Writing a personal statement is something that will likely be required when applying to colleges. That’s why picking a strong and uniquely personal statement is important. We’re going to go over what a statement actually is, and what your expectations should be when writing yours. Continue reading to also get ideas for your own statement. 

What is a personal statement?

Within the application systems for colleges having a personal statement is the main essay that is required upon submission. The main goal of this essay is to tell the admissions office who you are and what you value. This is one of the most important parts of the decision-making process for colleges. Your personal statement is even more important because standardized testing is being reconstructed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Should I read example essays?

We always recommend reading a few examples of past personal statements so that you can have an idea of what to write on your own. It also gives you an idea of different writing styles, the way the essay can be structured, and also the variety of topics. We’ll be providing some tips on what works in your essay. 

What goes in a personal statement?

When you are writing your statement, you should consider the qualities, skills, and values that you can cultivate over the last 4 years. Ask yourself how those traits prepared you for college and then express that in the essay. 

The simple guideline to follow when conducting a personal essay is to follow 4 qualities. When you’re writing your essay it is best to go off of these points and see if you’re able to incorporate them into the unique topic you’ve chosen. These are the questions to ask yourself. 

  • Can you name 4-5 core values? Is there a variety of values or are they repeating?
  • Vulnerability - How does the essay sound? Is it analytical? Or does it sound like it’s coming from a more vulnerable place? Is the essay written with intellect or heart and gut? After reading the essay do you feel closer to the author? Do you feel like you know more about them?
  • Values - Are there 3-5 “so what” moments within the writing? Are these points in the essay predictable or are they illuminating?
  • Craft - Are the ideas in this essay conducted in a logical format without being predictable and boring? Is the essay structured with a series of carefully considered choices? Can you tell that the author spent a lot of time revising the essay over a few different drafts?

Ideas for your own personal statement

There are a few different ways to go about picking your personal statement topic. One of the simplest ways is to run through a series of questions for each section of your essay to make it flow altogether. Let’s run through some topics and questions to consider for your admissions essay. 

Background

  • What’s the most unusual thing about your upbringing?
  • What do people assume about your background?
    • Are they correct?
  • Which aspects of your childhood might a stranger be most surprised to learn about?
  • What was the best thing about where you grew up?
  • The worst? What did you learn from that?
  • What were your favorite and least favorite chores? Did you learn anything from them?
  • What were your favorite and least favorite rituals? Did they contribute to who you are today?

Achievements and non-academic interests

  • What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever done?
  • Do you have any unusual hobbies?
  • Do you play a musical instrument or sing?
    • What have you learned about yourself from the activity?
    • In what way is music still a part of your life?
  • Do you participate in any athletic activities?
    • What have you learned about yourself from the activity?
    • In what way are athletics still a part of your life?
    • What are you most proud of?
    • What are you best at?
    • What are you passionate about?
    • What extracurricular activities are most meaningful to you?

Academic background

  • What was the best part of your college experience?
    • What was your favorite class, and why?
    • What did you read or learn that changed your outlook?
    • Did you write a thesis? What was it about? Are you still interested in the subject? What did it teach you?
    • What was the worst part of college? Why?
    • What would you have done differently?
    • What non-academic lessons did you learn at college?
  • Answer the same questions for any graduate degrees you’ve completed.
  • Who is the best teacher you’ve ever had?
  • What lesson or class do you remember most vividly?

Professional goals

  • What’s the best job you ever had?
    • What skills did you gain?
    • What life lessons did you learn?
    • What accomplishment are you most proud of?
  • Answer the same questions for the worst job you’ve ever had.
  • Answer the same questions for the most interesting job you’ve ever had.
  • What are your long-term career goals?
  • What are your short-term career goals?
  • Why do you want to go to law school?
  • Why do you want to be a lawyer?
  • What kind of research have you done about law school or the practice of law?
  • What areas of the law interest you, and why?
  • Why are you applying to law school now?

Personal journey

  • Are you spiritual? What do you do to express your spirituality?
  • Pretend like you could go back in time and talk to yourself ten years ago. What would you tell yourself, and why?
  • What five seconds changed your life?
  • Who is your role model? Why?
  • Have you ever had a mentor? What did you learn?
  • Have you ever read something that changed your life? How did it change your life?
  • What are you bad at?
    • How have you learned to compensate for that weakness?
  • What’s the greatest setback you’ve ever encountered?
    • How did you overcome it?
  • What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
    • How did you do it?

Things that work in essays

Uncommon Topics and Connections: Having a unique story to elaborate on draws the reader in. Focus your essay on you and your experience. Your essay is something different than the rest of your application. This is your opportunity to share unique and positive opportunities and qualities. 

Experimental Structure: As stated before, using craft in your essay is important. If you design an essay that is structured differently than your traditional paragraphs it may be seen as a crafty work of writing. We’ve seen students conduct lists or even journal entry-style essays. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, and remember that admissions officers are reading hundreds of essays, so a unique one will put you on the map. 

