How to Write Your Essay for the Perry Henderson Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your interest in construction management. What specific moments or influences led you to this field?
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments related to construction management or leadership roles. Quantify your achievements when possible—think about projects you’ve led, awards received, or skills developed.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship could help address. Why is further study essential for your career goals?
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, work ethic, and commitment to the field. What makes you unique as a candidate?

Creating an Outline

With your material organized, create a structured outline for your essay. Ensure each section flows logically into the next. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures your journey toward construction management.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they shaped your interest.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using specific metrics to demonstrate your impact.
4. The Gap: Explain what further education will allow you to achieve and how it aligns with your career aspirations.
5. Personality: Conclude with personal insights that reinforce your commitment to the field and your readiness for the challenges ahead.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and ensure clarity in your writing. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about construction management, describe a specific project that ignited your interest. Use concrete details and metrics to support your claims, ensuring that every statement is backed by evidence or personal experience.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each major point. This reflection will help you ensure that each section contributes to a coherent narrative about your journey and aspirations. Pay attention to transitions between paragraphs to maintain logical flow.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid generic statements that do not provide insight into your unique experiences.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your role in your achievements.
• Do not include invented details or exaggerate your accomplishments—authenticity is key.