问题：Hi , I would like to know that is it necessary and recommended to mention a specific company and position when I talk about my career plan in my ps? For example, is it not good only to say “I would like to be in a marketing department in tourism area” even though I will add more details to describe?

回答：

Thanks for asking this! It’s a good question. These are my thoughts:

[1] I think if this helps to persuade the reader that you’ll be motivated for what you’ll be studying on the program that is valuable.

[2]It is also important to present a developed and thought-through career plan to show that you’ve reflected on your future carefully, and investigated the options available to you. To not do so, *could* suggest that the application to the program itself isn’t based on particularly strong research either! That’s an impression you should seek to avoid – programs are keen to know that you’re serious (and that if you are offered a place, you’ll accept it). 

[3] You should also be presenting yourself as a serious person and part of that could well involve detailed awareness of your future career options (as a result of attending the program).

[4] I would probably advise against naming specific companies (although some programs actually ask you to do so, in which case: of course you should do what the question asks!) The reason for this is that you don’t want to appear too ‘dogmatic’. Grad school requires intellectual flexibility, open-mindedness, and the ability to grapple with problems that are not clearly defined. Being set on one company alone as your goal could be interpreted as a ‘rigid’ mindset. You don’t want that. 

[5] Lastly, similar to [4], and to promote an impression that you are fully aware of your options, and mature enough to know the world is a complex, evolving place where things—including career paths and options—can change very quickly. The oscillations of global markets, the bizarre behavior of American presidents… these things can all have a profound impact on the economy and thus the nature of careers in different sectors; therefore, again—and to project maturity—you may want to consider listing a couple of ways you see your career path developing. 

[6] Remember the underlying goals here: You’re well-informed, you’re motivated for the subject, you’re open-minded and realistic about how careers in your area work, and equipped to make good decisions about your future, as necessary.