Answer the “So What?” Question: Something that will certainly drive an essay home is answering the most important questions. “So What?”. If you’ve set up your essay in the proper way the reader will finally get their answer to the relevance of all your supporting facts in the end. Tying everything together and ending your personal statement in a flawless why. Helpful tip: Don’t forget to reread your essay and make sure it flows together and the “so what?” question is answered and makes sense. 

Examples of personal statement paragraphs

  • “The elevator dinged on the 13th floor. I could hardly wait for the elevator doors to scrape across the floor to a different kind of home. My dad’s office was buzzing with activity. The chaotic sounds of people furiously pressing on their keyboards, fighting with the copy machine, and laughing on the phone felt just like my home on 22nd Street.” 

This essay is a great example of vivid imagery and an excited voice. 

  • “But when I was 14 years old, this memory came to a screeching halt. I arrived home from school and noticed my mother sitting at the living room table, frozen and mute, “Mario, podés venir para acá?” I complied and cautiously moved towards her, she pursed her lips and said “Mario, despidieron a tu papá. Vamos a tener que ajustar el cinturón.” I felt my breath get shallow, my heart rate jumped, and the room began to spin. After eight long years, my father’s employment was terminated, the place we called home closed in front of us. It happened far too quickly for any of us to fully comprehend.”

All of the information thus far provides background and the exposition for the story the writer will eventually tell.

Personal statements to stay away from

These are the types of statements that have been used over and over again. Your goal with a personal statement is to bring the college admission officers something eye-catching. Perhaps something that they’ve never read before. 

  • Autobiography 
  • Moving
  • Divorce
  • Romantic Relationships
  • Illegal stories
  • Sports cliches

Key takeaways about personal statements

Your personal statement should be easy to read, but impactful. You want to impress the admission officers with knowledge about you and what you are capable of through your writing. Don’t be afraid to take chances and develop a unique essay. Lastly, write a few drafts or versions of your essay so that it flows nicely and it will make sense to the reader. 

Lots of seasoned professionals decide to pursue a career change at 40. With two decades of work experience behind you, and another two decades ahead of you, this is the ideal time to reflect and refocus on your career. Do you feel dissatisfied in your current role at work? Perhaps a different career will increase your sense of purpose and productivity. Read on for key tips and strategies for career changers so that you can feel prepared during this transition.

Should you change careers at 40?

Career changes at 40 can seem intimidating. You likely have more financial responsibilities than you did when you were in your 30s and changing careers means stepping outside of your comfort zone. 

Yes, there are likely more financial considerations, such as a mortgage and kids, but remember, you are a seasoned professional with rich employment history and transferable job skills. You have a lot to offer a new industry! 

Instead of worrying about whether or not changing careers is a good idea, start reflecting thoughtfully on ideal careers to start at 40.

Benefits of starting a new career at 40

There are many benefits to starting a new career at 40. Now that you have more experience, you have a much better idea of your likes, dislikes, and talents than you did when you first entered the workforce. You also have a better understanding of your ideal schedule and lifestyle. In short, you know what you want, need, and expect from a job. 

Here are some benefits of starting a new career at 40:

  • Increased work satisfaction
  • A renewed sense of purpose and passion
  • A healthier lifestyle
  • Increased opportunities for personal and professional growth

Your age and work experience will also grant you several advantages. For one, you will have lots of transferable skills and higher levels of confidence. You will also have a mature professional network. 

Never underestimate the potential of networking! Now that you are in your 40s, your colleagues and peers are likely in leadership and decision-making roles. Perhaps they are hiring managers. Use this to your advantage!

Challenges of starting a career at 40

Changes are never easier, especially when it comes to your career. While there are certainly advantages to starting a new career at 40, there are also challenges.

Here are some potential challenges to keep in mind as you consider a midlife career change: 

  • Increased financial responsibilities, such as a mortgage and kids
  • Not having the time or resources to go back to school
  • Having to take time off from work during this transition
  • Having to work full-time or part-time while navigating a career change
  • Self-doubt

What should you know before changing careers at 40

Reflect critically on your current situation. What do you hope to gain from a new career? Could you reach your goals by staying in your current career and making a smaller change, such as seeking an alternative employer? Consider tips on how to stay motivated at work and signs of a toxic work environment as you make your decision. 

The best midlife career changes take lots of factors into account, including transferable job skills, employment history, finances, scheduling, and more. There are plenty of options for new careers at 40. Make sure, however, that you are up for the challenge. Changing careers is challenging but rewarding work. In this article, we will review key strategies and tips for how to change careers in your 40s. 

01

Identify your goals

There are plenty of reasons to want to change careers. Reflect thoughtfully on your reasons. What are your career goals? No career is perfect. Are there ways you can reach your goals without changing careers? Ultimately, what factors are at the root of your decision? Make a detailed list of pros and cons as you focus on finding a new career.

02

Identify transferable skills

If you are starting a new career at 40, you may not necessarily have the time or financial resources to go back to school. This is why it is important to identify transferable job skills. Your transferable skills and work experience may also set you apart so you can focus on applying for more meaningful positions and avoid having to apply to entry-level positions.

