how to answer chevening essay questions

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how to answer chevening essay questions

Writing Chevening Essay: Breakdown Those 4 Questions

Writing an essay for Chevening scholarship was not an easy task. But surely, we need to invest our time to write, revise and polish it. The whole writing process took me 1.5 months, but let’s not use this as a standard as anyone can have different situations.

In this post, I’m going to breakdown each question and share how I answered my Chevening essay. It is surely not the perfect one, but I’d like to share what I think essential when answering those four questions. I also did a mentoring program for Chevening applicants 19/20 and some of my mentees were accepted! Having said that, I’m sure there are some of my tips that you can use.

Disclaimer. This post does not reflect on the Chevening Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and its partner organisations. This story is just my experience and personal thoughts working on Chevening’s essay.

Without further ado, let’s go through each question.

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Leadership and Influence 

One of the common thoughts that most applicants have about leadership is the position; the title. I would say, no. The title is a legitimation that you have the power to lead, but beyond that, I think the most important thing that Chevening really look is the impact of your leadership. They are also looking for a potential leader. So, it does not matter if you don’t have a Manager, Head, Leader, etc in your resume as long as you can showcase your influencing and leadership skills by giving examples.

Before start writing, think about what leadership accomplishments that you had. List all down and select two to three examples that gave great impact and made you learn the most. Each question only allows 500 words hence we really need to be careful to choose which experience to be put in the essay. If you can, try to put examples in different cases and environment to show that you have a range of leadership experiences.

As I already mentioned in the previous post about general tips for writing Chevening  essay, it is important to give an introduction. Although this is just a suggestion, if you’re unsure where to start, you can try with what you believe about leadership or a brief about what kind of leader you think you are. After that, you can link to your leadership experiences, supporting your statement about the leadership that you write in the introduction. Build an engaging introduction is also crucial to make the panel stay reading your story. Remember, they read thousands of essays, at least you want to keep them engaged with your essay.

In my case, my first sentence in the intro was: I believe that the leaders are not born, but made through a process of hard work.  I then supported this statement by briefly telling several experiences during high schools and how it has been forming me primary wisdom about leadership. However, this is not my highlight of the leadership experience that I want to tell the panel. Hence, I used a linking sentence such as  I apply this wisdom to excel my role in current employment, but my training is never complete. The linking sentence could also serve as a bridge to the next thing I have on my plate and build the story’s flow.

Then, I wrote two examples of my leadership experiences which are happened in my office using Situation, Task, Actions, Result (STAR) structure. Read about this here . I would say give more portion for “action” because the more specific and detail you give, the more panellist know you hence more room to asses you.

I wrote one success story about my experiences in leading an early-stage start-up company. When you write a success story, make sure that you’re really specific about what you did, what steps that you did differently to achieve the goal? Did you face challenges? How did you overcome the challenge? Did people doubt you? How did you convince them to finally follow your leadership? I wrote about making an unpopular decision which I deemed a huge challenge; I should do it otherwise it won’t do any good for the company. From this story, I took an angle on the lesson learned and how it contributed to mature my emotions.

When you write about result, if you can, give a quantifiable result to justify the impact. However, the bottom line is to justify your impact. Tell them that there are people who benefited from the projects that you led — it could be personal or organisational.

Another thing is to mention your lesson learned. What you learned from each experience that contributes to your personal development. I personally think this is critical to show that you’re a human and a growing person. We all know that leadership is not a one-day skill, it takes years to sharpen it hence mistakes are okay to be mentioned as long as you can turn the “angle” into supporting your story.

Finish the essay with a closing paragraph which amplifies Chevening’s role in developing your leadership skill. What is your aspiration, in regards to leadership skill, if you were accepted as Chevening scholar? State this briefly and do the same for the next 4 questions.

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I would say that the networking question was a bit difficult for me to elaborate. Why? Because again, Chevening is looking for someone whose networking skills could create an impact. So, in my opinion, it’s not about showing off how big your network is or how often you attend networking events, instead of how you use your network to create a greater impact.

Using the same approach as in question 1, answer the question by STAR structure. Started by an introduction, get into the main body and finish with closing.

In my case, I was using my exchange program to South Korea during undergraduate study as a chance to meet new friends — where one of that friend was playing a great role of me working at an early-stage startup company, a place where I highlighted my  leadership skills in the first question. The company is obviously has been a place for me to create an impact on the team and communities. For instance, a collaboration opportunity with external media to provide cross-content and it would give us huge traffic for the website.

Emphasise the impact you’ve created because of the networking you did. Give two to three networking skills and experiences that you have and again, be detail. Highlight that the impact is not only beneficial for you, but also for another side that you network with.

In the closing, you should elaborate Chevening’s role in your networking skills, you can try to relate how Chevening would expand your networking and how will you use Chevening networking if you were accepted as Chevening scholar.

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Studying in the UK

While questions about leadership and networking are more to dig your skills and capability in becoming a potential future leader, in my opinion, questions about studying in the UK and career plan are crucial to showing your cause, passion and how do you stay true with that. This can be a very critical part that would differentiate you from other applicants I guess, as I would say that Chevening is looking for people who would serve and build their community. So, it is important to answer the last 2 questions coherently.

To make your essay coherent, try to answer these questions as a base for you to answer questions number 3 and 4.

  • What is my passion/concern?
  • What problems do I want to solve?
  • How will I solve the problems?

My ultimate advise for this part is don’t write more than 50% for the courses and campus rank. Write more about you: your passion, area of expertise, problems found in your field and what is your vision — which supposed to be related with your expertise area. Think about why taking a master study in those three sp ecific courses and universities is going to help you to achieve your vision. This information is really helpful to link and congruent your story in the question no.4 (career plan). 

In my case, I used a fact that the growth of digital start-up in Indonesia has been astonishing recently but it is not followed by the success rate of a startup. If you want to use a fact, don’t forget to put the source. I outlined that the major problem was startup founders mostly great in building products yet tend to ignore other managerial skills such as people development, sales and finance (again, I put source). I then linked this statement to my personal experience working in an early stage start-up company where I had limited experiences or skills which happens to be a similar situation like startup founders. Hence, a degree in innovation and entrepreneurship would give me a balanced set of technical skills and knowledge in building early ventures.

From previous paragraph, I answered three basic questions to outline my background. Who am I? — A start-up early employee, what is my passion? — early venture development, what problems do I want to solve? — the high rate of startup failure rate and how will you solve it? — a degree in innovation and entrepreneurship by Chevening scholarship as one of stepping stones and followed by action plans that I will write in the question no.4

After outlining the “background” story about you, you can write the three courses. Highlight the reason why you choose them, it can be the campus ranking, curriculum, or professors/projects. I chose Warwick University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship because of the curriculum, the final project worth 50% of the final grade in which devoted to developing the business innovation carefully.  The school also placed the second rank of best Entrepreneurship master degree in the UK, after Oxford. My second choice was Imperial College and the third was the City University of London.

By the way, another advise choosing the school, besides research the course and its curriculum, do find out about the whole campus. Think about the facilities, clubs/societies, opportunities, the lifestyle (or living cost), nearby attractions, the city it’s located, etc. Ask current students about living in your designated campus, how do they like the campus and its surroundings? How about life after campus? I’m saying this not because I dislike Warwick University, instead, the campus has its own art centre and biggest sports centre in Coventry — which is realllly cool, but I would say Coventry itself doesn’t have many attractions to offer. But for the bright side, that really helps me to focus on my study and save money (it’s true!); it forces me to travel to other places more often hehe.  I would share my travel stories in other posts. Coventry also not too far from London and Birmingham, the two biggest cities in the UK. It’s easier for me to jump on opportunities in UK startups scene.

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Career Plans

One thing I always shared to Chevening applicants who asked me to proofread their essay is: make a clear plan and breakdown into short term, mid-term and long term goal. Ensure each breakdown is contributing to your long-term goals if that makes sense? This way, it shows that you know how to get there. In my case, I wrote for immediate plans (2 years after study), the next 5 years and beyond 5 years. Make sure that your career goals are answering your concern and supporting your passion (stated in question no.3) which forms a more congruent essay.

As you need to relate your career goals to what the UK Government do in your country, you need to research. This might be different in every country and it might change year by years. You can start the search from the official UK’s government website ( http://gov.uk/world/name of country/news). Research thoroughly and try to link what you can contribute through your career goal.

Another thing to highlight is state how Chevening is one of the paths you would greatly benefit to take you to your future goals. How would you apply things you got from Chevening (the scholarship, the network, the education, the international friends) in your future career path? In my case, I outlined that I would use network from Chevening alumni to open access for mentors who can guide and share expertise to founders in establishing a new business.

As this is the last question, end the whole essay with a strong “punchline”. Keep elaborate Chevening, you can try to summarise outlined your aspiration by being a Chevening scholar. In my case, I mentioned that I still have to acquire deeper knowledge in innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as expanding my network to collaborate together in solving the problem. I acknowledged that from previous experiences, I gained valuable lessons in networking and leadership, however, I believe it’s still not enough. I then closed with thus, by being a Chevening scholar, I believe I would be (fill in the blank). 

I hope this article helps you! I also want to highlight that this is just my personal experience and thoughts, it might be not relevant for different courses; many of my Chevening friends pursue a course that I don’t know it exists 😀 (but that’s what I like about Chevening: they acknowledge that future leaders can contribute in any field). Lastly, write the essay with all your heart, write what you feel right and true. Good luck, keep fighting and believe in yourself!

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Published by laurensiairma

ESTJ; my stories are on my own perspective. View all posts by laurensiairma

61 thoughts on “Writing Chevening Essay: Breakdown Those 4 Questions”

[…] breakdown of each question is posted here. However, there are some important points I want to point out when you work for Chevening […]

Thank you! That’s really inspiring!

what a magnificent breakdown kak, terima kasih 🙂 *udah pinter cantik pula idamaannnnn huaa

Haha thank you! Goodluck!!

Thank you so much! My leadership essay exceeds the word count of 500, will the reading committee consider my application? this is my biggest concern, please leave me a reply if you know about the issue.

