Tremendous Room for Scientific Progress, Essay Example

I want to pursue a career in a profession with tremendous room for scientific progress so that I could make valuable contributions towards improving quality-of-life for an average person. This is why Chemistry and Biology, particularly, appeal to me.

My experiences with Biology and Chemistry in A-Levels have convinced me science is not only a great fit to my interests but also my personal strengths. One of the areas that intrigued me most in Biology is genetics which is expected to advance significantly over the next few decades, thanks to new technological tools available to researchers. I also enjoyed learning how plant-based products are now replacing oil-based plastics which is quite a positive trend, given the climate challenges facing our society. In fact, my efforts to better understand the biology of raw materials that offer the greatest potential towards a greener future were instrumental towards my growing interest in Chemistry and as an undergraduate student, I aim to acquire better understanding of bio-processes involved in production of alternative fuel resources.

A significant amount of learning in Chemistry takes place through research experiments which are often team projects. I find this to be one of the most effective learning methods because research experiments help us better understand the practical applications of theoretical concepts. Through Chemistry-based experiments, I hope to acquire a better understanding of the real world and hopefully tackle problems that are still unsolved but which, if successfully tackled, could revolutionize modern societies. I also like the fact that Chemistry is a perfect complement to biological and mathematical sciences, thus, it is not surprising that professionals with deep Chemistry expertise are in demand in almost every imaginable industry including consumer goods, healthcare, entertainment, cosmetics, petrochemicals, and food & hospitality sector.

I believe learning doesn’t just take place at schools or colleges but also other places. I am always looking for opportunities to learn more and there are few methods of learning as effective as practical experiences.  This is why I joined Cairo, Egypt-based Ahmad and Ahmad Pharmacy where working in a fast-paced environment also helped me improve soft-skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, time management, and planning. The experience also helped me gain better understanding of the healthcare sector as to how there is an increased emphasis on innovation and improved business practices. Dealing with customers taught me the importance of listening in order to provide effective solutions to particular problems or needs. Similarly, an internship at Nabarro Law Firm helped me better understand the environmental challenges facing our planet and how individuals and multinational firms can work together to improve the environment. A consulting assignment for Gree UK, an energy firm in Cairo, gave me valuable insights into the economics of production processes of multinational energy companies. In other words, I saw Chemistry applications almost everywhere whether they concerned production processes or efforts aimed at ensuring cleaner and greener future.

I am always open to new experiences because they help us step outside our comfort zone and also teach us to look at the world from different point of views. My openness to different experiences is perhaps best exemplified by mine taking ballet after completing grade 5. My ballet skills improved to such an extent that I later became a Ballet teaching assistant. Co-curricular activities like ballet have inspired me to continuously push myself since I aim for excellence in everything I do. In addition, my bi-lingual skills in English and Arabic as well as an affinity for English literature also make me an ideal student for a university with diverse student population.