Program Director
Statement of Purpose
In the highly competitive and complex world that we strive to conquer daily, we sometimes forget that our most common struggle is being human. We focus on creating a selfhood based on a limiting personal or professional recognition when our common denominator is defining our humanity. I realize that my journey in defining self has been one of shaping my inner being struggling against a strong, external influencer. Recently, I reached a pivotal turning point in my life by redirecting my objectives from the standard and trusted environmental science direction chosen by my traditional Indian family. In opting to complete my undergraduate degree in accounting at the University of South Australia (UniSA), I will now work to define myself internally in a consistent manner that takes into consideration the parental impact that shaped my humanity up to the present time.
Throughout my life, I work hard to recognize my strengths and weaknesses to carve an individual path that defines who I am. At times, the journey proves difficult, as this competing power aimed to steer my life towards a proven career path based solely on the previous achievements of other family members. My formative years in India had a marked pattern of guidance, impacted by the success of relatives in the environment health and safety occupation sector. As financial well-being was a major consideration for both my parents and other family members, they decided I should follow an environmental sciences track. Initially, I opposed attaining a degree in the area of environment, as I did not cultivate a passion for being a scientist. My preference was to obtain an accounting degree and continue in finance, but my parents voiced a strong opposition and did not allow me to enrol in a business program. Although I felt disappointment, I began my university trajectory as an international student at Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada, in the Environmental Sciences Program. While I understood the demand for environmental science experts, I did not find the program motivating or stimulating as the courses felt repetitive. Due to these factors, I consistently obtained low grades throughout my semesters at Sheridan. As I could not propel an environmental industry career with an unsatisfactory grade point average, I knew I had to refocus my academic goals in the accounting sector.
As I returned my original career choice to mark my life’s course, I reflected on how detours and obstacles encountered make me a more resilient person. My commitments and determination forged from this competing authority defines who I am today. Going against my parents’ wishes was not an easy decision to undertake. Nevertheless, I am grateful for this challenge, as it drives me towards greater self-awareness and inspires me to own my authenticity in every endeavour.
Before considering completing my university degree in Australia, I weighed the options available in India and Canada. The former was not a practical consideration as India’s curricula in finance, accounting, management, and economics lacked the required depth to be competitive programs. In considering continuing my studies in Canada, I find it problematic to select a suitable course offering. Although many local universities offer Bachelor of Science programs in accounting, business, and economics, they are dual degree programs that I cannot afford as an international student. For this reason, I began investigating similar accounting programs offered at various Australian universities. Initially, one of the features that convinced me to apply to UniSA was the Student Survey Positive Ratings for business (Australian Education Network par. 14). Students surveyed gave high marks in four key areas: teaching, skills, experience, and satisfaction (par. 14). As I investigated the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) program in-depth, I comprehended that the broad-reaching curriculum, impressive research facilities, and a distinguished faculty that makes the University of South Australia my preferred choice.
What makes me enthusiastic about joining the UniSA community is the school’s innovative and agile emphasis on producing graduates with an outcomes-focused and real-world approach that provides me with the learning and industry partnerships to excel (Government of South Australia pars 1-2; QS Top Universities par.1). As a UniSA graduate, I have a solid foundation to apply for graduate programs in finance and development, as the program has the accreditation of CPA Australia and the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (University of South Australia Business School par. 4). UniSA prepares me to further my education, as I will have the underpinning to understand the nature of different financial institutions and actors in developing countries. An accounting degree also gives me the tools to further my career in India. The academic competencies, progressive research capabilities, and industry partnerships are qualities that Indian employers need when recruiting talent. A UniSA commerce qualification allows me to contribute to India’s economic development and gives me the structure to become a thought leader in the financial world. I plan to work in one of the many multinational accounting/financial corporations that have an established presence in India, as the prospects for accountants remain optimistic for my home country. In this capacity, I will have contact with an ample range of people, financial institutions, and companies. Compensation depends on the organizations and my specialization. Another long-term objective gained from my accounting degree is a personal one. My father’s restaurant may need my financial expertise to manage the business. I believe firmly that the UniSA experience motivates me to expand my vision and to achieve my targeted goals, as I aim to make a positive impact on my surrounding world.
Works Cited
Australian Education Network. "University of South Australia Ranking UNISA | AustralianUniversities.com.au." Australian Universities | AustralianUniversities.com.au. Australian Universities Guide, 2016. Web. 24 June 2016.
Government of South Australia. "University of South Australia." Study Adelaide. Government of South Australia, 2016. Web. 24 June 2016.
QS Top Universities. "University of South Australia | Undergraduate." Top Universities. Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, 2015. Web. 24 June 2016.
