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We know it can be nerve racking to write a scholarship application, what do I write? am i worthy? Of course you are! and we have put together some of the top FAQ's from Zonta when applying.
Q: Should I apply?
A: YES If you have strong academic results (D and HD marks), you are passionate about promoting women in the business world and you can demonstrate this passion through your work and/or volunteering, you should definitely apply for the scholarship.
Q: Is the application a lot of work?
A: The application is not a lot of work if you are organised. Create a folder in your documents and start collating the information you need. Give your referees enough time to provide a reference for you and provide them with some information to incorporate into the reference. Get your academic transcript ready and your enrolment certified on the form in the application form (certification available from the University Student Services). Research Zonta and the scholarship and write your 500 word essay. Do not add unnecessary information like a CV or lots of background information. These will not be considered.
Q Which application form should I use? There is one on the Zonta International website and one on the Zonta Perth Northern Suburbs website.
A Use the application form on the Zonta Perth Northern Suburbs website as it has all the details about the deadline and who to send the application to and the address.
Q Should I send the application form by email attachment or by post?
A You can send the application by email or post, but email attachments are preferred. Please save your application as a pdf and send it by email to:
Q Do I need to submit the recommendation form (page 9) with my application, or does my lecturer, supervisor or employer need to send it to Zonta directly along with the letter of recommendation on letter head (if they prefer)?
A At the bottom of page 9 on your application form, where your referees write their rating and reference, there is a section where they return the form. Please enter the information on page 5 so the referees can send the information directly to the secretary of the club (see email above). It should be very straight forward for them to email it, if you provide all of the information about where to send it. They can include a letter on letterhead should they wish, or simply write their reference on the form. However, they must return the form by the deadline. This is very important. The deadline is 26th May 2023.
Q Who are the best people to ask to be referees?
A You need two referees. One must be an academic/lecturer/supervisor from your university who can give you a ranking against other students. It is important to pick someone who knows you. For example, ask a lecturer who knows you by name and is very familiar with your work, or a supervisor who knows your abilities. If you don’t know any lecturers personally, a course coordinator will be able to check your academic record and rank you, but they will not be able to write you a detailed reference. Clue: get to know a lecturer well, particularly if you are an online student – send them an email to introduce yourself and let them know your goals and ambitions. The other reference should be from an employer or volunteer supervisor or someone senior to you who you have worked with closely (eg. supervisor).
Q When should I ask my referees for a reference?
A You should ask your referees as soon as possible. You must give them at least two weeks before the reference is due.
Q What can I provide my lecturer/employer/supervisor with to help with my reference?
A It is helpful to remind your lecturer who you are and what you have achieved., eg. your results or grade point average; any awards, previous scholarships; your voluntary work; any family commitments etc. However, it is also good to give them an idea of your ambitions and hopes for the future. Write some dot points that your lecturer/employer/supervisor can use in a reference.
Q What is needed for verification of enrolment?
A Zonta International requires verification of your current enrolment. A form needs to be signed by the university/college/institute registrar or their representative – a stamp is also required (see page 11 of application). Acceptance letters are not verification of enrolment and will not be accepted. Clue: Go to the Student Services with page 11 ready and explain what you need. You should have your student card ready so that the staff can check your student transcript. If you don’t have a current copy of your student transcript, you can organise one at the same time.
IMPORTANT We need your student transcript!
Q Do I need a certified translation for the transcripts and completion certificate of my undergraduate degree completed in another non-English speaking country? Or will the decision be solely based on my current university marks?
A All non-English documents must be translated into English and be certified. It is really helpful to see these, especially if you have not been studying in Australia for long. It is also important to explain how the marks are awarded in the country where you gained your qualification or marks. For example, in some cases students may pass or fail in a subject. In other cases, marks may be awarded numerically or A B C Fail. In Western Australia we use HD, D etc. Even if you haven’t completed a previous qualification, it is helpful to see your marks from an incomplete degree.
Q Does it make any difference if I am studying part-time?
A No! You are judged solely on merit. You may enter if you are studying part-time or full-time.
Q What about if I am an international student?
A This also makes no difference. You may apply and include previous transcripts as long as they are translated in the correct manner.
Q I’m an online student. Will this disadvantage me?
A It should not disadvantage you. However, we understand it may be harder to find a lecturer to provide a reference for you. Get to know a lecturer and let them know who you are and what you need. It may also be harder to demonstrate volunteer or leadership activities at a university level. Think creatively and show what you do locally or even internationally, eg. coaching the local netball team; volunteering in your child’s school; mentoring a refugee or person from a linguistically or culturally diverse background; experience volunteering overseas or in a rural or remote Australian location; sponsoring a child either in Australia or elsewhere; writing to other students or people overseas to keep networks alive or to support them.
Q What should I put in my essay in order to stand out from the crowd?
A First make sure you keep to the word limit of 500 words. More does not mean it is better. A short concise essay that gives a sense of who you are, what you value and what you aim to achieve, is far better. The scholarship judges would like to read about how you can make a difference to women’s lives in the business world and what kind of energy and passion you can bring to this huge challenge. Let them know how the Jane M Klausman Women in Business Scholarship will assist you in reaching your goals.
Q What will make the difference in my application?
A Most students who apply for this scholarship are academically strong, but the thing that tends to give a potential winner an edge is their volunteer activities and leadership activities. Many applicants have experience at university, but the judges really value activities carried out away from university as well. You are all very busy people, most of you combine study, work, volunteering, family etc. What do you do in regards to sport, parenting, supporting colleagues at work? Have you done any additional leadership courses or training courses to help you promote women in business? How do you lead by example?
Q What happens once I have submitted my application?
A Your application is judged by a panel of experienced academics. They will select a winner and the Zonta Area 3 Director will contact the winner as well as the non-successful applicants. This may take 2 months of more. As the JMK coordinator, I will provide feedback to all non-successful applicants. If their study continues until at least the end of 2023 they may be eligible to apply again the following year. I will provide the winner with advice about the process of accepting her award. The winner’s application will be automatically sent for judging at the Australian District 23 Level which comprises the states of WA,SA, Vic and Tasmania. Our previous 2022 Area 3 winner Amy Zahra has won the International prize of US$5,000. Together with their Area 3 prize of $1,500, this is a substantial contribution towards their studies. The District winner is automatically the winner at the International level, where women from around the world compete.
If you have specific questions or require further information, please contact:
Linda Tinning
Jane M Klausman Women in Business Scholarship Coordinator
Zonta, Area 3
ltinning@bigpond.net.au