Personal Statements

Personal Statements might be used for:

  • Graduate/Professional School
  • Post-Grad Service
  • Undergraduate Research
  • Fellowships
  • Scholarships

A personal statement, which may also be called a statement of purpose or letter of intent, is a special type of writing sample about yourself. It is an applicant’s first impression of you and it is your chance to explain your interests, passions and experiences surrounding your chosen career path. The biggest question to answer in a personal statement is WHY. Why is this field a good fit for you? What has inspired you? What have you accomplished so far? Typically, the statement is 2-4 pages; however, each program will have their own specific requirements.

Your personal statement takes TIME. On average, students will go through at least 6 different drafts of their statement. Start early and make sure to meet with your Career Coach in CORE, the Reading/Writing Center, and your academic advisor to review your statement.

The Key Attributes Employers are Looking for on Graduates’ Resumes

Published on January 18, 2024

Students hoping to catch the eye of potential employers through their resume should forego relying only on their strong GPA and instead highlight the attributes and skills they developed in their classwork and through their various experiential assignments, according to  …

By Claire Martino
Claire Martino
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🐟Research, Fish, and Tennessee🐟

Published on January 16, 2024

This past November 2024, two students and one professor embarked on a trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Southeastern Fishes Council Conference was hosted at the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute. Dr. Brittany McCall was the advisor and co-author to Zack Horve …

By Peyton Heisch
Peyton Heisch
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Viking Score Incentives

Published on November 13, 2023

Check out all these cool things you can get for completing Viking Score activities and earning points!

By Claire Martino
Claire Martino
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Common Viking Score Q&A

Published on November 8, 2023

Have a question about Viking Score and how it works?!? Take a look to see if we can answer you question.

By Claire Martino
Claire Martino
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What is keeping you from visiting your Career Coach?

Published on October 23, 2023

What is holding you back? All of the reasons students might be hesitant to visit CORE and meet with a Career Coach and why they might be false.

By Laura Kestner-Ricketts
Laura Kestner-Ricketts Executive Director, Career and Professional Development
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Contact & Location

Phone
309-794-7339
Email
careerdevelopment@augustana.edu
Address

Olin Center
639 38th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201

Career Service Hours

Day of the week
 Office is Open Drop-Ins
Monday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Tuesday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Thursday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Drop-in topics include:

  • Resume & Cover Letter Review
  • Resume & Cover Letter Writing
  • Viking Score Overview
  • LinkedIn Headshot Photo
  • Career Resources Overview