HI Mohammad, I think it will be best to stay at 500. Panellists read thousands of essays, they probably do skimming reading and you don’t want to leave them uninterested if your story is too long. It’s our challenge to make our essay is engaging and effective within 500 words. It’s hard indeed, but just be direct and straight to the answers asked in the questions. Hope it helps.

Thanks a lot for your all your tips! I’m glad I bumped into your blog. I have a tiny question related to essays 3 and 4: when I write about the efforts of the UK being made in my country, do I need to cite/quote the, let’s say, the FCDO and put their reference somewhere? I’m wondering since I think the link itself would take away many words out of my 500 word count. Or is there a specific format I should stick to? Thanks once again!!

Hi Mitch. When I cited the source, I just write “according to xxx research in 2015 (for example)..” and then put the whole link in the footnote. Actually there’s no specific format about citing (As this is not academic essay) and I guess this format worked well. Hope it helps!

Amazing guidance, many thanks for sharing this with us confused youths. I am working for an educational Facebook page in Vietnam (which works to aid scholarship applicants in their process and is currently having over 41 000 followers). May I translate this entry into Vietnamese and share it on my page? I will credit you with this link and send you the draft before publishing Thank you in advance,

Hi Anne, thanks for reaching me out. Yes, sure you can 🙂 Please head to my Instagram @laurensiaimce and dm me. Thank youu!

Thank you so much for such an amazing and detailed information.

Dear Linos, Thanks for the kind word!

Thank you. Your insights shed bright lights on what panel really look for and what they expect. It is my first year applying for Chevening. The process itself offers so much excitement. I am a language teacher and want to develop myself as leader and influencer in education. Could I contact you directly to get help for my essays? thank you.

Hi Bekzod, yes you can head to my Instagram and leave me a dm. Thank you!

Thank you for this! Its a wonderful detailed and helpful article!

Thank youuuu!

Thank you so much Lauren, your posts has been really helpful. Please do you know if Chevening also supports for non partner universities

Hi Isaiah, they support non-partners too. If Im not mistaken, what makes different between partner and non-partner is the scholarship ratio between chevening and the sponsors (partner). For awardee, there wont be any impact.

priceless informaion!!!

Thank you 🙂

Thank you for this article Lauren, please can I send you a mail

Hello ! I am a student applying for Chevening . This is my first time. I have no IG or FB. May i have your mail ID? I request you to proofread my essays and offer feedback. Many thanks, M

Hi, please contact me via linkedin: Laurensia Irma Saraswati. Thank youu!

A very thoughtful article! I am also applying for Chevening scholarship this year. This article gives me a lot of insights into my essay

May I ask you to proofread my essays kak? Thanks a lot!

Regards, FM

Hi Faisal, thank you so much for reading my blog! I’m currently unavailable for proof read, so sorry! Good luck for your application!

Hi Abdibasid, thank you for reading my blog too! Good luck for your application!

Hi Laurensia, thanks for sharing this insightful article. Just curious in your opinion, is it better to write all three courses or can I just focus to one course only?

Hi Dee, so sorry for late reply. I wrote all three courses but I explained the first choice slightly more than other two. It’s because I really like my first choice and highlight what I need to study there. Hope this helps.

Hello Laurensia, I am beyond grateful to you for this detailed article!. I tried to reach out to you on LinkedIn but it seems that it’s not possible to contact you via instant messaging. I hope you get to see my request.

Hi Assia, yeah we connected through Linkedin right? 🙂

This is a beautiful guide, if followed carefully with a mother luck, one can get the scholarship I believe. Thanks a bunch

Hi James, thank you so much for reading my blog. Good luck!!

Wow ! Just perfect post. One of the best posts I have ever read about Chevening. Heartfelt thanks ♡♡

Hi Marwa, thank youuuu!!

Thank you so much for this, your guidance was invaluable!

Dear Akeyo, thank youuu so much for the kind words. Good luck on your application!

Dear Laurensia, This is the most flexible article i have ever read for Chevening application. I have a question regarding experience as i have more than 6 years of experience which is totaling 11,000 hours (35 hours / week). The minimum requirement is 2,800 hours but i want to know is there any upper limit. if i show the full 11,000 into my application. Would it impact or not? Waiting for your reply. Thanks

Hi Sagheer,

Thanks for reading my blog! As far as I know there is an upper limit, but I forgot what the number is. Btw, if the system already recorded that you have min. 2000 hrs of working experience, you’ll be okay!

Thank you Laurensia for your reply. Yes i checked Chevening website they said a range of minimum 35 to maximum 60 hours per week. So what i understand is that i can add maximum employers as far as the time spend per week at each employer does not exceed 60 hours per week.

Halo, Kak Lauren! What an inspiring article :)) Kak Lauren, would you please be my mentee for Chevening 🙂 I do really need someone to review my essay. Hopefully you can be my mentee. Thankyou in advance :))

Hi Ratri, Apologies for late reply. I’m soo sorry I’m currently unavailable for becoming a mentor neither proofread assistance 😦 Good luck in your application!

HeyLaurensia, Loved the the detailed article. I used the contents in your blog to edit my essays. Thank you so much.

Hi Maryam, thanks for your kind word! Good luck for your application!

Dear Laurensia, I am so excited to read your blog which has a completed information for potential applicants. I have question that i have worked more than 11,000 hours and if i want to show them in full does it have a negative impact on my application? Is there any Upper limit for working hours?

Thanks the insights

hello Laurensia, Thank you for this help! I want to ask if it’s okay to write UK in essay or we have to in full (united kingdom)? another qn is that, is there a problem when one chooses one course at all three universities or we have to choose three courses as well?

That was very usefull I think if this essey included some bullet piont can be more ataractive. Tank you .

Halo kak,… Ketika kita copas essay ke sistem chevening,sebaiknya antar paragraf diberi spasi (di-enter) atau tidak ya? Apakah hal ini mempengaruhi? Terima kasih

Apologise for very late reply. Aku dikasih paragraf dulu, supaya bacanya enak. Jujur gak tau mempengaruhi atau nggaknya, cuma at least buat akunya sendiri, aku jadi bisa baca lebih jelas. Hope this helps!

Hi Laurensia, thank you for such great tips on writing the chevening essay. I have been applying for chevening scholarship for the past 3 years and I am not shortlisted for interviews. I was wondering if you would be able to give me points on my essays? It would be great help for me. Thank you!

great explanation, really help me to start my essay! i’ll just bookmarked this, then

Thank you! Goodluck!

Hello, I am really glad i came across your blog. My questions are, I was given admission in only one University and that is the course i really wanted, can i just focus on that one course? I also want to know, what to know the most challenging stage for you. How long can the process of writing the essay take? Do i need someone to guide and coach me physically?

Hi Simon, thanks for reading my blog. I think, based on Chevening requirement, we still need to provide 3 courses. Perhaps you want to include similar courses in 3 different campus? Because as far as I know, if applicants can’t obtain the unconditional acceptance letter from the first choice, then they can submit LOA from the second choice.

The most challenging stage while writing essay was connecting the dots. I had several leadership & networking experiences, but struggled to showcase which one to put in the essay(since I only have 500 words). I know what to study, but difficult how to link it with future career and past experiences. I got helped by a friend and together we dig down what should be included in the essay, what is not. The process itself was more like a journey to know more of what I’m good at and my aspiration is.

For guide and coach, it depends on you. If you think you really know what your passion is and have clear aspiration, then maybe no need. Sometimes coach/mentor helps to connect your dots, it is you who should discover the dot itself.

Hope it helps, good luck!

thanks a lot forthis great article Laurencia, I wanted to know how we can get the university admission ? in the website part where you can search the available courses , they don’t show them you have to write the name or the university or course ? thnks for your help

Hi Hamza, you can find the course & campus list here: https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/find-a-course/ the list has a direct link to the campus website.

thank you so much be blessed

Thank youu!

Hello Dear Laurencia,

I hope that you are doing well and that Eid passed in a good way for you and your family , how can I contact you please it’s urgent , thanks a lot I made comments in the past but you don’t respond

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The Wave of Study in Abroad

The Wave of Study in Abroad

विद्या विनियोगात् विकासः (vidyā viniyogāt vikāsaḥ)

Breakdown of Chevening Essay Questions: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the Chevening scholarship application can be a rewarding yet challenging process. Among the crucial components are the essay questions, which provide an opportunity for you to showcase your aspirations, experiences, and potential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down each of the Chevening essay questions and offer insights to help you craft compelling responses.

1. Chevening is looking for individuals who will be future leaders or influencers in their home countries. Explain how you meet this requirement, using clear examples of your own leadership and influencing skills to support your answer.

Focus: Demonstrating Leadership and Influence

This question aims to gauge your leadership abilities and potential to effect positive change. To answer effectively:

  • Provide Examples: Share specific instances where you demonstrated leadership, whether in your academic, professional, or community endeavors.
  • Highlight Influence: Discuss how your actions influenced outcomes, motivated others, or brought about change.
  • Connect to Future: Explain how your leadership experiences align with your future goals and how the Chevening scholarship will further develop your leadership potential.

2. Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential who also have strong academic backgrounds. How do you intend to use your Chevening experience to develop your leadership skills and create a positive social change?

Focus: Linking Academic Excellence and Leadership

Here, the focus is on your academic prowess and its relationship to leadership and social impact:

  • Link Academic and Leadership Goals: Explain how your academic pursuits are intertwined with your leadership aspirations.
  • Social Impact: Discuss how your Chevening experience will enable you to contribute to positive societal changes.
  • Specific Plans: Outline tangible actions you’ll take to enhance your leadership skills during and after your studies.

3. Network with people of different nationalities and backgrounds. What can you learn from others? How will this enrich your experience as a Chevening Scholar?

Focus: Embracing Diversity and Networking

This question emphasizes cross-cultural collaboration and the value of a diverse network:

  • Learning from Diversity: Highlight the benefits of interacting with people from various backgrounds, including new perspectives and insights.
  • Enriching Chevening Experience: Explain how these interactions will contribute to your personal and academic growth as a Chevening Scholar.

4. What influence do you hope to have on your home country or region as a result of studying in the UK?

Focus: Positive Impact on Home Country

This question assesses your vision for the future and your commitment to your home country’s development:

  • Specific Goals: Outline the specific areas you aim to impact upon your return.
  • Alignment with UK Study: Explain how your UK education will equip you to address challenges in your home country.

