How to build a profile that stands out?

"How to build a profile that stands out from the crowd?" - This is a question that confuses students day in and day out, and if you're looking to receive that coveted offer letter from your dream university to kick-start your career, this question becomes more pertinent. Gone are those days when your Test Score was more than enough to open the doors for a prestigious university! Things are not the same anymore, and rather than your scores alone, which is only a small part, your application is evaluated on the basis of your "Overall Profile"

In the last decade, the number of applications for every foreign university has seen an exponential rise, which, in a sense, has only made the admission process more competitive. The obstacle with the profiles of most of the students is that either all of them look quite similar or they are altogether not appealing at first sight. Therefore, in such a scenario, to be unique amidst thousands of applications, it’s essential to build your profile in a manner that grabs the attention of the admission committee instantly.

So what exactly is this black box called "A Good Profile" that everyone talks about? Let's try to demystify this elusive concept by focusing on five aspects that will help you make up an excellent overall profile.

1. Upgrade your Resume:

Your resume is going to be your face for the entire application process and will be used as a document that separates you from the other applicants. You must have a one-page resume. Try to refrain from downloading templates from the Internet. Instead, try to draft it yourself, to ensure authenticity. Your resume should depict a clear idea of your academic achievements, work experience (if any), extra-curricular activities, research publications, certifications, community service, and other relevant details. Make sure that the sentences used in your resume are short and crisp and be extra careful with the grammar as well as punctuation. The resume should enhance your application and strengthen your candidature.

2. Craft an engaging Statement of Purpose (SOP):

Whenever you apply to a foreign university, the Statement of Purpose is going to be your Unique Selling Point (USP). The SOP should comprise a brief introduction about yourself, your academic background, career goals, why you wish to pursue that field, and why you are the right fit for the University. You could also talk about ways to add value to the university and bring something new to the class. Try to connect your passion, skills, prior experience, and interest with the specialization offered that you wish to pursue at that particular university. This step requires thorough research on the program, faculty, and the alumni network.

Note: SOP writing can sometimes be very challenging because of the complexities that it carries. Therefore, it is always advisable to take the help of experienced counselors and experts whenever you're writing one to ensure you get it right. If you're facing trouble with your SOP for a university that you want to get into, you can always reach out to us at Rubeus Consultancy (www.rubeusconsultancy.com) for assistance, thereby, increasing your chances of admission.

3. Acquire Relevant Work Experience:

It is always beneficial to have a full-time work experience or an internship aligned with the program/specialization you want to pursue. It not only informs the admission committee about your passion and you experience in the field you want to pursue, but at the same time, also gives you industrial exposure, preparing you for the future.

4. Get An Effective Letter of Recommendation (LOR):

While applying for a master's degree, students are required to submit two types of LOR - Academic LOR and Professional LOR. This way, it helps the admission committee assess you better on the academic as well as on the professional front. LORs should reflect your academic record, creativity, motivation, skills, workplace achievements, etc. You can approach your professors or managers in your workplace for this. Identifying the right recommenders and approaching them to write a stellar recommendation letter for you can be tricky. You can refer to our blog on What is the proper approach to apply for an LOR where we have discussed everything in detail including the etiquettes that should be followed while requesting a letter of recommendation!

5. Connect with the University Alumni and Professors:

It's always a prudent idea to connect with the university alumni of your dream universities through platforms like LinkedIn. This way, it will give you a sneak peek into their lives and the overall culture at the university. It might also give you a few crucial insights like precisely what the admission committee looks for in a candidate while evaluating their profiles, thereby allowing you to strengthen your profile along the lines of your target university.

Overwhelmed with these steps and confused about where to start ? Send an email to rubeusconsultancy@gmail.com with your preferred time, and we will schedule a free counseling call to provide you with personalized suggestions.