Chevening Networking/Relationship Building/Shared Learning Essay Taught by Chris Agape Scholar 2023

Summary

Chris Agape Aja, a Japanese scholar, shares insights on crafting a networking essay for a scholarship application. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating one's ability to form beneficial networks and how these connections can enhance the applicant's country's work with the UK. Aja advises explaining the context of meeting network contacts, maintaining these relationships, and the mutual benefits gained. He also stresses the need to articulate how joining the Chevy Network will contribute to the UK's endeavors in one's country, providing a two-way benefit.

Takeaways

• 📝 The networking essay is a two-part process: demonstrating the ability to create beneficial networks and explaining how being part of the Chevening network will contribute to the UK's work in your home country.
• 🤝 It's crucial to explain how you met the person or network and provide context for the reader to understand the significance of the connection.
• 💡 Context is key; ensure that you provide enough details about how and where you met the person to avoid ambiguity.
• 🔗 Discuss how you maintained the network beyond the initial meeting, whether through meals, visits, phone calls, or social media interactions.
• 🚀 Highlight the benefits you gained from the network, such as achieving career or personal goals, to show the network's importance to your growth.
• 🤔 Avoid sounding like you only benefited from the network; also mention how you were beneficial to the other party and how the relationship was mutually advantageous.
• 💼 Use real-life examples, like the speaker's experience with their boss, to illustrate how a network can lead to opportunities and how you can contribute back.
• 🌟 For the second part of the essay, discuss how you would engage with the Chevening network, what unique qualities you would bring, and how you would be beneficial to the UK's work in your country.
• 📈 Show that you understand the value of the network and how it can be a two-way street, with you also contributing to the network's growth and impact.
• 📖 The speaker provides in-depth guidance and examples in the 'Ultimate Championing Guide' to help applicants craft a strong networking essay.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the networking essay for the German scholarship?

The networking essay serves two purposes: to demonstrate the applicant's ability to create beneficial networks and to show how their participation in the Chevening network will contribute to the growth and expansion of the UK's work in their home country.

What is the first aspect the essay should cover according to Chris Agape Aja?

The first aspect the essay should cover is explaining how the applicant created their network, including the context and circumstances of the initial meeting.

Why is context important when explaining how a network was created?

Context is important because it provides the reader with an understanding of the circumstances under which the network was formed, which is crucial for evaluating the significance and relevance of the network.

What is the second aspect that the networking essay should address?

The second aspect is maintaining the network, which involves explaining how the applicant has continued to communicate and engage with the network beyond the initial meeting.

How can applicants demonstrate the benefits they received from their network?

Applicants should explain how the network contributed to achieving a specific goal, career objective, or personal ambition, emphasizing the tangible outcomes that resulted from the network.

Why is it important for applicants to show they were also beneficial to the other party in their network?

Showing that the relationship was mutually beneficial helps applicants avoid sounding like they only took advantage of the network. It demonstrates a two-way exchange of value, which is more compelling and realistic.

What is an example of a networking scenario that Chris Agape Aja shared?

Chris shared an example where he volunteered for his current boss, which initially did not benefit him directly but later led to a job opportunity when the boss formed a company, illustrating a two-way beneficial relationship.

What is the second part of the networking essay that Chris Agape Aja mentioned?

The second part involves discussing how the applicant will engage with the Chevening Network, what unique contributions they will bring, and how they will be beneficial to the UK's work in their country or sector.

What additional advice does Chris Agape Aja give for writing a strong networking essay?

Chris advises applicants to provide context, explain the maintenance of the network, and emphasize its importance. He also suggests referring to the 'ultimate championing guide' for in-depth explanations and examples.

How does Chris Agape Aja recommend applicants show their engagement with the Chevening Network?

Chris suggests applicants should discuss their previous engagement with the network, if any, and outline their unique qualities and how they plan to contribute positively to the network and the UK's initiatives in their country.

What is the overall goal of the networking essay according to Chris Agape Aja's guidance?

The overall goal is to demonstrate the applicant's networking abilities, the value they bring to networks, and how they will contribute to and benefit from the Chevening Network, aligning with the UK's objectives in their country.