5. Please explain why you want to study in the UK and why you have chosen your selected course(s).

Focus: UK Study and Course Choice

This question explores your motivations for studying in the UK and the relevance of your chosen course:

  • UK’s Strengths: Discuss the UK’s academic excellence, resources, and opportunities that attract you.
  • Course Relevance: Explain why your chosen course aligns with your academic and career goals.

6. Summarize all relevant leadership and service-related achievements in which you have participated.

Focus: Leadership and Service Achievements

This is an opportunity to succinctly list your notable leadership and service accomplishments:

  • Concise Presentation: List achievements in a clear and organized manner.
  • Highlight Impact: Briefly explain the significance and outcomes of each achievement.

Navigating the Chevening essay questions requires a thoughtful approach that showcases your unique qualities, aspirations, and commitment to positive change. By addressing each question’s specific focus and providing well-structured responses, you can present a compelling case for why you are an ideal candidate for the Chevening scholarship. Remember to tailor your answers to highlight your strengths and alignment with Chevening’s values and objectives.

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How To Write Chevening Essays | Chevening Scholarship

Study in uk.

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Tips for Writing Your 4 Chevening Essays.

Table of Contents

Use the tips provided below to write successful Chevening Essays.

Utilize the SMART and STAR approaches when writing essays. Make sure you have addressed all points thoroughly, highlighted the most significant ones, and followed all instructions provided. Your Chevening essays should be truthful, concise, well-written, and thoroughly researched. When writing essays, make sure you create a narrative. Utilizing bullet points can be useful to showcase achievements or career objectives; however, the narrative must have a logical flow. Make sure those who hear you speak can comprehend what you’re saying. Make sure to mention your country’s name when discussing data or situations from that location. Eliminate using words such as our or their, and instead use words that accurately convey what is being discussed. Grammarly can help you double-check your work for spelling and grammar errors, so use Grammarly today!

START Approach — Drawing From Muse

Setting the scene and providing details of your example. Task: Describe your role in this situation. Explain the steps taken to resolve it. Result Share the outcomes of your actions.

Smart Strategies Inspired by CFI

Specific: Accurate, unambiguous and well-described. Measurable – With specific criteria to measure progress towards reaching the goal. Possible: Realizable and achievable. Realistic: Within reach yet realistic and pertinent for life purpose. Timely Establish a timeline with both start and goal dates, then create urgency around each topic. Four che Chevening essays Topics to Get You Moving forward Leadership and Influence Chevening is seeking individuals who can serve as leaders and influencers in their countries. Use concrete examples of your leadership and influence skills to demonstrate how you meet this requirement, according to the Chevening Website.

Utilize the STAR AND SMART Approach (STAR and SMART Approach) to reflect upon times you have demonstrated leadership traits, held leadership positions, or been influential. These could include managerial duties, NGO leadership positions, or your everyday life. Furthermore, discuss your leadership objectives and how they relate to those in your community.

Networking and Chevening Essays:

Leadership and influence.

Chevening seeks individuals with strong professional relationship-building abilities, who will engage with the Chevening community and inspire others in their chosen profession. Please describe how you have developed and maintained professional connections; give examples, as well as your plans to utilize these abilities going forward. – Please answer the following questions as posed on the Chevening website:

Your networking essay should provide concrete examples of relationships you’ve formed, nurtured and maintained. Highlight how these contacts have contributed to both personal growth and the work you do. As a potential Chevening scholar, you should be able to draw upon each example the skills learned and how they will benefit you in the future. The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate that you can maximize opportunities presented to you.

Career Plan:

Chevening seeks individuals with a comprehensive career plan after they graduate. Please outline both your immediate plans and long-term ambitions, which may include involvement with the UK government in your country. – Questions as per Chevening Website

This essay will enable you to craft 2-year and 5- to 10-year plans that are achievable, while also reflecting your career plan. When crafting this document, avoid treating it like a Curriculum Vitae; rather, emphasize its impact and path in relation to other opportunities like pursuing master’s degrees. Your career journey also serves as an opportunity to show that you have thought deeply about long-term ambitions as well as short-term targets.

Study In UK:

Please explain why you selected these three courses and how it relates to your professional and academic experiences. Do not repeat information provided in the education or work experience sections of this form. – Questions as per Chevening website

It is best not to duplicate information within this essay. Instead, link the information together. Furthermore, you must list three universities to which you are applying and include the names of courses offered at each one as well as your reasons for selecting that particular institution.

Tip: To help you decide which university to attend, research the top-performing institutions in that field. Before making your selections, be sure to confirm them with Chevening partner universities so that all is confirmed.

Questions with Sample Answers for Chevening Exams

1-  Chevening seeks individuals who can become leaders or influencers in their home countries. Demonstrate how you can meet this requirement by providing specific examples of your ability to influence others and lead others toward your answer (minimum word count 100 words; maximum word count 500 words).

As a disaster management professional and agriculturalist, I am given the opportunity to organize events, seminars, or workshops where my leadership abilities can be demonstrated. As a professional, I must attend field trips with farmers and laborers who have undergone training or attend seminars or group discussions held. Through these experiences, my leadership abilities must be demonstrated. I possess excellent management, leadership, and operational abilities as well as a broad practical and theoretical knowledge of projects such as Project Management, Climate Change & Disaster Management, Agriculture Planning & Food Security Disaster Response Sustainable coastal livelihoods Physical & Social Survey Techniques (qualitative/quantitative), Geographic Information System (GIS) Report Writing Qualitative In addition To Quantitative Methods Research etc..

Leadership abilities have the power to shape people’s environments, and can be passed down from family members or close relatives. A leader must put their plans into action with determination, vision, and perseverance for results. At the university, I was part of various cultural groups and organized successful programs. After graduating, I decided to work with street children but lacked enough money for schooling. No matter how many times I tried to open a school, my drive never wavered. To reach my goals, I sought ways to make them happen; so after consulting with friends about my idea and visiting teachers to convince them of its viability, we launched Our Education Training for street children as an initiative.

Leaders must be dedicated to their job and put in the effort, as dedication and perseverance play a crucial role. They aren’t those who seek out opportunities; rather, they create them by applying vision and perseverance towards an ideal. As a new leader, I feel I’ve made great achievements thus far; however, to further hone my leadership qualities I plan to enhance both education and professional capabilities by learning more about people development through service to my country and society. With this knowledge gained, I hope to serve my nation for its improvement through service towards its people.

2-  Chevening seeks individuals with strong relationship-building capabilities, who can engage within the Chevening community and motivate others in their field of expertise. Demonstrate how you create and maintain professional connections, giving specific examples of your accomplishments; also discuss how these abilities will be employed in the future (minimum word count: 100 words; maximum word count: 500 words).

Chevening scholarships have given me the chance to meet people from many cultures. If I were chosen as the winner, I hope to build relationships with Chevening graduates and company representatives to find better solutions for environmental foreign policy – since these issues concern us all. My life experiences have given me opportunities to connect with hundreds of people from various countries, religions, cultures, and professions; now through Chevening’s scholarship program I hope to connect even more people around the world!

My work at a non-profit organization has given me the chance to connect with many networks. I’ve formed connections with donor organizations, local stakeholder groups and community members alike. Additionally, as organizer of trainings, seminars and campaigns I was able to build rapport with experts in the field. So I participated in numerous field trips including one for farmers living rurally as well as urban slum dwellers; gathering data regarding their problems before presenting it in writing to authorities or daily newspapers. Now my aim is to build an effective network to address these matters efficiently.

My network skills are used to support my job responsibilities, personal growth and gathering data that can inform strategic actions. As I progress in my profession, I will devote more time to using my network for guidance when making decisions. Since many issues I need to solve and the results I must deliver require collaboration with people both inside and outside my network; thus, in addition to connecting with those within and outside of my professional environment I also plan on expanding it outside these immediate circles.

Thus, I will not settle for a casual presence but will remain active through social media platforms such as Emails, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. With passion and determination I aim to expand my networking experiences and knowledge so that I may contribute towards improving my country and contributing towards everyone’s wellbeing.

3- Outline the reasons you selected these three courses for your university education and how they relate to both your prior professional or academic experience and future plans. Do not duplicate information already filled out on the education and work experience section of this application (minimum word count 100 words; maximum word count 500 words).

As a disaster management expert and agriculturalist, my knowledge makes me particularly sensitive to environmental concerns. Currently employed as the Project Officer for Charity Foundation – a national NGO – my projects revolve around environmental protection, climate change adaptation strategies in agriculture as well as other sectors.

While completing my Master’s studies, I became deeply engaged in climate change issues that impact urban slum dwellers’ quality of life. I have been exploring the impacts of climate change on five assets for livelihood, as outlined in the Sustainable Livelihood Framework from DFID. My undergraduate research focused on discovering alternative sources of chemical pesticides to control plant diseases through plant tissue cultivation, genetic engineering and biotechnological advancement. Through bio-control agents and botanical extracts, I’ve provided biologically eco-friendly alternatives to seed-borne and soil-borne fungal pathogens. To date, three papers have been published and several more are under examination.

My courses from esteemed UK universities are focused on environmental change and management, which can have disastrous results if not managed effectively. Since my master’s program in Environmental Change and Management overlaps with my professional and academic interests in environmental engineering and project management, this field was an obvious choice for me to further hone. Environmentalism also plays a large role in international development – something which challenges both my professional and academic abilities to the limit.

I hope to further cement myself as an environmental expert by expanding my knowledge and experience.

4-  Chevening seeks individuals with clearly stated post-study career plans. You should include both your immediate objectives upon return home as well as long-term plans that align with what the UK administration is currently doing in your home country (minimum word count: 100 words; maximum word count: 500 words).

My country faces numerous UK priorities, but the one most relevant to my goals is Environment and Climate Change. Bangladesh has always been vulnerable to natural disasters due to climate change, rising sea levels, and higher temperatures that pose greater threats. Development in our country is necessary and I aspire to contribute my expertise in this area in order to benefit my people and my nation. By sharing what I know with others, I hope to give something back and make a positive impact on my home turf. I want to contribute towards the development of my nation and make a larger impact. Bangladesh’s frequent disasters and their effects on agriculture pose risks to livelihoods such as hunger, poverty, unemployment insecurity, malnutrition, loss of food production and migration into cities.

