When I was four years old, my father moved from Hong Kong to Indonesia to start a textile company, leaving me with my mother. In order to alleviate the pressures of separation, I developed the computer skills needed for electronic communication at an early age - my eighth school year. The Internet caught my attention immediately, and became an enjoyable tool.

　　In the summer of 1992, I utilized my computing skills by volunteering at a library, where I helped with computer and Internet related questions. During that time, my father’s business had launched many technological changes that led to automation of its production line. These improvements had saved his company from bankruptcy. Visiting him and seeing how the new system had increased his profits heightened my interest in Information Technology (IT). I now live in Canada, where computers continue to play a large role in my daily affairs. I use electronic mail and Internet chats to communicate with both parents, and have chosen MIS as my course of study. Information Technology fascinates me not only because it makes companies more competitive, but also because it can bridge great distances to bring people together. I have much respect for, and interest in, the IT industry.

　　Personal satisfaction also plays a key role in my career decision. While monetary rewards are of practical importance, true job satisfaction springs from the opportunity to grow and learn within an industry. I enjoy acquiring new skills and information, which help me adapt to the fast-changing world as well as piquing my interest. In addition, a career with open prospects would give me constant incentive to improve myself and gain more knowledge. I currently volunteer for an on-campus organization, Job Link, in which I am responsible for posting employment opportunities on the World Wide Web, answering questions, and preparing informative handouts. This position has broadened my computing abilities and has improved my interpersonal skills, which are crucial to any business endeavor. I enjoy the sense of productivity and usefulness I gain from the work, and feel it is a valuable experience for future employment.

　　Learning from my own experience plays still another role in my career decision. While enrolled in an ESL program in Canada, I joined the Culture Club as a Special Event Director. I managed a group of six in organizing various functions. I was the most advanced ESL student among the group, and thus assumed myself to be the most capable. I quickly learned my mistake. In preparing our first function, I was strict with my team members and often rejected their ideas in favor of my own. I performed most of their tasks myself, allowing them to assist me only in minor details. As a result, the function was not very successful. Few people attended, and we had problems with decorations and presentation. The setback disheartened me, and I spoke of it to the Club’s supervisor. She responded that she had trust in my ability to succeed in the future. That comment filled me with surprise, for I realized I had never trusted my own team members. Although they were weak in the English language, they had many valuable talents. I immediately changed my policy, allowing team members to choose the tasks they desired and complete them on their own.

　　Meetings evolved into group brainstorming sessions, which yielded many good ideas. Most importantly, the atmosphere among us improved dramatically. We were happier and more eager to devote time to the program. I learned what true leadership is, and this experience will undoubtedly be of use to me in any business situation.

　　In short, my goal is to obtain a Masters degree, and then work in an IT-related industry, either with a consulting firm or as a systems analyst with a financial institution. In addition to this, I plan to use my private time to attend computer-programming courses in order to maintain a competitive knowledge of technology. When I have gathered enough experience and skills, I hope to launch a consulting company of my own.

　　Attending a Masters of Science program will definitely smooth the path to these goals. The program will deepen my expertise and broaden my perspectives. Moreover, the MIS option will help me to hone my skills in IT areas that I have not yet encountered. As I have attended UBC for four years, I am familiar with and have confidence in the faculty professors who I believe can help me become an IT professional.

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