A biography is simply the story of a life. Biographies can be just a few sentences long, or they can fill an entire book—or two. The purpose of this biography is to introduce yourself to other guests at the “Breakfast with the Best” event and highlight yourself for potential employers.
Very short biographies tell the basic facts of someone’s life and importance! Most are written in chronological order and can focus around a major theme, specific topics or outstanding accomplishments.
Tips:
To write a biography you should:
- Write down the basic facts of your life: Name, location, job title, education
- Think about what else you think people should know about you – family, pets, hobbies. Ask yourself: What makes you special or interesting?
- Start the writing! Keep the tone light, the words easy to understand and the flow smooth
Release your URBAN side:
U - unique
• What sets you apart from you collegues, what makes you different, tell us about it
R – relevant
• Who is your target audience, what are you trying to achieve with the biography, what do they want to hear about
B – bonding
• Even though someone reading this may not be talking to you directly, they may eventually – make yourself sound approachable and like someone they WANT and need to meet
A – Arousing
• Be exciting – don’t repeat words or use “cut and paste” phrases. If when reading your biography to yourself and you’re not stimulated, do you expect a potential employer to be?
N – Neat
• If you’ve done something original or different – be sure to note that. It will show your depth of involvement and will give people something to remember you by
Good Luck!
Please submit your completed biographies
by Tuesday February 12 to:
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Length – 250 words maximum
Example biography
Katharine Found
Katharine is in her third year of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the Ontario Veterinary College. She hopes to work as a large animal veterinarian, with a special interest in beef and dairy cattle. Her goal is to improve the health and welfare of animals on farms to guarantee the production of a safe, high quality food product.
Katharine grew up on a family farm in Courtice, Ontario, raising beef cattle and market hogs and was actively involved in the agricultural community. She was a 4-H member, completing more than 70 clubs and has since gone on to lead a club as well. She has also been an active Junior Farmer executive member in her home county of Durham East, helping to organize alumni events and fundraising activities to support the local community. Her agricultural passion has extended to communication and education as well as Katharine enjoys providing farm tours of her family’s farm and their “Learning Barn”.
At the University of Guelph, Katharine was awarded a prestigious President’s Scholarship for her academic and leadership accomplishments. She participates in many student clubs including the OVC Bovine Club, CanACT and College Royal and was elected President of College Royal in 2007 which she says was one of her most rewarding experiences.
In her spare time, Katharine loves to stay active with sports, spending time with her many pets, playing the piano and preparing for her upcoming summer wedding.
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