After I finish my MSc program, I plan to specialize in climate change and environmental problems. As an environmental expert, I will work with research institutions or institutes. With my dedication and extensive experiences from the UK, I am certain that with determination and hard work I will be able to surpass expectations and contribute significantly towards Bangladesh’s progress in the near future.

Check Out: Chevening Scholarships 2023-2024 | Masters

Tips for Solving Chevening Essay Questions:

1- Essay Discusses Networking Capabilities Candidates

He should discuss how he has been exposed to different cultures, age groups, and socioeconomic classes. Additionally, he must give an outline of the length of time he’s been involved in relationships that have lasted for some time. He must further develop his communication abilities across a range of contexts. Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their connections and personal relationships on both national and international levels. He should describe how he interacts with individuals from a range of professions, such as international and government representatives, public officials, and academics.

2- The second essay will ask questions about your leadership abilities.

How did he take into account each member’s opinions and negotiate between them? His experiences working with various personalities and leading successful projects. How his leadership program had long-lasting effects in his community, ultimately leading to positive changes? The candidate should describe situations in which they served as leader. How did he manage his team’s management skills across various projects? He should also describe how he managed community initiatives with an annual fixed budget.

3- The third essay will focus on your professional goals for the future.

Candidates should create a comprehensive educational, social and professional plan. Candidates must be able to articulate their experiences, abilities, volunteer activities or work-related knowledge. Candidates should clearly articulate their career objectives and plans to demonstrate how they plan to contribute to the nation or community. Every goal should be intelligently set and achievable.

4- Chevening essays should focus on why you wish to study in the UK.

Academically, The UK is one of the top nations. Candidates should demonstrate their interest in understanding cross-cultural differences. Furthermore, they should demonstrate an enthusiasm for international research that benefits society as a whole. Individual reasons for wanting to study in the UK vary, but must remain valid and relevant. For a master’s degree that lasts one year, studying here offers great advantages. Furthermore, the UK boasts some of the world’s top-ranking universities.

Check:  How I Won a Chevening Scholarship – 10 Tips for Success

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Tips for applying to the Chevening Scholarship

Tips for applying to the Chevening Scholarship

Are you thinking of applying for a Master's Scholarship in the UK ? Are you anxious because you don’t know what to expect and what to prepare for? Don’t worry about it because we’ve got you covered. In this blog, Iris, Khanh, and Abiy – our Link to Leeds Ambassadors as well as Chevening Scholars 20/21 from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Ethiopia respectively – will share with you some tips in applying for Chevening Scholarship.

Section 1: Three Things You Need to Know Before Applying for Chevening

It is important that you are aware of three main things before you apply for Chevening Scholarship. The first and the most exciting thing is that Chevening is a fully-funded scholarship that will allow you to undertake any master’s course at any UK university. Your flights, accommodation, and course fees are all taken care of so that you can fully focus on realizing your academic goals and having the best UK experience.

The second thing you must pay attention to is the eligibility criteria , some of which include being a citizen of a Chevening-eligible territory or country and completing all components of your undergraduate degree by the time that you submit your Chevening application. You will also need to have at least two years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) work experience which includes voluntary work, paid or unpaid internships, and full-time or part-time employment.

Lastly, because there are various stages (application, references, and education documents submission, interview, and unconditional UK university offer submission) that you have to go through before getting selected, it is a good idea for you to know the application and selection process as well as their deadlines . It usually varies slightly from one year to another, but the timeline is always available here .  

how to answer chevening essay questions

In general, when you start to apply for a Chevening scholarship, there will be 2 main activities that you need to do: (1) Applying for Chevening Scholarship and (2) Applying for your desired universities in the UK . Once you know that you are eligible for Chevening, go ahead and create your profile on the Chevening application online portal. From this portal, you can check what kind of essays/ how many you need to write, what kind of documents you need to prepare. For the Chevening application, you are required to submit 4 essays with a maximum word limit of 500 words per essay on these 4 themes: (i) Leadership and influencing ; (ii) Networking; (iii) Studying in the UK; and (iv) Career plan . Essay writing is the most important step within your application process so make sure you invest your time, effort, and energy effectively for this step. Start as early as you can , create your plan and make a timeline to have everything finished before the deadline. Here is a very useful link about feedbacks from the independent reading committee that can help you to improve your essay.

You will also have to submit 2 references as well, but the deadline is later compared to the application. You should choose the right people who know you in either an academic or professional capacity and give them enough time to write the recommendation letter for you. When submitting the Chevening application, you will be asked to indicate your desired master courses and universities in the UK. You will need to select three different master's courses. These can be three different courses at the same institution or three similar courses at up to three different universities. Please refer to this link to research courses/ universities that are eligible for a Chevening scholarship. 

You do not have to obtain any offer from the universities yet during the application stage, but there is a university unconditional offer deadline that you will have to meet once you are selected for the scholarship. Therefore, we recommend applying to the universities as early as possible (i.e. during the application stage or right after you submit the application). Generally, you can apply directly via the university’s website. The University of Leeds is in fact a long-term partner with CHEVENING so look through our University website to search for your desired courses. Section 3: You Made It! Time to Get Ready for Your One-Year Master in the UK Preparing for your journey can be an exciting transition where you get to learn more about yourself. Get yourself a list of items, books, and sentimental items that are special to you. Remember, however, not to overpack and carry too much of your old bookshelves and wardrobe. Pack lightly and be selective, as you might also find it exciting to open yourself to a new reading list and adventure. After all, you are here for a new experience! For those working, formally informing your employer or colleagues about your study plans can facilitate a smooth transition at your workplace . Try to do this as soon as you receive your conditional award letter. By around the time you received your travel arrangement, get familiarized with your itinerary within the UK. Check how far your airport is located from your accommodation? Ask if your university has arranged an airport pick up for international students , for which you might have to notify your flight details. Ordering your kitchen packs (like dishes, pots, pans, cutleries, etc.) can help you serve yourself meals as soon as you arrive.

To learn more about the city and the university before you even arrive, you can get in touch with the student ambassadors. For example, before our arrival, we had a lot of questions about student life at the University of Leeds, we contacted the Link to Leeds Ambassadors and attended their live chat events . This can help you know what to expect and how to adapt quickly to a new environment.

You can find more information about Chevening Scholarships here .

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Tips for Chevening Essay Questions, New

Tips for Chevening Essay Questions:

Written By: Shaher Hamdan, Reviewed By: Dr. Marwa Hamdan

Table of Contents

Tips for Chevening Essay Questions

Essay questions are considered the major criteria that determine the strength of your application and contribute a ton in the selection decision.

Essay questions are a good chance to show your leadership and communicating skills which are the core features of the perfect applicants, even more important than academic excellence. There’s a useful style which we recommend to follow when writing the essays called STAR. It stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result. We highly recommend using this style to present your examples either on Leadership or for speaking on networking skills. And each essay should be systematically organized and consist of introduction, body and a conclusion.

 It’s recommended to write a draft on a separate document and let someone proofread it before submitting your application, also it is important to highlight your relevant activities from your studies or professional background, any project or initiative that you have been actively involved in. In addition to voluntary work which is a very important factor for Chevening scholarship.

NEVER COPY PASTE in your application as it would be easy for them to notice it since they use accurate software tools which detect copy paste plagiarism. 

There are a total of 4 essays, each should be between 50-500 words;

1)  leadership essay.

Tips for Chevening Essay Questions

It’s considered to be the most important essay question in the application in which you are expected to talk about your role as a leader throughout your different study years in both school and university, work and your life in general. Give examples of the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them and what lessons you gained from these king of situations and how to utilize this experience in the future. This essay should include examples as the following:

  • The scenarios in which he played leadership roles.
  • How he managed good team management skills in different projects.
  • How he led community projects on a fixed budget.
  • How he considered the opinion of every member and negotiate among them.
  • How he worked with different personalities and led successful projects.
  • How his leadership project contributed in the long term and brought a positive change in his community.

2) Networking skills essay

Tips for Chevening Essay Questions

In this essay you should mention your networking and personal relations at the national as well as international levels,talk about how you deal with the people in a variety of professions including government and international representatives, public authorities, and academia and show how you are familiar with a different culture, age groups, socioeconomic classes. Show your interest in improving your network skills by involving in the alumni community and all the different activities and how you will learn and apply your skills in the future to benefit your home country.

3) Why do you want to pursue your studies in the UK essay

In this essay you will start by describing your field of study and career and how they are related to your chosen courses and what these courses have to offer for your improvement and what makes UK universities so special for you specially in your field of study and how big your knowledge will increase by studying these courses in the UK. the candidate should mention his interest in cross-cultural understanding. And finally show how all this is related to and necessary for you in order to achieve your goals and plans for the future.

4) Future career plan essay

Chevening is basically looking to invest into future leaders and influencers, so your essay should demonstrate that:

  • You will be a leader in your chosen field and you will bring a great impact once back.
  • You should be clear and specific regarding your future plan.
  • You should have realistic goals.

There are common styles that successful candidates usually follow:

  • Short term & long term career goals.
  • It is advisable to elaborate further in your answer as which sector you are planning to work at:
  • In the academic filed: For instance working to improve education at Palestinian universities.
  • In Governmental field
  • In local NGOs
  • In the international NGOs
  • Starting your own business.You can add any other relevant field where applicable
  • Chevening is looking for individuals who have a clear post-study career plan. outline your immediate plans upon returning home and your longer term career goals. You may wish to consider how these relate to what the UK government is doing in your country. 
  • You should mention your career plans that show how he is going to support his community or country.
  • All Goals should be smart enough and realistic.
  • A candidate’s plans should include a social, academic, and professional approach.
  • You must relate your skills, volunteer activities, and work experience to your career plans.
  • A candidate should show his interest in International research that would contribute to the community.

Reference letters

Chevening requires 2 letters of reference..

  • A referee must know the applicant either professionally or in academics.
  • Reference letters would be verified by the British council once a candidate gets shortlisted.

Still more to come, Our next article regarding Chevening Interviews  will be published soon.

