity and enthusiasm, will greatly contribute to my personal and professional development. In
the context of the SEE 2020 Strategy, the RCC TFCS Secretariat will be in charge of the Cultural and Creative
Sectors, which have invaluable potential for development. These are my primary areas of interest.
It is also worth mentioning that, during my fourth year of studies, I was engaged as an intern assistant
professor of English - at the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, University of Montenegro. The
internship lasted nine months, and in this period I managed to develop communication and pedagogical
skills required for work in groups.
My academic background is rooted in English linguistics and literature, with a particular focus on
Translating and Interpreting during my fourth year - specializing studies. I gained my Bachelor, and my
Specialist of Arts degrees at the English Department of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of
Montenegro. For my third year of studies, which I spent at the University of Groningen, I won a scholarship
from the JoinEU-SEE exchange student programme. This invaluable experience affected both my personal
and academic development, as I was given the opportunity to redefine my aspirations in a completely
unfamiliar environment. This new context was precisely what I needed as a young student, since I had
already achieved remarkable results at my home University. The Student of the Year 2012 award from

the University of Montenegro served as a motive to seek new challenges. Additionally, in 2011, I received
an award from the Faculty of Philosophy as the best student at the English Department. Without false
modesty, I dare say that, as an exceptional student with previous international experience, I believe I am
an ideal candidate for studying at the University of Southampton.
Spending one academic year at the University of Groningen helped me gain more practical skills as I
volunteered for linguistic experiments, worked for a student magazine, and attended highly interactive
courses. Studying Italian as a minor course with high commitment provided me with an opportunity to
attend an intensive course on Italian didactics for two weeks at the University Ca Foscari in Venice. In this
context, I was given the chance to explore my social and adaptation skills. Bearing in mind that team work
was essential for this course, I reach the conclusion that I enjoy being a member of a well-structured
organisation, regardless of the goal the team is striving for. Having participated in a number of extracurricular activities during my studies, focusing on various topics, I have contributed to reaching the final
goal both as a member and as a leader. Motivating team members, as well as being assertive and
respectful of other peoples ideas and time are traits equally important for a leader. My leadership style
encompasses building rapports; communicating clearly so as to be an effective speaker and an active
listener; and coordinating activities in a focused and structured way.
In conclusion, I am highly aware that studying Strategy and Innovation is a challenging new prospects, but
I am more than willing to face it, and I believe that the period I have spent working at the RCC TFCS
Secretariat has prepared me for this endeavour. The combination of academic and soft skills I acquired
during my studies and internships is ideal for a potential career in management. For all the
aforementioned, I see the University of Southampton as the perfect place to complete my academic
studies, gain exceptional skills and therefore direct myself towards a fulfilling professional career.