Oluwatosin Oguntunde- Blog
- January 15, 2024
- 28 views
How To Write A Winning Scholarship Application?
Being qualified or meeting all the requirements for a scholarship doesn’t automatically guarantee you’ll receive it on a silver platter. Securing a scholarship is about writing a compelling application that captures the attention of the scholarship committee team. Your application letter is your chance to show that you’re the perfect fit and in this article, we’ll delve into the art of writing a winning scholarship application, breaking down the process into simple and accessible steps with a template you can follow. WHAT IS A SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION? A scholarship application is a formal request in the form of a document that an aspiring student or current student submits to be considered for financial aid to further their education. It’s a document that typically requires a letter expressing your interest and explaining why the student is a deserving candidate. HOW TO WRITE A SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION LETTER Review The Scholarship Requirements It’s important that before you begin to write your application letter, you carefully review the criteria for the scholarship set by the awarding body. Understanding their core values, and the specific criteria helps you meet the necessary qualifications and allows you to emphasize these aspects in your letter. Introduce Yourself And Why You’re Applying By introducing yourself, you should include important information such as your current or intended college major, your career aspirations, and the potential impact of the funding on your academics. To make it more compelling and persuasive, start the first paragraph by focusing on your understanding of the organization, its expectations, and the award. Discuss Your Major Accomplishments This is the stage where you brand yourself and don’t get shy or intimidated to showcase your accomplishments. After introducing yourself, you can proceed to highlight your major accomplishments and academic milestones you’ve reached. No matter how little you think the achievement is, it might be that you displayed leadership skills or contributed to the society in one way. The committee is interested in seeing the evidence of your dedication and determination to make you deserving of the award. List Your Unique Skills And/Or Qualities This stage is an opportunity for you to include the details that are not on your academic transcripts. Once you’ve discussed your accomplishments, you should proceed to include your unique skills and abilities that’ll single you out of the crowd(other scholarship candidates). You should include the acquisition of the relevant skills pertaining to your academics that you’ve immersed yourself with over the years. An application letter is an opportunity to let the scholarship committee know more about your personality and aspirations. Clearly Express Your Interest This is the last paragraph and it’s for you to clearly express your enthusiasm for the progress of your education or future career path and clearly express why you’re passionate about the field. Share your vision as this would show the organization how you plan on making good use of their financial support to further your education and develop more skills that’ll set you up for a successful career. Include Your Contact Info Before you begin your application and the first paragraph, add a header in that document that would contain your contact information. Your full name, recent and current phone number, and academic email address. It would be indicated if the organization wants you to include additional details like the school you graduated from or currently attending, as this would also be featured in the header. Below your personal details, you should also include the name of the honoring institution or organization. Write Your Application For Each Scholarship: To avoid submitting similar applications to many scholarships, tailor your application to match the specific requirements of each scholarship. This shows that you pay attention to details and are genuinely interested in the scholarship and not trying just anyone that works for you. Conclude By Thanking The Reader: To conclude your scholarship application, thank the scholarship committee for their time and consideration. You can also add that you’re free and open to a call with them if they want to discuss further, ask questions, or if you want to follow up on the status of your application, indicate the fastest means of contacting you such as through email or phone number. Scholarship Application Template [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number] [Date] [Scholarship Committee’s Name] [Scholarship Name] [Scholarship Organization] [Organization’s Address] Dear Scholarship Committee, I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the [Scholarship Name]. As an aspiring [Your College Major] student, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of furthering my education and am committed to contributing positively to my community. In my academic journey, I have maintained a GPA of [Your GPA] and have actively participated in [Extracurricular Activities/Volunteer Work]. These experiences have shaped my dedication to [Your Field of Interest] and fueled my ambition to [Your Career Aspirations]. Receiving the [Scholarship Name] would significantly alleviate the financial burden on my family and enable me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies. It is not just a financial support system for me but a stepping stone toward achieving my dreams. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager for the opportunity to discuss further how I can contribute to the [Scholarship Organization] and make the most of this educational assistance. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] In conclusion, writing a winning scholarship application is not merely about meeting the requirements but about showcasing your unique qualities. By highlighting your strengths you automatically create a compelling narrative. Remember, your application is a personal story – your current or intended major, career goals, and what the scholarship means to you. Keep it real as you highlight your individuality and personality. Also, as you begin this process, stay mindful of deadlines and customize each application to the specific requirements. Securing financial aid is a competitive journey because there are other qualified candidates like you. Still, with a thoughtful and genuine approach, you increase your chances of standing out and earning the support you need for your educational journey..