Keep follouing our CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP page: https://mdguidance.com/category/chevening-scholarships/

Here  is an overview of the application and selection process, so you always know what’s going on.

Tips for Chevening Essay Questions, New Tips for Chevening Essay Questions, New Tips for Chevening Essay Questions, New Tips for Chevening Essay Questions, New Tips for Chevening Essay Questions, New Tips for Chevening Essay Questions, New Tips for Chevening Essay Questions, New

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Crafting Your Chevening Scholarship Application Essay: A Structured Template

how to answer chevening essay questions

The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious international scholarship program fully funded by the UK government. It is specifically designed to provide opportunities for outstanding individuals from around the world to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. The program is named after the Chevening House in the UK, which is used for many of its events.

To be selected for a Chevening Scholarship, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and go through a competitive application and selection process. The eligibility criteria include:

  • Being a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country.
  • Having an undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience.

Once the eligibility is confirmed, applicants are evaluated based on their leadership qualities, academic achievements, and potential to contribute to their home country. The selection process involves multiple rounds of assessment, including written applications, interviews, and references from credible sources. Only the most exceptional candidates are chosen for the prestigious Chevening Scholarship.

Crafting an effective Chevening essay requires a thoughtful approach that begins with a deep understanding of the essay prompt. By brainstorming, outlining, highlighting achievements, and improving on grammar, flow, composition, and relevancy, applicants can create a compelling narrative that demonstrates their suitability for the scholarship. This strategic approach will increase their chances of becoming Chevening Scholars and pursuing their academic and leadership goals in the UK.

The provided hypothetical responses to the Chevening scholarship essay questions should not be used or referenced in your application, as doing so could lead to automatic disqualification. The purpose of these responses is to assist inexperienced scholarship applicants in effectively approaching the essay task.

BY ALL MEANS AVOID COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR ESSAY.

HYPOTHETICAL RESPONSE: I possess the qualities and experiences necessary to meet Chevening’s requirement of being a future leader or influencer in my home country. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have consistently demonstrated leadership and influencing skills, which I intend to develop further during my time in the UK.

One significant example of my leadership ability is when I served as the president of a student organization during my undergraduate studies. In this role, I successfully led a team of diverse individuals toward a common goal. I organized events, managed budgets, and ensured effective communication among team members. Through this experience, I not only honed my organizational and managerial skills but also learned the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving objectives. I organized a symposium titled Life after Undergraduate Studies. This symposium recorded 1000 participants including the vice chancellor of the university and several guest speakers.

In my professional life, I have held a position as a project manager in a non-governmental organization focused on environmental conservation. During my tenure, I initiated a campaign to raise awareness about sustainable practices in our community. Through strategic planning and effective communication, I garnered support from local businesses, government agencies, and community members. This campaign resulted in a significant reduction in environmental degradation in our area. My ability to mobilize resources and inspire action illustrates my capacity to influence positive change.

Furthermore, my involvement in advocating for educational reform in my home country underscores my commitment to becoming a future influencer. I have actively participated in discussions with policymakers and educational institutions, presenting innovative ideas to improve the quality of education and access for underprivileged communities. My efforts have contributed to policy changes and the implementation of programs aimed at bridging educational disparities.

I intend to capitalize on the world-class education and networking opportunities Chevening offers to further enhance my leadership and influencing skills. I will pursue a Master’s degree in Public Policy, focusing on sustainable development and social equality, which are critical issues in my home country. This academic experience will provide me with the knowledge and expertise needed to address pressing challenges effectively.

In conclusion, my track record of leadership roles and influencing outcomes, coupled with my dedication to addressing pressing issues in my home country, makes me a strong candidate for Chevening’s mission of nurturing future leaders and influencers. My time in the UK will serve as a transformative experience, equipping me with the skills, knowledge, and network needed to make a lasting positive impact on my community and beyond.

ALSO READ:  Call for Applications: Schwarzman Scholars Program in China 2024-25 | Fully Funded

NETWORKING QUESTION: Chevening is looking for individuals with strong professional relationship-building skills, who will engage with the Chevening community and influence and lead others in their chosen profession. Please explain how you build and maintain relationships in a professional capacity, using clear examples of how you currently do this, and outline how you hope to use these skills in the future. (minimum word count: 100 words; maximum word count: 500 words)

HYPOTHETICAL RESPONSE: Building and maintaining professional relationships has been an integral part of my career journey, and it is a cornerstone of effective leadership and influence. I have consistently demonstrated my ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries. Below, I provide clear examples of how I currently build and maintain professional relationships and how I plan to leverage these skills in the future, especially during my time in the UK through the Chevening program.

In my current role as a project manager at XXX, I have had the opportunity to work with cross-functional teams comprising members from various departments, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. To foster collaboration and ensure project success, I proactively initiate meetings, facilitate open communication channels, and actively listen to my team members’ ideas and concerns. By valuing their input and expertise, I have established trust and respect within the team, which has resulted in enhanced teamwork and project outcomes. These relationships are essential not only for project success but also for my personal and professional growth.

Furthermore, I engage in professional networking events and conferences within my industry. At these events, I approach professionals with a genuine curiosity about their work and experiences. I ask insightful questions and actively listen, seeking to understand their perspectives and challenges. By doing so, I have built a valuable network of industry experts and peers whom I can turn to for advice, collaboration, or knowledge sharing. One notable example is when I connected with [Industry Expert’s Name] at a conference. Our discussions eventually led to a collaborative research project that has since been published in a reputable industry journal.

Looking ahead, I aspire to use these relationship-building skills during my Chevening journey. In the UK, I plan to actively engage with the Chevening community, my fellow scholars, and faculty members at my chosen university. I intend to organize and participate in academic and professional networking events, creating an environment conducive to sharing knowledge and experiences. By fostering a sense of community and camaraderie, I hope to encourage meaningful interactions and collaborations among scholars from diverse backgrounds.

Moreover, the Chevening experience is an opportunity to expand my global network. I aim to connect with British professionals, entrepreneurs, and academics who can provide unique insights into their fields and contribute to my personal and professional growth. Through these interactions, I plan to bring back valuable knowledge and experiences to my home country, fostering international collaborations that can address pressing global challenges.

In conclusion, my ability to build and maintain professional relationships has been instrumental in my career growth thus far. I am excited about the prospect of further developing these skills during my Chevening journey. Through active engagement with the Chevening community, networking with professionals in the UK, and fostering international collaborations, I aim to use my relationship-building skills to influence and lead others in my chosen profession and make a positive impact on a global scale.

ALSO READ:  The Rhodes Scholarship for outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford

STUDY IN UK QUESTION: Outline why you have selected your chosen three university courses, and explain how this relates to your previous academic or professional experience and your plans for the future. Please enter new information and examples here and not duplicate the information you have entered on the work experience and education section of this form (minimum word count: 100 words, maximum word count: 500 words)

HYPOTHETICAL RESPONSE: I have meticulously selected my three university courses for the Chevening Scholarship with a clear vision of how each choice aligns with my previous academic and professional experiences and contributes to my plans.

My first choice is to study Public Policy at Oxford University. This is rooted in my deep-seated commitment to public service and policy advocacy. Throughout my career in xxx, I have actively engaged in policy analysis and contributed to the development of initiatives aimed at improving public services and addressing societal challenges. Oxford University’s rigorous curriculum and esteemed faculty members in the field of public policy make it the ideal place for me to deepen my understanding of policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.

Oxford’s academic excellence will not only enhance my policy analysis skills but also provide me with a global perspective on effective governance. Armed with this knowledge, I aim to return to my home country and play a pivotal role in shaping policies that address pressing issues such as education reform, healthcare access, and poverty alleviation.

My second choice is to pursue a degree in Public Project Management at the University of Cambridge. This stems from my extensive experience in project management and my aspiration to contribute to efficient and impactful public projects. In my current role as a Project Manager at [Company Name], I have led cross-functional teams and overseen the successful execution of complex projects. However, I recognize the unique challenges that public projects present, including budget constraints and stakeholder engagement.

The University of Cambridge’s program is renowned for its emphasis on project management within the public sector. By acquiring advanced project management skills tailored to the public domain, I aim to bridge the gap between private and public project management practices. This knowledge will enable me to lead public projects that are not only cost-effective but also yield significant social benefits.

My third choice of the Public Engagement and Sustainability program at University College London reflects my passion for environmental conservation and community engagement. Over the years, I have been actively involved in environmental initiatives and community outreach programs. The intersection of public engagement and sustainability is crucial for addressing the global climate crisis and promoting responsible citizenship.

University College London’s program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines sustainability studies with effective public engagement strategies. By enrolling in this program, I will gain a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and the means to engage communities in adopting them. This knowledge will be instrumental in my long-term career goal of advocating for sustainable policies, promoting eco-friendly practices, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility in my home country.

In conclusion, my choice of these three university courses is a strategic step in my journey to becoming a global leader who can drive positive change in my home country. These programs will not only enrich my academic and professional knowledge but will also empower me to tackle complex issues related to public policy, project management, sustainability, and community engagement. Through the Chevening Scholarship, I aspire to return home with the expertise needed to make a lasting impact on the development and well-being of my community and nation.

ALSO READ: YALI RLC cohort 46 (Onsite) Selection Process and Criteria

CAREER PLANS QUESTION: Chevening is looking for individuals who have a clear post-study career plan. Please outline your immediate plans upon returning home and your longer term career goals. You may wish to consider how these relate to what the UK government is doing in your country. (minimum word count: 100 words, maximum word count: 500 words)

HYPOTHETICAL RESPONSE: My post-study career plan and long-term career goals are intricately connected to my aspirations to contribute to the development and prosperity of my home country. Upon completing my studies in the UK through the Chevening program, I have a clear vision of my immediate and longer-term career objectives.

Upon returning to my home country, I intend to actively apply the knowledge and skills I acquire during my studies in the UK to make an immediate impact. Given my background and career in the public sector, I aim to return to my current position or a higher-ranking role within my government agency. My immediate goal is to use the insights gained from my academic program to contribute to more effective and evidence-based policy formulation and implementation. I aim to be at the forefront of initiatives that address critical issues facing my country, such as healthcare reform and education enhancement.