Some examples of skill sets include leadership, negotiation, project management, networking, organizational, and communication skills. Other important soft skills include teamwork, patience, and time management.

As a job seeker, when you apply for a new job, tailor your resume and cover letter. Be sure to update your LinkedIn profile and include lots of keywords from each job description. This will help ensure that your resume is optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Also, be sure to stress your existing skillset during job interviews.

03

Get ready for a potential pay cut

Even with years of work experience, you will likely receive a pay cut, at least initially. Be mentally and physically prepared for this. Make sure your finances are in order before a career pivot. This might mean staying in your current position a bit longer as you reflect on your best plan for moving forward.

A potential pay cut is an important factor to reflect on. Be sure to include this on your list of pros and cons as you consider a new career path. Comparing career options can be exciting and liberating, but remember, you have to be realistic. Do your best to make a responsible, grounded decision that takes multiple factors into consideration such as healthcare, mortgage payments, work-life balance, and personal satisfaction.

04

Reflect on your finances

Again, finances are a crucial factor during any job search. Can you afford to change careers right now? Will there be additional expenses? For instance, will you have to go back to school or earn a certification? Does your new career require you to learn new skills?

If you don’t have the money to go back to school, this doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t pursue a new career, especially if you feel like you are currently in the wrong career. Rather, make a plan for yourself. Make a detailed budget, consider additional revenue streams, and come up with a realistic schedule and timeline. Although not ideal, the reality is that you may need to continue working full-time or part-time as you transition from your current job to your dream job. 

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05

Cultivate confidence

Once you make your decision to pursue a new career, it’s important to cultivate confidence! Take this time to expand your professional network and surround yourself with positive, ambitious, innovative people. Use their stories and momentum as inspiration!

For example, if you want to start your own business, seek out other entrepreneurs who’ve started a successful business during their 40s. Ask them for career advice. Networking opportunities are key when building a successful career.

How to change careers at 40: 5-step guide to starting a new career at 40

01

Make the decision

Reflect thoughtfully on your current career and job position. What do you like and dislike about your career? What do you wish was different? Making a career change at 40 is a serious commitment. You need to be certain of your decision. You cannot afford to be indecisive. Take your time making your initial decision, but once you do indeed make your decision, commit fully.

02

Identify possibilities

What jobs interest you? Research your options and reach out to professionals in your prospective field. Schedule informational interviews. An informational interview is when you sit down with a professional and ask them to reflect candidly on their career and offer career advice. You may also consider arranging a job shadow. After all, if you need to commit fully to a new career, you want to be as prepared as possible.

03

Update your resume

Update your resume. Review professional resume templates and resume formats. You may even consider using a professional resume maker. Make sure you use lots of keywords and ensure that your resume is optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Also, be sure to update your LinkedIn profile. Do not underestimate the potential of your online presence. Lots of job recruiters use LinkedIn.

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04

Expand your network

A robust professional network is a powerful tool. Use every available opportunity to network and forge meaningful contacts and connections. This will help you find job opportunities that otherwise may not be available to you. Attend job fairs, conferences, and professional conventions.

05

Practice mock interviews

It’s important to have strong interviewing skills. You need to be able to talk about your career, passions, skill set, and past successes with confidence. Win over potential employers. You likely have a lot to offer a new company and it is crucial to be able to communicate this in a job interview setting. Therefore, take this time to review key job interview questions, strategies, and tips.

25 best careers to start at 40

What is the best career to start at 40? It depends on your interests, passions, and existing job skills. That said, there are lots of popular ideas for new careers at 45 or best second careers after 40.

Below we have listed some of the most popular, best career change jobs at 40 for you to peruse. Take a look and start brainstorming!

  • Real estate agent
  • Proofreader
  • Freelance writer
  • Translator
  • Consultant
  • Job Recruiter
  • Social media manager
  • Project or program manager
  • Administrative assistant
  • Human resources manager
  • Retail or restaurant manager
  • Event planner
  • Entrepreneur
  • Patient care technician
  • Dental assistant
  • Massage therapist
  • Life coach
  • Therapist
  • Personal trainer
  • Online teacher or tutor
  • Hairstylist
  • Esthetician
  • Dietician
  • Yoga teacher
  • Graphic designer

Do any of these job titles catch your eye? Lots of professionals in their 40s have found fulfilling new careers from this list. 

Reflect thoughtfully on your past jobs. What did you like and dislike about each of them? What are some of your talents? 

Now, do any of your answers overlap with these 25 potential careers? If so, start a deep dive and explore each of the careers that piques your interest. 

Final points on making a career change at 40

A career transition is often an exciting time full of change and potential. There are lots of steps and factors to consider. Take every available opportunity to expand your professional network and forge meaningful connections. You may even consider hiring a career coach as you move forward.

FAQs

Still have questions? Below are some frequently asked questions and answers. Review each question and answer below for key takeaways and insights.