- Oluwatosin Oguntunde
- Blog
- January 15, 2024
- 22 views
How To Prepare For Job Interviews?
One of the important stages of job hunting is the interview phase, where a recruiter or a representative and a job seeker engage in a conversation which later leads to either the recruiter hiring the job seeker or not. Quite a number of job seekers don’t know how to adequately prepare for a job interview which results in them getting nervous and eventually performing poorly or not meeting the recruiter’s expectations. Your performance in an interview depends (to an extent) on how well you prepare. Interviews can either be virtual or physical, there are still some things unique to both that you need to do to prepare for your interview. Let’s take a look at them Conduct Thorough Research. Whether you’ve been invited to a physical or virtual interview, you should swiftly swing into action by conducting intensive research on the following: The company: It’s important to have firsthand knowledge and a comprehensive overview of the company you should undesand understanding its core operations, values, and where you fit into its framework. Your research shouldn’t stop at just knowing their products or services but extend to understanding their company culture. Check the internet for employee testimonials, company publications, their competitors, and their recently embarked projects. This research ensures that you won’t be caught off guard if any questions about the company is thrown at you during your interview. It’s not just about fitting into their structure but also aligning with their values. The role: Make sure you review the job description to refresh your memory, understand your responsibilities and how qualified you are for the position. Make sure your skill set matches the description the company is emphasizing and what they want in their applicant. Do these things to avoid making a bad first impression in your interview. Practice Common Interview Questions Believe that your interviewer is so interested in you that they want to know everything about you. They like to hear stories, they like to hear about your experiences, your education, how long you’ve been in your profession, and how your journey has been so far. Here are some possible questions your interviewer will ask: To answer these questions confidently and perfectly to the taste of your interviewer, you need lots of practice, just as the saying goes ‘practice makes perfect’. Prepare these questions and a lot more ahead of your interview date and time possibly with a friend to help with critiques and corrections if needed. Be Prepared To Ask Questions Towards the end of your interview, you will be asked if you have any questions to ask, most people get it wrong by saying ‘no’, answering your interviewer’s questions is just as important as hem answering yous. This shows the interviewer that you’re interested and ready to learn more about the company, But here are general questions you can ask: Dress Professionally You should’ve at least prepared your clothes by ironing and pressing them a day before your interview. Make sure you’ve perfectly understood the company’s dress code so as not to overdress or underdress for the interview. You make sure you look neat and your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free. Be Punctual Plan to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes earlier for your interview. This would help you do last-minute checkups, calm your nerves, and practice over again. Test Your Technology In Advance If it is your first time doing a virtual interview or you have had an experience, one thing remains unchanged: ‘technical difficulties’. Firstly, a day before your interview, test and see whether your internet connection is secure, and make sure your computer is fully charged and working. Confirm to see if your webcam and microphone are working. On the day of your interview, check your sound and video to ensure everything is working properly. Avoid Distractions If you’re doing a virtual interview, it’ll be advisable to set up your computer in a quiet place with no disturbances and noise to avoid distractions that would divert your attention from your interview as this would leave a bad impression on your interviewer. Print Out Physical Copies Of Your Resume Bringing copies of your resume along with other important documents will help you to easily refer to it when you’re asked any question related to your resume. It shows how organized and prepared you are. Be Confident And Do Not Fidget Calm your nerves and prepare to answer all questions confidently. No matter how skillful or talented you are, if you lack confidence and are restless, you can ruin your chances of getting the job. It’s important to show your interviewee that you’re capable and can handle any situation or task. Nobody wants to work with someone who is not confident enough about their skills and abilities. In conclusion, you can make a strong lasting impression in your interview by Showing real excitement about the job, sharing your achievements, asking smart questions, and telling a short, engaging story about yourself. Lastly, Be thankful and send a quick thank-you email. Remember names and, if needed, send extra info about your skills. Keep it real, and you’ll leave a great impression that sticks in their minds. References:
- Oluwatosin Oguntunde
- Blog
- January 15, 2024
- 24 views
How To Write A Winning Grant Application?