I am committed to sharing the knowledge and experiences I gain in the UK with my colleagues and peers. This includes organizing workshops, seminars, and training sessions within my government agency to promote best practices and foster a culture of continuous learning. I plan to engage actively with local communities and civil society organizations. Through volunteering and collaborative projects, I want to apply my expertise to address social and environmental challenges, aligning with the UK government’s emphasis on sustainable development and community engagement.

Looking further into the future, my long-term career goals are shaped by a commitment to sustainable development, social progress, and the values promoted by the UK government in my home country. Over the long term, I aspire to take on leadership roles within my government’s policy-making bodies. I aim to play a pivotal role in shaping policies that address complex societal challenges, foster economic growth, and promote social inclusivity. I envision fostering international collaborations between my home country and the UK. Leveraging the networks I build during my Chevening journey, I will seek opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and partnerships that benefit both nations.

I am passionate about education and its role in societal progress. Therefore, I plan to establish educational initiatives, scholarships, and mentorship programs that empower the next generation of leaders and scholars in my country. This aligns with the UK government’s commitment to global education and capacity-building. Long term, I aim to be a prominent advocate for sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and renewable energy solutions in my country. I will work towards aligning national policies with global sustainability goals, reflecting the UK government’s focus on climate action and environmental protection.

In conclusion, my post-study career plan and long-term career goals are driven by a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact in my home country. I intend to leverage the knowledge, skills, and networks gained during my Chevening-sponsored education in the UK to contribute to effective governance, sustainable development, and positive change. By aligning my aspirations with the values and goals of the UK government in my country, I aim to be a catalyst for progress and development in the years to come.

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5 Chevening Scholarship interview questions and how to answer them

If you are an international student who aspires to study in the UK, you will have heard of the Chevening Scholarship. This  prestigious international scholarship allows some of the brightest international students from eligible countries to pursue their master’s in the UK for free.

One factor that will influence your success in securing the scholarship is to ace your Chevening Scholarship interview. Preparing for any scholarship interview — especially for prestigious international scholarships such as Chevening — can be stressful and challenging if you are unsure what to expect or how to best answer the interviewer’s questions.

Fortunately, the  Chevening website  and  YouTube  are great places to search for tips and tricks from past Chevening scholars on how to answer the common questions that interviewers will ask during the interview process. 

We draw on their advice for this list on acing your Chevening Scholarship interview:

The interview is an important part of the Chevening scholarship application process. Source: Niklas Halle’n/AFP

Top tips on acing the Chevening scholarship interview

1. “tell us about yourself.”.

Keanu Reeves famously said: “Sometimes simple things are the most difficult things to achieve.” Likewise, some of the most challenging questions to answer are straightforward ones.

For Argenis Toyo, a Chevening scholar from Venezuela, one of the first significant challenges of the interview process was when his interviewers asked him to describe himself. Toyo advises applicants to consider what sets them apart from others when presenting themselves to the interview panel.

“This is not a list of what you have done, this is about who you are and how that impacts your country,” he explains.

In Toyo’s case, his research into architectural technology allowed him to create a positive impact in communities by involving people in sustainable projects. In his interview, he highlighted his work on educating young students about new design tools.

2. “Tell us about your leadership experience.”

Kerry-Ann Harriot, a Chevening scholar from Jamaica, shared that she used the CAR method (Context, Action and Result) and storytelling approach in answering this question. 

“My example was about leading the implementation of a platform as an answer to an organisational problem,” she explains. “I started about what my observation was, how did it impact the organisation, what I did, who I led and influenced decisions, and what the results were.”

In her YouTube video, she also provides a script on how she tackled this specific question. Click here to view it.

3. “What are your career goals?”

Most applicants who have researched the Chevening Scholarship know that this is a popular question that interviewers will ask during the interview. However, this question can still catch many applicants by surprise.

Sithabile Daka-Mungobe, a Chevening scholar from Zimbabwe, explained that the political situation in her home country was a barrier for her to set a specific career plan. She did not let that faze her and gave strong examples of how she was working towards her broader goals.

“Despite there being clear eligibility criteria for my long-term goal of being a judge in the higher courts, political interference makes it more of a fantasy than a reality,” she shares. “[I highlighted] my ability to give back to my community through various volunteer activities with UNICA-AfroEdge and other community-based organisations.”

4. “How will you engage with the Chevening community?”

A big part of the Chevening scholarship is the chance to join a  vast alumni network . As Kuseme Iseh shares, you must show how you can contribute to this community as a Chevening alumnus.

“While answering this question, I highlighted how I was going to volunteer for the Chevening community and add value to every other Chevening scholar that I met. I talked about how I was going to network and build valuable relationships so we could come together to achieve a task in my field,” shares the Chevening scholar, who works as a Nigerian lawyer.

She also suggests that applicants emphasise how they can use the scholarship to network and give back to their local community.

5. “What is your backup plan?”

Laith Abdin, a Jordanian scholar, shares that this was the most challenging question he faced during his interview.

“As you can imagine, I was mentally focused on the exact opposite, and it took me a few seconds to make the switch,” he says.

While it may seem like a strange question, having a backup plan indicates the applicant’s strong commitment to their goals — a quality that Chevening seeks in their scholars. Abdin’s advice is to be genuine at whatever question that interviewers may ask during the interview.

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Guide: How To Answer Chevening Scholarship Interview Questions

how to answer chevening essay questions

In my last two posts, I shared tips on how to prepare for the Chevening Scholarship interviews and also provided you with a list of sample questions that I compiled from what I was asked and what different scholars have also been asked in their interviews in the past.

The feedback I got from the two articles was overwhelming as you found them authentic and informative as they drew from my personal Chevening Scholarship experience. 

As you prepare for the face to face or video interviews, I highly recommend that you prioritise doing a mock interview to practise how to answer the anticipated questions.

Get the sample questions from this article and approach a family member or friend who you trust to be candid with you, to role play as an interviewer. 

A mock interview is not only essential in helping you answer the interview questions concisely, to identify your strong and weak points but also offers feedback on your mannerisms and body language, and will  help you work on any improvements, if needed. 

In this article, I am going to offer a guide of sorts on how to answer the most popular Chevening Scholarship interview questions and what aspects the panel looks for in your answers. 

Let’s start shall we?

Table of Contents

1. Why do you want to study in the UK?

You should have thoroughly  researched the various programmes you are applying for in the universities you have chosen.

This will help you to clearly articulate why you want to study in the UK and specific reasons why you have chosen those particular schools.

You can separate yourself from the rest of the interviewees by highlighting the unique thing about that course or university and why it’s important for YOU to go there.

Also throw in that you are going to gain new knowledge and skills, to fill in a skills gap in your field or  organisation. 

With this question they also want to see if you have done some background research on:

  • its education standards,
  • culture and
  • anything else that will reveal that the choice  aligns with your goals and study aspirations.

You can either give one reason or several, it is up to you. 

I recommend pre-empting the answer to the panel by saying that you have 2 or 3 reasons and then going ahead to state them.

This is called signposting.

You act like a guide and the panel will follow your answers closely as they will be expecting those number of reasons.

It also makes you look quite organised.

Possible answers to why you want to study in the UK

a) The UK is diverse and multi- cultural.

Studying in the UK will give you an opportunity to meet and interact with people from around the world. This will help you learn from each other as you share your different experiences and make you an all rounded person. 

b) The UK is noted for quality teaching and research. 

Here you can quote the university rankings and say that UK universities consistently top global rankings , a testament to the high standards of teaching and research in the facilities.  

Most of academia are involved in research and you will be taught by researchers who wrote the books or concept papers you have been reading (research the schools you are choosing and see if they have that).

UK universities also have partnerships with academics from other countries who give guest lectures and you get a chance to learn from global thought leaders.

c) UK Education nurtures global leaders and influencers. 

You can mention the top leaders you know or admire who have studied in the UK .  They can be in your chosen field or globally that have made an impact and correlate that with your studies and what you want to achieve.

2. Why did you choose your course and university?

Here you need to demonstrate that you know more about the field of study you are in and how the course aligns with your goals and aspirations .

You can mention that the university is the top leader in that course, the faculty are not only academics but also involved in the field as experts, authors etc. 

If the course offers fieldwork or internships/ placements, that can be a good reason to say that you will get hands-on experience and get to apply the knowledge practically.

You can also touch on how the university or course ranks ; the general ranking or QS and Times rankings, any student body events that will compliment your academics, notable alumni associations from the university etc.

In the courses, mention some key modules that relate to your career goals, notable professors and research done by these academics in your field etc.

Be passionate and convincing in your answer.

3. Leadership & Influence Question

Do not be shy about your achievements!

Be bold when telling the panel about your leadership experience and successes. Mention your role, what you did or achieved.

Do not belittle anything , you can mention whatever capacity you have acted as a team leader; like a school prefect,  head of a group assignment, leading a project at work, forming a company etc.

Do not generalise when speaking about your achievements.

You need to be specific and give clear examples of  how you utilized your leadership skills to solve a problem.

Mention any charity/volunteer activities that you were involved in and the outcomes you achieved.

4. Networking Question

The Chevening Scholarship is big on networking and you need to truly illustrate that you understand what networking entails and how you have used it to propel yourself or  make a difference in society. 

You need to give clear examples, in what capacity you used networking, how it benefited you , your workplace or society.

Networking can be done in various ways, face to face or virtually.

Do not be afraid to mention how you connected with someone through social media or even Whatsapp and how you made good use of it.  

Networking does not always have to be in a work capacity, you can illustrate networking at school, at church, in the family etc.

Also touch on the networking opportunities you will utilize when you are selected as a scholar, such as meeting scholars from all over the world, travelling and increasing your connections etc .

5. Career Plan Question

To make it easier to answer this question, break it up into three parts :

  • Your immediate,
  • five-year and
  • ten-year career goals.

Know where you want to be and say so.

This is where you get to showcase your goals and dreams and how you hope to achieve them in a  logical and tangible manner.

You need to illustrate how the Master’s degree will help you attain those goals.  

An important thing to note though, is don’t make the goals individualistic.

Ensure they touch on how they will help the society or your community because the Chevening Scholarship is all about equipping  leaders for your home country.

