HOW TO WRITE A CHEVENING NETWORKING AND INFLUENCE ESSAY

Summary

In this video, Nanu shares insights on crafting a compelling networking and relationship-building essay for the Chevening Scholarship. Highlighting the importance of demonstrating specific networking experiences, achievements, and the impact of community engagement, Nanu encourages applicants to reflect on their professional relationships and contributions. By using the STAR approach—Situation, Task, Action, Result—candidates can effectively illustrate their networking skills. The video emphasizes that maintaining relationships, even virtually, is crucial in a global community and suggests concluding the essay by discussing how Chevening will enhance one's network during and after the Master's program.

Takeaways

• 😀 Networking is about building professional relationships, not just personal gain.
• 😀 Highlight specific networks you've engaged with and your role in those relationships.
• 😀 Emphasize your achievements and contributions to your network.
• 😀 Relationships are a two-way street; consider how you've helped others achieve their goals.
• 😀 Networking can be maintained virtually through various digital tools.
• 😀 Start your essay by defining what networking means to you personally.
• 😀 Use the STAR approach to structure your examples: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
• 😀 Conclude by discussing how the Chevening community will enhance your global network.
• 😀 Your ability to maintain relationships post-scholarship is crucial for Chevening.
• 😀 Reflect on the impact of your networks in your life and the lives of others.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the networking and relationship building essay for the Chevening scholarship?

The essay aims to assess applicants' professional relationship-building skills and their ability to engage with the Chevening community, highlighting how they will lead in their fields.

What specific elements does Chevening want to see in the essay?

Chevening looks for specificity in networks utilized, a demonstration of networking skills, accomplishments through networking, and an explanation of how being part of the Chevening community will enable positive change.

How should applicants approach the concept of networking in their essays?

Applicants should not fear networking; they should view it as maintaining relationships, even those formed in informal settings, and emphasize the mutual benefits of these connections.

What does it mean to maintain relationships, according to the video?

Maintaining relationships involves active engagement, which can occur both in-person and virtually, using tools like emails and video calls, demonstrating that distance does not hinder professional connections.

What is the significance of giving examples in the essay?

Providing specific examples allows applicants to illustrate their networking experiences and the impact of those connections on both their own goals and the goals of others in their network.

What is the STAR approach mentioned in the video?

The STAR approach stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It is a method for structuring responses to clearly convey experiences and outcomes related to networking.

How can applicants conclude their essays effectively?

Applicants should end their essays by discussing how Chevening will help them broaden their networks globally and how they plan to utilize those connections during and after their studies.

What mindset should applicants adopt regarding their networking experiences?

Applicants should view their networking experiences positively, recognizing that even small interactions can be valuable and that networking is not solely about what they gain but also what they contribute.

Why is it important for applicants to reflect on their networking impact?

Reflecting on the impact of their networks encourages applicants to consider how their relationships have shaped their achievements and how they can leverage these connections in the future.

What advice does the speaker give regarding fear of networking?

The speaker advises against feeling intimidated by networking. Instead, they suggest focusing on the relationships built, regardless of scale, and emphasizing the reciprocal nature of professional connections.