Are you just starting your non-profit organization and you need funding support? Do you have a creative idea of how something can be improved or advanced? Or do you want to hop on valuable research and you think applying for a grant is a good idea? Well, Yes, it is. Being awarded a grant is a great feeling of accomplishment but the process of writing an application letter can be a lot of challenge especially if it’s your first time doing it. So while grants are important to most organizations, you shouldn’t ruin your chances by not writing the perfect proposal. In this article, we’ll discuss how to write a winning grant application. What Is A Grant? A grant is a monetary award provided to support nonprofits, organizations, projects, initiatives, or individuals by government agencies, or foundations. Unlike a loan, grants do not require repayment( not meant to be paid back). Grants are often awarded to people based on specific standards, such as the nature of the project or the qualifications of the individual or organization among many others. They can be allocated for various purposes, including education, research, community development, and charitable activities. What Is A Grant Application Letter? A grant application letter is a formally written request to a grantor or funding organization, seeking financial support. The letter is a crucial component of the grant application process because it serves as a persuasive document that aims to convince and persuade the grantor that the proposed project is worthy of funding. The letter should be clear and concise. How To Write A Winning Grant Application To craft a winning grant application, follow these key steps: Start With Your Executive Summary The executive summary also called the proposal summary is the first section that your finders will read to decide whether to read through your whole proposal or not. This section usually provides a brief overview or summary of your entire proposal. This section should be given the scope of ‘elevator pitch’ because you are expected to describe the most important aspects and features of your proposal in just a few sentences(maybe a paragraph or two). Anyone should be able to read your executive summary and immediately grasp and understand the concept behind your entire proposal. Your executive summary provides an image of how your overall proposal should look like Detailed Organizational Information This section should answer the question ‘What does your organization do and why’. You should provide as much information about your organization without leaving out important details. This is where you disciple your mission, a detailed organizational history, and past and present projects, you can further highlight your nonprofit’s(if you have a non-profit) achievements over the years. It’s also important that you include in this section a unique mission to persuade the finder that your organization is capable and can solve problems when awarded the grant. Statement Of Need The statement of need or the problem statement is the section where you outline and provide in-depth information about the problems you aim to solve through your project. You can create a sense of urgency and peak your funder’s interest by providing a data-driven solution, statistics, and stories that make your need worth funding. Your new employee should be able to answer this question: If your project is funded, how will it improve things for people, and why should the funder be interested? Finders want to make sure their money goes to a worthy cause so this section can either be a primary motivation for finders or not- depending on you. Project Description Your project description Should dive deeper into how each activity and project would be carried out. This section should include an outline that explains how, when, and by whom the project will be carried out and also any collaborations and partnerships between your organization and other organizations working together in- this would help you boost your credibility. Project Goals And Objectives: If you want your application to be successful and effective, you must carefully analyze your organization’s clear goals and objectives. Firstly, there’s a difference between goals and objectives: In defining project goals, identify the broad approach of your initiative. These are the significant, long-term outcomes you intend to achieve. Objectives, on the other hand, are specific, measurable steps that lead to your goals. They provide clear milestones, guiding your project’s progress. For instance, if your goal is to improve literacy rates by 20% in your community, an objective could be implementing a reading program in local schools. Each objective contributes to the broader goal. Project Budget This section is the reason for this grant-where you propose the money you need to solve your problem. You’ll provide a detailed list of all anticipated expenses and income to ensure financial viability. Start by listing all project costs, including materials, labor, and overhead. Allocate funds for unforeseen expenses or emergencies. Use budgeting tools or templates to organize and calculate each line item. Be transparent and realistic, ensuring your budget aligns with the project’s scope and goals. Regularly monitor and adjust the budget as needed during the project to maintain financial control. Finally, present the budget in a clear, understandable format when submitting your grant application. Conclude By Signing The Document This is the last stage of your application process and you should wrap it up by signing and printing your name. You should use essential details about you and your organization. This section adds a personal touch and provides a point of contact for any inquiries. Lastly, specify the intended date of sending the grant to potential grantees. This final step ensures clarity and professionalism, making it easier for the grantor to reach out or respond promptly to your application. In conclusion, writing a top-notch grant is like telling a captivating story about your project. It’s important because it can turn your ideas into reality. To get better at it, keep learning more tips and always do your research before writing. Researching helps you understand what the grant provider wants. So, think of each grant application as a chance to share your project’s potential impact and make your story shine. It’s not just about asking for money – it’s about creating a connection that makes your project irresistible.