Visit the DFID website development tracker and identify the development priorities for the UK and what the UK is doing in your home country.

You will be able to identify the projects that fit into your career and how you can lend your expertise. This can help you sound relevant and up to date with your country’s needs. 

Don’t make the goals individualistic.

Think of the society and your country at large. 

The interview is just a convesration between you and the interviewers.

You impressed them with your essays and you are now taking the panel through your story, so own it.It’s yours. Be confident while you tell it. 

These are your experiences, your goals and aspirations so show them that you are the best candidate for this award. 

Another important tip is:

To re-read your essays so that you are familiar with what you wrote, incase they touch on any specifics. 

I believe you will do great.

If you found this helpful, please let me know in the comment section below. You can also let me know what questions were hard for your to answer and how you are preparing for yoru interview.

Please share the post with your friends if you found it helpful.

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5 Chevening Scholars tell us the hardest question they faced at interview

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Successful Chevening applicants reflect on their interview experience and give tips for answering tough questions

Preparing for an interview, especially for an opportunity like a Chevening Scholarship, can be a nerve-wracking experience, because you never quite know what to expect. You might even find yourself worrying that you won’t know how to answer some of the questions.

Never fear. We caught up with five Chevening Scholars who’ve been through the interview process and succeeded.

They told us the hardest questions they faced at interview and gave us tips for how other applicants can show their worth and excel.

1. “Tell us about yourself.”

Sometimes the hardest questions to answer are the ones you know are coming.

For Argenis Toyo, a Chevening Scholar from Venezuela, being asked to describe himself was one of the first big challenges of the interview.

“This is the start of the interview process, the moment you have to tell everything [about yourself],” he says. “You do not want to miss anything.”

Argenis’s advice to applicants is to think about what sets you apart from others when presenting yourself to the interview panel.

“This is not a list of what you have done, this is about who you are and how that impacts your country,” he says.

In Argenis’s case, he recognised that his research into architectural technology gave him the power to create a positive impact in communities by involving people with sustainable projects.

He highlighted to interviewers his work educating young students about new design tools and, in doing so, demonstrated two key Chevening qualities: leadership and relationship-building.

2. “What is your back-up plan?”

For Laith Abdin, a Jordanian scholar who attended University College London in 2021, the most difficult question he faced at interview was an unexpected one about his backup plan if he didn’t receive the scholarship.

“As you can imagine, I was mentally focused on the exact opposite, and it took me a few seconds to make the switch,” he says.

Though it seems like a strange question, having a back-up plan is an indicator of strong commitment to your goals – a key quality we look for in our Cheveners.

Laith’s advice is to be genuine, whatever question is thrown at you.

“I am assuming that being genuine got me through this,” he says.

3. “What are your career goals?”

All applicants who have done their research on the Chevening Scholarship know that this question is coming , but for many people it is not a straightforward one to answer.

Sithabile Daka-Mungobe, a Chevening Scholar from Zimbabwe, found that the political situation in her home country was a barrier to setting out a specific career plan for interviewers.

“Despite there being clear eligibility criteria for my long-term goal of being a Judge in the higher courts, political interference makes it more of a fantasy than a reality,” she says. “I had to indicate this in the interview, not knowing if it was a good answer or not.”

Sithabile did the right thing. Honesty is the best policy in a Chevening interview – especially when it’s backed up with strong examples of how you are working towards your broader goals.

“[I highlighted] my ability to give back to my community through various volunteer activities with UNICA-AfroEdge and other community-based organisations,” Sithabile says.

“They are greatly impacting society through early childhood education and girls’ education, causes which are dear to me because of the odds I had to overcome as a girl growing up in a community that valued girls less.”

4. “How will your proposal support your country?”

As well as showing interviewers how you will make progress in your career, you also need to demonstrate how you will make an impact in your home country if you receive a Chevening Award.

Rana Fakhoury, a Chevening Alumna from Lebanon, views this as one of the key challenges of a Chevening interview.

“ The tip here is to ensure that you have done enough research on the development issue you are addressing, and that your proposal offers a solution that is achievable and measurable ,” she says.

“If you are doing any voluntary work with NGOs or support groups, mention it! That is not bragging, that is helping the committee to get to know you (and remember you) better!”

5. “Can you tell us how you did that?”

Finally, giving specific examples to back up your statements is one of the most important ways you can excel in a Chevening interview, and interviewers will be asking for them.

“The most terrifying question for me was a follow-up one on exactly how I persuaded my colleagues to accept a new idea – I didn’t expect they would pay attention to such details,” says Hui Wang, a 2021 Chevener hailing from China.

Like Laith, Hui says the best way to avoid stumbling on such a question is to be open and honest from the very beginning of the application process.

“[Questions like this] show the importance of staying true in the application process because you cannot make up a perfect and consistent story under interview pressure,” he says.

Remember, you cannot prepare for every possible interview question. What you can do is think deeply about why you are applying , and be honest with yourself and the interviewers about your answers to each question. If you do that, you’ll be ready for whatever question is thrown at you. Good luck!

By Amy Hughes

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How to Write a Good Answer to Exam Essay Questions

Last Updated: March 17, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Tristen Bonacci . Tristen Bonacci is a Licensed English Teacher with more than 20 years of experience. Tristen has taught in both the United States and overseas. She specializes in teaching in a secondary education environment and sharing wisdom with others, no matter the environment. Tristen holds a BA in English Literature from The University of Colorado and an MEd from The University of Phoenix. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 643,837 times.

Answering essay questions on an exam can be difficult and stressful, which can make it hard to provide a good answer. However, you can improve your ability to answer essay questions by learning how to understand the questions, form an answer, and stay focused. Developing your ability to give excellent answers on essay exams will take time and effort, but you can learn some good essay question practices and start improving your answers.

Understanding the Question

Step 1 Read the question carefully.

  • Analyze: Explain the what, where, who, when, why, and how. Include pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, etc.
  • Compare: Discuss the similarities and differences between two or more things. Don't forget to explain why the comparison is useful.
  • Contrast: Discuss how two or more things are different or distinguish between them. Don't forget to explain why the contrast is useful.
  • Define: State what something means, does, achieves, etc.
  • Describe: List characteristics or traits of something. You may also need to summarize something, such as an essay prompt that asks "Describe the major events that led to the American Revolution."
  • Discuss: This is more analytical. You usually begin by describing something and then present arguments for or against it. You may need to analyze the advantages or disadvantages of your subject.
  • Evaluate: Offer the pros and cons, positives and negatives for a subject. You may be asked to evaluate a statement for logical support, or evaluate an argument for weaknesses.
  • Explain: Explain why or how something happened, or justify your position on something.
  • Prove: Usually reserved for more scientific or objective essays. You may be asked to include evidence and research to build a case for a specific position or set of hypotheses.
  • Summarize: Usually, this means to list the major ideas or themes of a subject. It could also ask you to present the main ideas in order to then fully discuss them. Most essay questions will not ask for pure summary without anything else.

Step 3 Ask questions if anything is unclear.

  • Raise your hand and wait for your teacher to come over to you or approach your teacher’s desk to ask your question. This way you will be less likely to disrupt other test takers.

Forming Your Response

Step 1 Follow the instructions.

  • Take a moment to consider your organization before you start writing your answer. What information should come first, second, third, etc.?
  • In many cases, the traditional 5-paragraph essay structure works well. Start with an introductory paragraph, use 3 paragraphs in the body of the article to explain different points, and finish with a concluding paragraph.
  • It can also be really helpful to draft a quick outline of your essay before you start writing.

Step 3 Choose relevant facts and figures to include.

  • You may want to make a list of facts and figures that you want to include in your essay answer. That way you can refer to this list as you write your answer.
  • It's best to write down all the important key topics or ideas before you get started composing your answer. That way, you can check back to make sure you haven't missed anything.

Step 4 Begin your answer by rephrasing the essay question as a statement.

  • For example, imagine that your essay question asks: "Should the FIFA World Cup be awarded to countries with human rights violations? Explain and support your answer."
  • You might restate this as "Countries with human rights violations should not be awarded the FIFA World Cup because this rewards a nation's poor treatment of its citizens." This will be the thesis that you support with examples and explanation.

Step 5 Make sure that your answer has a clear point.

  • For example, whether you argue that the FIFA World Cup should or should not be awarded to countries with human rights violations, you will want to address the opposing side's argument. However, it needs to be clear where your essay stands about the matter.
  • Often, essay questions end up saying things along the lines of "There are many similarities and differences between X and Y." This does not offer a clear position and can result in a bad grade.

Step 6 Pay attention to your grammar and punctuation.

  • If you are required to write your answer by hand, then take care to make your writing legible and neat. Some professors may deduct points if they cannot read what you have written.

Staying Calm and Focused

Step 1 Stop and take a deep breath if you get too anxious.

  • If you get to a point during the exam where you feel too anxious to focus, put down your pencil (or take your hands off of the keyboard), close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Stretch your arms and imagine that you are somewhere pleasant for a few moments. When you have completed this brief exercise, open up your eyes and resume the exam.

Step 2 Use your time wisely.

  • For example, if the exam period is one hour long and you have to answer three questions in that time frame, then you should plan to spend no more than 20 minutes on each question.
  • Look at the weight of the questions, if applicable. For example, if there are five 10-point short-answers and a 50-point essay, plan to spend more time on the essay because it is worth significantly more. Don't get stuck spending so much time on the short-answers that you don't have time to develop a complex essay.

Step 3 Write as quickly as you can.

  • This strategy is even more important if the exam has multiple essay questions. If you take too much time on the first question, then you may not have enough time to answer the other questions on the exam.

Step 4 Stay on topic.

