Thomas Andrews - Personal Statement Final Draft

I would like to study Business Management with Spanish as management philosophies and Spanish
culture have been what I am most interested in since starting my GCSEs. These subjects complement
one another well, particularly given the increasing significance of Spanish within the business world,
following growth in Hispanic presence and in economies of Latin American countries. I am
particularly looking forward to the year abroad and the opportunities this offers for career and
personal development. I am attracted to the dynamic nature of global market trends and I have a
keen interest in pursuing a career in a multi-national corporation in the product design industry and
these subjects will allow me to pursue such opportunities.

My interest and passion have led me to think that independent research is key, using different
websites and books for extra knowledge. The 5 More Important Questions by Peter Drucker
influenced me greatly, particularly his quote; Knowledge has to be improved, challenged, and
increased constantly, or it vanishes, this motivated me to not be complacent in my studies. In
addition, I watched documentaries on how businesses use the Cayman Islands to cut costs and taxes,
which inspired me to read around my subjects and look at how Google and Starbucks used tactics to
reduce taxation. I read an article on how the Spanish economy was on the road to recovery in the
Telegraph from 2014, the fact that the export sector was the main cause of recovery was interesting
as it changed my views on government management due to the controversy of decision making. I
attended Keynote conferences to focus on revision strategies for my Spanish speaking exam and I
read articles on BBC Mundo and watch films such as Maria Llena eres de Gracia. They improve my
intonation and understanding due to constant practice, which I look forward to continuing to build
on at university.

I have relevant experience from completing work experience at Capita Asset Services, which I
arranged myself in December 2015. I gained experience in the share dealing and mailing
departments, general office work and I accepted responsibility as well as gaining maturity. In the
summer of 2016, I completed work experience at Bromley Tennis Centre, I gained experience in;
customer service, team work in a professional environment and coaching. I am going to Spain in
March to complete another work experience placement and stay with a Spanish family, this will
improve my fluency and I will experience working in a Spanish company. I am trilingual as I speak
fluent Portuguese and have worked in a 5 star Portuguese hotel coaching tennis players as a summer
job. Due to my aptitude for Portuguese, I sat the GCSE early in year 10 and achieved an A grade.

I am an avid tennis player, I train for 7-10 hours a week and I play at county and national level.
Managing training and studying has improved my time management and I have completed
challenges such as The D of E Bronze Award and the Tough Mudder 13 mile race. I have 2 part time
jobs working at a tennis centre and a local David Lloyd Leisure Centre as well as doing 1 to 1 sessions
which I set up myself. My busy schedule has taught me organisation skills, independence and
dedication. In Product Design, my other A level, I encounter problems when manufacturing
products; I have to demonstrate patience and self-discipline which are necessary qualities.
Furthermore, I am a keen entrepreneur as I have a clothes reselling business where I buy and sell
exclusive branded items.

Studying for a degree in these subjects will allow me to continue to develop my interests and
understanding in greater depth. I look forward to new experiences and in September 2017, I will be
ready to fully immerse myself into university life and become a valued member of my course, team
and community.