Letters / Motivation Letter- ERASMUS MUNDUS SCHOLARSHIP FOR MATHS DISC JOINT MASTERS PROGRAMME. [2]

*** I'm applying for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for MATHS-DISC Joint Masters Programme. I have worked on my motivation letter based on the reviews given in my last thread. This is an updated version of my motivation letter****

Dear Admissions Committee,

I still remember the day I sat at my desk, staring at the numbers on my screen. It was the end of the quarter, and I was revising the End of Year (EOY) projections which simply entails projecting the financial performance of the remaining quarters of the year based on the actual performance of the previous one. The calculations were precise, the projections accurate, and yet, something felt incomplete. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was merely scratching the surface of what these numbers could reveal. While the process was rigorous, relying on instinct and established frameworks left me wondering: What if I could go beyond surface-level insights? What if I could uncover deeper patterns, connect complex data points, and predict outcomes with greater accuracy? That moment sparked a restlessness in me-a drive to explore something bigger.

As a First-Class Honours graduate in Accounting from the University of Lagos (CGPA 4.63/5.0), I have always been captivated by the logic and structure of numbers. My career in finance equipped me with tools to analyse trends, forecast outcomes, and optimize processes. Yet over time, I began to feel constrained by the traditional methods I relied on. My curiosity led me to data science, a field that merges mathematics, technology, and analytics to uncover deeper insights and solve real-world problems. My perspective deepened when I came across the quote by Piyanka Jain, a data scientist: "Everybody needs data literacy because data is everywhere. It's the new currency; it's the language of the business. We need to be able to speak that." This quote resonated deeply with me and reinforced my conviction to pursue a career in data science. It validated my belief that data has the power to shape decisions, uncover solutions, and transform industries. As I learned about the transformative power of machine learning, predictive modelling, and optimization, I saw a natural connection between the foundations of finance and the capabilities of data science. Financial modelling, optimization, and forecasting were no longer just tools-they became gateways to solving more complex, impactful challenges across industries. Inspired by the possibilities, I made the bold decision to transition into data science. This decision marked not just a career change but a personal commitment to harness the power of data to make meaningful contributions.

During my undergraduate studies, I completed courses such as Business Statistics I & II, Quantitative Methods, and Calculus for Business Students, which equipped me with a solid understanding of mathematical modelling, statistical analysis, and problem-solving. I applied these skills in my final-year project, where I conducted a regression analysis to examine the impact of Value Added Tax on Nigeria's economic growth. This project showcased my ability to employ quantitative techniques effectively, analyse complex datasets, and extract actionable insights.

Transitioning from finance to data science has not been an easy path, but it was one I pursued with focus and resilience. To strengthen my foundation, I actively supplemented my skills through additional coursework and hands-on projects which includes advanced mathematics courses in calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and probability offered by Harvard University. I complemented this with a data science internship, where I gained hands-on experience using Python and its libraries, such as Scikit-learn, Pandas, and NumPy to build machine learning models addressing regression and classification problems and utilizing Linear and Logistic Regression, Decision Trees, Random Forests, Support Vector Machines, and XGBoost models.

These efforts were not merely academic-they were a testament to my dedication to achieving my goals. Through projects such as energy consumption forecasting, global educational attainment analysis, and evaluating the probability of default for credit card clients in Taiwan, I have demonstrated my ability to apply technical expertise to solve complex problems. Each of these experiences reinforced my belief that data science has the power to transform industries, and I am determined to contribute to this transformation.

Studying in the Erasmus Mundus MATHS-DISC Master's Programme would be a transformative step toward achieving my career goals. Questioning the relevancy of Accounting to the MATHS-DISC programme is valid. However, the programme's mission to tackle industrial and societal challenges through advanced mathematical and computational methods clearly provides an opportunity for me to leverage my background in accounting and finance, combined with my passion for data science. My interest in Computational Finance and Scientific Machine Learning also aligns seamlessly. I aim to explore sustainable financial models and innovative risk management strategies. By utilizing scientific machine learning, I aspire to develop predictive models and simulations that address complex systems in areas such as financial modelling and resource optimisation directly contributing to the digital and green transition toward a sustainable, human-centered society. The programme's interdisciplinary approach, its emphasis on international collaboration, and its focus on applied research align perfectly with my aspirations to drive meaningful contributions in these domains.