  • If you feel like you are straying away from the question, reread the question and review any notes that you made to help guide you. After you get refocused, then continue writing your answer.
  • Try to allow yourself enough time to go back and tighten up connections between your points. A few well-placed transitions can really bump up your grade.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • If you are worried about running out of time, put your watch in front of you where you can see it. Just try not to focus on it too much. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If you need more practice, make up your own questions or even look at some practice questions online! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

  • Look up relevant quotes if your exam is open notes. Use references from books or class to back up your answers.
  • Make sure your sentences flow together and that you don't repeat the same thing twice!

how to answer chevening essay questions

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Write Interview Questions

  • ↑ https://www.linnbenton.edu/student-services/library-tutoring-testing/learning-center/academic-coaching/documents/Strategies%20For%20Answering%20Essay%20Questions.pdf
  • ↑ https://www.ius.edu/writing-center/files/answering-essay-questions.pdf
  • ↑ https://success.uark.edu/get-help/student-resources/short-answer-essays.php

About This Article

Tristen Bonacci

To write a good answer to an exam essay question, read the question carefully to find what it's asking, and follow the instructions for the essay closely. Begin your essay by rephrasing the question into a statement with your answer in the statement. Include supplemental facts and figures if necessary, or do textual analysis from a provided piece to support your argument. Make sure your writing is clear and to the point, and don't include extra information unless it supports your argument. For tips from our academic reviewer on understanding essay questions and dealing with testing nerves, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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The Art of Asking Smarter Questions

  • Arnaud Chevallier,
  • Frédéric Dalsace,
  • Jean-Louis Barsoux

how to answer chevening essay questions

With organizations of all sorts facing increased urgency and unpredictability, being able to ask smart questions has become key. But unlike lawyers, doctors, and psychologists, business professionals are not formally trained on what kinds of questions to ask when approaching a problem. They must learn as they go. In their research and consulting, the authors have seen that certain kinds of questions have gained resonance across the business world. In a three-year project they asked executives to brainstorm about the decisions they’ve faced and the kinds of inquiry they’ve pursued. In this article they share what they’ve learned and offer a practical framework for the five types of questions to ask during strategic decision-making: investigative, speculative, productive, interpretive, and subjective. By attending to each, leaders and teams can become more likely to cover all the areas that need to be explored, and they’ll surface information and options they might otherwise have missed.

These five techniques can drive great strategic decision-making.

Idea in Brief

The situation.

With organizations of all sorts facing increased urgency and uncertainty, the ability to ask smart questions has become key. But business professionals aren’t formally trained in that skill.

Why It’s So Challenging

Managers’ expertise often blinds them to new ideas. And the flow of questions can be hard to process in real time, so certain concerns and insights may never be raised.

Strategic questions can be grouped into five domains: investigative, speculative, productive, interpretive, and subjective. By attending to each, leaders and teams are more likely to cover all the areas that need to be explored—and they’ll surface information and options they might otherwise have missed.

As a cofounder and the CEO of the U.S. chipmaker Nvidia, Jensen Huang operates in a high-velocity industry requiring agile, innovative thinking. Reflecting on how his leadership style has evolved, he told the New York Times, “I probably give fewer answers and I ask a lot more questions….It’s almost possible now for me to go through a day and do nothing but ask questions.” He continued, “Through probing, I help [my management team]…explore ideas that they didn’t realize needed to be explored.”

  • Arnaud Chevallier is a professor of strategy at IMD Business School.
  • Frédéric Dalsace is a professor of marketing and strategy at IMD.
  • Jean-Louis Barsoux is a term research professor at IMD and a coauthor of ALIEN Thinking: The Unconventional Path to Breakthrough Ideas (PublicAffairs, 2021).

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. Writing Chevening Essay: Breakdown Those 4 Questions

    State this briefly and do the same for the next 4 questions. One of the Chevening events specifically for scholars: Leadership skill workshop with business pitching and social entrepreneurship as the theme. Networking. I would say that the networking question was a bit difficult for me to elaborate.

  2. Chevening Essay Questions Breakdown

    This question explores your motivations for studying in the UK and the relevance of your chosen course: UK's Strengths: Discuss the UK's academic excellence, resources, and opportunities that attract you. Course Relevance: Explain why your chosen course aligns with your academic and career goals. 6. Summarize all relevant leadership and ...

  3. Chevening Applications Q&A: your questions answered

    31 August 2023. We held two Q&A sessions on our Instagram and Facebook channels last week to answer your questions about the Chevening Application process. As we were not able to answer every question in the time that we had (we received over 500!), here is our summary of the most common questions that came up, and our answers to them.

  4. How to answer the 4 #CHEVENING ESSAY

    As a part of my Chevening video series, here I talk about the tips in answering the 4 Chevening essay! Don't forget to write down some of these valuable tips...

  5. Part 2: Applying for the Chevening Scholarship (Essay Tips)

    Chevening is looking for individuals who have a clear post-study career plan. Please outline your immediate plans upon returning home and your longer-term career goals. You may wish to consider how these relate to what the UK government is doing in your country. - Question as per Chevening Website

  6. How To Chevening Essays

    Questions with Sample Answers for Chevening Exams 1- Chevening seeks individuals who can become leaders or influencers in their home countries. Demonstrate how you can meet this requirement by providing specific examples of your ability to influence others and lead others toward your answer (minimum word count 100 words; maximum word count 500 ...

  7. TIPS ON WRITING YOUR EFFECTIVE CHEVENING ESSAYS: A ...

    The first paragraph needs to present your personal mindset about the topic (in your own words), and NOT a dictionary or google definition of the subject. This paragraph could use up to 15% of the ...

  8. Application advice

    For your application to be deemed outstanding, make sure you clearly link your chosen course of study to your previous experiences and future vision. All Chevening Applicants need to demonstrate leadership, influencing, and relationship-building skills. You'll also need to have a clear understanding of how studying with a UK university will ...

  9. How I Won a Chevening Scholarship

    A Chevening Scholarship presents a life-changing opportunity for a select group of international postgraduates each year ... Beware using repetitive answers as well. It's easy to fall into this trap as the essay questions are related to each other. Instead, work your essays in such a way that they complement each other, and have a coherent ...

  10. Tips for applying to the Chevening Scholarship

    For the Chevening application, you are required to submit 4 essays with a maximum word limit of 500 words per essay on these 4 themes: (i) Leadership and influencing; (ii) Networking; (iii) Studying in the UK; and (iv) Career plan. Essay writing is the most important step within your application process so make sure you invest your time, effort ...

  11. HOW TO WRITE CHEVENING ESSAYS (WITH EXAMPLES) AND Q&A WITH ...

    This is a webinar recording. I was a panellist at the Network For Media & PR Women where Kenyan Chevening scholars and Alumni discussed how to approach and w...

  12. Letter Chevening Essay: Breakdown Those 4 Questions

    Writers into essay for Chevening scholarship was don an easy task. But surely, we need to invest our time to write, revise and polish she. The whole writing process took die 1.5 months, but let's not use this as a standard as anyone can have different special. ... Using this similar approach as in question 1, answer the question by STARS ...

  13. How to Write Chevening Essay (Tips From Alumni)

    Essay Question. Essay 1: Leadership and Influence Question Chevening is looking for individuals that will be future leaders or influencers in their home countries. Explain how you meet this requirement, using clear examples of your own leadership and influencing skills to support your answer. There are some main point from leadership essay :

  14. Tips for Chevening Essay Questions, New

    Written By: Shaher Hamdan, Reviewed By: Dr. Marwa Hamdan. Tips for Chevening Essay Questions. There are a total of 4 essays, each should be between 50-500 words; 1) leadership essay. 2) Networking skills essay. 3) Why do you want to pursue your studies in the UK essay. 4) Future career plan essay. Reference letters.

  15. Crafting Your Chevening Scholarship Application Essay: A Structured

    Only the most exceptional candidates are chosen for the prestigious Chevening Scholarship. Crafting an effective Chevening essay requires a thoughtful approach that begins with a deep understanding of the essay prompt. By brainstorming, outlining, highlighting achievements, and improving on grammar, flow, composition, and relevancy, applicants ...

  16. How to approach Chevening Scholarship Essays

    This question requires the Chevening Scholarship aspirants to discuss the plan after finishing their studies in the UK. Here, the focus should be on explaining Short/Medium and Long term career ...

  17. Chevening Scholarship: How to answer these 5 interview questions

    Top tips on acing the Chevening scholarship interview. 1. "Tell us about yourself.". Keanu Reeves famously said: "Sometimes simple things are the most difficult things to achieve.". Likewise, some of the most challenging questions to answer are straightforward ones. For Argenis Toyo, a Chevening scholar from Venezuela, one of the first ...

  18. Guide: How To Answer Chevening Scholarship Interview Questions

    5. Career Plan Question. To make it easier to answer this question, break it up into three parts: Your immediate, five-year and. ten-year career goals. Know where you want to be and say so. This is where you get to showcase your goals and dreams and how you hope to achieve them in a logical and tangible manner.

  19. 5 Chevening Scholars tell us the hardest question they faced at

    1. "Tell us about yourself.". Sometimes the hardest questions to answer are the ones you know are coming. For Argenis Toyo, a Chevening Scholar from Venezuela, being asked to describe himself was one of the first big challenges of the interview. "This is the start of the interview process, the moment you have to tell everything [about ...

  20. How to Write a Good Answer to Exam Essay Questions: 13 Steps

    Start with an introductory paragraph, use 3 paragraphs in the body of the article to explain different points, and finish with a concluding paragraph. It can also be really helpful to draft a quick outline of your essay before you start writing. 3. Choose relevant facts and figures to include.

  21. Writing Chevening Essay: Breakdown Those 4 Questions

    View ELIZABETH Chevening Fonska.com from ENGLISH 301 at kabianga University College. In this rubrik, you are asked to answer adenine series of short essay questions on the following areas: command and. As I already mentioned in the past post about general tips with writing Chevening essay, it is important to give an get. Although this is just a ...

  22. Complete Chevening Essay Example

    As a chevening scholar 2017/2018, i want to share my personal essay. Hopefully, it will help you to give another perspective why this essay could allow me to become cheveners. Leadership & Influence Question. I believe that leadership is one of my strongest qualities as I've had times where I needed it for survival.

  23. Chevening Scholarship Essays

    Essay 4: Career Plan "Chevening is looking for individuals who have a clear post-study career plan. Please outline your immediate plans upon returning home and your longer-term career goals. You may wish to consider how these relate to what the UK government is doing in your country.". I intend to put the new skills and knowledge I will ...

  24. The Art of Asking Smarter Questions

    In a three-year project they asked executives to brainstorm about the decisions they've faced and the kinds of inquiry they've pursued. In this article they share what they've learned and ...