Graduate / I seek to join the University of Birmingham; SOP -Ms in International Economic [4]

I just finished writing it and it hasn't been proofread yet.

I will probably have to cut it as some schools require just one page. This is 2 pages long.
I will be applying for a masters in International or development Economic in several schools in the UK, France and a couple here in the US.

I don't have a great GPA --(3.03) that's why I felt I had to explain it in a paragraph. Also, I had a C grade in a macroeconomic class and a Math class too, so I know this won't make things easy for me. I may have spent too much time explaining myself and adding what could be considered "unnecessary stuff" but given that I didn't do so well in my undergrad studies...

In any case, let me know what you think. I'll appreciate any feedback! :)

Thanks!

Although the Ivory Coast is the world's biggest producer of cocoa, poverty is growing in forest zones in the south as a result of the volatility of world prices for coffee and cocoa in recent years. In addition to that, most of the corruption and conflict present have slowed the motion of development processes and sustained poverty in many parts of the West African region. I have great aspirations for the development of the region, which is why I seek to join the University of Birmingham' MS in International Economics program, as I believe that it will adequately equip me to participate in the rebuilding of the very resourceful yet wasted region of West Africa.

I find International Economics to be particularly interesting as it deals with some key issues comprising trade and development economics. The enormity and the significance of this field caught my attention during my assignment at the World Bank. At the same time, I'm aware that it requires a good mathematical background and has obvious implications in real life. I was fortunate to have worked on a trade facilitation proposal for the western region of Africa. It hit me that open trade does provide more economic opportunities for people in such a way that, producers can offer their goods and services to more customers, and consumers can have more choices and access to lower prices. Open markets increase prospects of producing and selling new ideas and products locally, regionally and in global markets, which leads to more income opportunities and the improvement of living standards.

This finding is leading me to pursue higher studies to understand more deeply what trade patterns and policies the Ivory Coast and sub-region should undertake to accomplish sustainable development. My recent experience at the World Bank has definitely inspired me to go back to school for a master in International economics. I was fortunate enough to have witnessed the work that this organization is doing around the world through the project I worked on; it has made me want to further my studies so that I could contribute to the economic growth of those developing countries and in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Having lived in Africa for most of my childhood, I have witnessed firsthand, the level of poverty in which many people still live in. As soon as I graduated high school I was lucky enough to have been granted a Visa to study the English language in London for a year, before moving to the USA. I've been lucky to have visited many countries in my lifetime -none of them as poor as most countries in Africa. I've always felt like I needed to contribute one way or another, to the overall growth of this continent, which is why I studied International Business and political Science. My experience at the World Bank just confirmed the direction I should take for graduate school.

My first experience working for a development organization was in 2011. I was given the opportunity to do an internship with the NGO --- in Washington DC, where I was able to gain some practical experience and learn more about development organizations. This experience has had the greatest impact on me, as I was able to witness the extraordinary work that this organization is doing in the life of women survivors of wars in developing countries. This NGO provides those women with job training, financial aid, rights awareness and leadership education. A degree in International Economics will help me understand the relationship between Economics and war in developing countries and teach me about the things that can be done to rebuild a nation and alleviate the suffering of vulnerable population after a war.

In addition, my experience working for a bank has taught me a lot of statistical skills that I will be able use towards my economic degree and my future job. Learning about interest rates and exchange rates, helped me make better decisions about investing my money.

Moreover, I will be honest and say that I'm not proud of my current GPA, as I could have clearly done much better. During the first year and half of my undergrad studies, I did work full time while paying my way through school; but this is certainly not an excuse as I should have been more prepared. I just don't identify with the person who performed at that level anymore. Nevertheless, in the spring of 2010, I reorganized my priorities, switched to a part time job and I proceeded to improve my cumulative grade point average in each successive semester. I challenged myself that year as I decided to graduate in May 2011, thus obtaining my degree in three years instead of the regular four years that a bachelor degree takes. My last semester was especially challenging as I had started my first internship (was awarded a certificate of appreciation for outstanding contributions to the Sponsorship department), while taking 18 credits. I still obtained my highest semester GPA because I was able to organize very well.

Furthermore, I am aware of the high reputation of your university and the excellent Master programs that you offer. During my research, I discovered that the University of Birmingham has a very interesting curriculum which I believe suits me perfectly; I was very pleased to see that the courses offered for the program cover my specific training needs and are also taught by practicing professionals. These programs will allow me to receive specialized training in key areas of development, such as economic policy or infrastructure management. The University of Birmingham would help me achieve my goal of furthering my education in the economic field through the specialize coursework offered as part of its International economic program; namely the trade theory and development economic policy modules. I'm really looking forward to very interesting semesters and discussions with my soon to be professors, at the Birmingham university.

I can assure you that I will proudly take advantage of any opportunity I will have to contribute in any way, to the campus life. Coming from a small country in West Africa, I have values, beliefs and morals of my own. Travelling the world, I have learned the importance of interacting with others and appreciating a way of life other than your own. I believe I will be a great addition to the student life, when it'll comes to the development of new ideas and projects within the different student groups.

To sum up, I am a hard-working and determined person and I will work hard in hope that the quantity of the effort I put in will result in high quality knowledge. My previous work experience has certainly increased my knowledge of and interest in Economic. With a proper training, if I can contribute even slightly to the development of my country, I will consider myself to be a responsible citizen. The admission to this program will be my first step towards achieving my goal.