I may not have a background in engineering or traditional science, but my story and my commitment to learning are proof that I am worth giving a chance. What sets me apart is not just my technical skills but my unwavering commitment to growth and my determination to overcome challenges. My journey has been defined by determination, curiosity, and a desire to make meaningful contributions. This programme offers more than academic advancement-it is a chance for me to collaborate with diverse minds, learn from world-class faculty, and develop impactful solutions for a sustainable, human-centered society.
Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that my academic foundation, technical expertise, and passion for problem-solving make me a strong candidate for the MATHS-DISC programme.

Warm regards,
Osato Osazuwa.

Letters / Captivated by numbers - ERASMUS MUNDUS SCHOLARSHIP LETTER OF MOTIVATION [2]

Dear Admissions Committee,

Growing up, I was captivated by numbers. My dad, who worked in an investment company, was my role model, and I envisioned following in his footsteps. This conviction led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the University of Lagos, where I graduated with First-Class Honours and a CGPA of 4.63/5.0. For a long time, I believed the financial sector was where I belonged. However, two years into my career in finance, I realized I was somewhat unfulfilled. The motivation and passion I thought I would find in this field were absent, leaving me restless and searching for a more meaningful path.
The turning point came when I watched Moneyball, a film that illuminated the power of data in decision-making and its ability to predict outcomes. It opened my eyes to the vast potential of data science and its transformative applications. It also sparked a realization that the very foundations of accounting and finance which encompasses financial modelling, optimization, and predictive analysis are deeply intertwined with mathematics and data science. Inspired and determined, I made the bold decision to dedicate myself fully to exploring this field.

It is understandable to question the relevancy of Accounting to the MATHS-DISC programme. However, my academic and professional journey has shown me how accounting, finance, mathematics, and data science are deeply interconnected. In finance, quantitative methods are the backbone of decision-making, and the use of statistical and mathematical tools is critical for analysing trends, forecasting outcomes, solving business and financial problems. I have experienced this firsthand whilst creating financial models to derive trends, optimize processes, and support decision-making. During my undergraduate studies, I completed courses such as Business Statistics I & II, Quantitative Methods, and Calculus for Business Students, which equipped me with a solid understanding of mathematical modelling, statistical analysis, and problem-solving. I applied these skills in my final-year project, where I conducted a regression analysis to examine the impact of Value Added Tax on Nigeria's economic growth. This project showcased my ability to employ quantitative techniques effectively, analyse complex datasets, and extract actionable insights.

Beyond my academic background and professional experience, I have actively supplemented my skills through additional coursework and hands-on projects. I have enrolled in advanced mathematics and programming courses, which includes online courses on calculus, linear algebra, statistics and probability offered by Harvard University and also a 6 months training internship in Data Science where I learnt how to use Python and its libraries, including but not limited to, NumPy, Pandas, Seaborn, Matplotlib and Sckit-learn to build machine learning algorithms to address regression and classification problems using Linear or Logistic Regression algorithm, Decision Tree algorithm, Random forest algorithm, Support Vector Machine and XgBoost algorithm. I am proficient in Python and SQL, which I have applied to projects such as developing machine learning models for energy consumption forecasting and conducting trend analyses on global educational attainment. These experiences reflect how accounting concepts like forecasting and variance analysis naturally extend into data science applications.

Gaining the opportunity to study in the Erasmus Mundus MATHS-DISC Master's Programme would be transformative for achieving my career goals. My interest in Computational Finance and Scientific Machine Learning aligns closely with the programme's goal to address industrial and societal challenges through advanced mathematical and computational tools. My domain experience in accounting and finance coupled with my passion for data science provides me the opportunity to explore sustainable financial models and risk management strategies and with the aid of scientific machine learning models built, this offers the opportunity to develop predictive models and simulations that address complex systems in areas like resource optimization and energy efficiency, directly supporting digital and green transition towards sustainable human-centered society. This interdisciplinary programme, with its unique structure of international collaboration and applied research, perfectly aligns with my aspirations to contribute meaningfully to these domains.

This program represents more than academic growth-it is a chance to fully realize my potential at the intersection of mathematics, data science, and finance. The chance to learn from international faculty and collaborate with a diverse cohort is particularly exciting, as I thrive in environments that encourage global perspectives and teamwork. Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that my academic foundation, technical expertise, and commitment to learning make me a strong candidate for the MATHS-DISC programme.

Warm regards,
Osato Osazuwa.

***Please help me review my motivation letter. Thank you!*****