Motivation letter for a PhD in Global trade and development

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University of MontpellierFaculty of Economics and Social SciencesRue de Truel

Montpellier, France

Ileana Mineola

Timisoara Street, 67

Bucharest, Romania

E-mail: myname@domainanme.com

Telephone: 339-1219855

20/09/2013

Dear Madam, Sir,

I am Ileana Mineola, motivated student in MA in International Economics at the University of Bucharest, expected to graduate at the end of this year. I appreciate this opportunity to introduce myself at your University and to apply for the programme PhD in Global Trade and Development at the University of Montpellier. With my educational background and working experience in the field of international trade, I strongly believe that I am suitable candidate for the programme.

Since my high school days I have developed strong interests for the issues regarding international economics, especially international trade and development, as I advocate the opinion that the export orientated trade is a motor for stronger international development.  That is why I enrolled myself at the University of Bucharest, where I graduated first in my class, with distinction at the programme BA in Economics and Macroeconomic Policy. At the moment, I am writing my master thesis at the same University, based on the research that I have conducted on the role of the international trade in the EU aid assistance policies. Therefore, I would like to apply for a PhD at the University of Montpellier, and in the same time for scholarship at the University’s fund. As I do not have sufficient funds for the tuition fees, I believe that my competences and academic records recommend me for the limited number of placements at the University.

I personally believe that every person applying for PhD in International Economics should be as much as specialized in research and practice in that field, as me. In favor of that thesis I should mention that I have been working within the World Trade Organization, as an Intern in Eurasian economic area. In 2011-2012, I have been staying in Geneva for over a year, where I gained precious experience in the field of international trade and relations in one excellent organization. This experience enabled me to be familiar with the work in international environment and to abide to the international decision making and policies.

During my studies at the University of Bucharest, I have developed special interest for the international development, as addition to my aspiration to be international trade expert. However, I wanted to combine those interests of mine as a Junior Researcher at the International Trade Institute, where I am currently employed. International Trade Institute is one of the most reputable institutes in East Europe, among the institutes with trade development as their main topics of research activity. I was employed on the recommendation of my professor George Lucas, one year ago, as I have proven my skills in topics like Eurasian trade, EU trade policies and international development during our common research. As a Junior Research I am involved in basic research and modeling of intra-industrial trade in the EU, monitoring international trade developments and analyzing new trade policies in the region of Eurasia. One of my most favorable activities was my work on the EUR-Asia model, used for forecast of the future developments in the Eurasia region. I worked on the model for more than one year with small team of researchers at the Institute and after several tests and practice the model revealed surprisingly good application for analyzing international trade in general, not just to focus on the region. As the model got international recognition I was invited to present the model to the Board of the African Development Bank, where it should be implemented for the Bank’s analysis.

Working experience received provided me with a deeper realization of importance of being competent in various spheres of economic research: international trade, econometrics, development and economic policy. I deeply convinced that all those spheres make an Economist to be complete expert in this field of research. The understanding of this fact and my strong aspiration to become highly qualified researcher of international level led me to decision to apply for the position at your University, as the University of Montpellier has a strong reputation in that field.

After I read carefully the description of the PhD programme and the course requirements, I believe that it perfectly matches my research interests and profile. Afterwards I have continued my research at the University website, where I gained useful information about the University campus and the student life in Montpellier. I believe that I will be positive addition to your team, fit well in your organization and be a useful member of the community, as I love to volunteer and to be active in the field of social causes and campaigns.

As I understand, this programme is very competitive, attracting highly motivated students, but I am convinced that my good record at the University and during my work as a researcher give me a strong recommendation for a place at it. I would be honored if you decide to accept my candidateship to be PhD student at the University of Montpellier 2013/2016.

 

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

 

Sincerely yours,

Ileana Mineola