Graduate / I was numerically inclined; Statement of Purpose: Masters in Analytics [5]

Hi guys, its been a while since I posted here. I wanted to reach out and take your input on my statement of interest for a graduate program in analytics. Thanks in advance for your feedback...all your help is well appreciated :)

A brief statement of how the XYZ program fits into your near-term and long-term professional career goals?

Looking back as far I can recall I was numerically inclined with a strong aptitude for analytical thinking. I carried this with me throughout my education, having graduated with a combined bachelors in mathematics and economics followed by a masters in economics I gained a strong base in statistics, a subject I thoroughly enjoy. However, it wasn't until I participated in an online technology entrepreneurship course at ABC University that I realized my desire to combine my love for data-driven decision making with my new found passion for entrepreneurship. The course introduced me to an amazing group of likeminded individuals across three continents and together we worked on identifying specific industry needs as part of an analytics based consulting start-up.

Working in various roles within the government and non-for-profit sectors exposed me to a variety of circumstances where advice to public officials, senior management and board members on policy measures is critical to stakeholder's wellbeing. These experiences helped me ask the right questions, questions like how will negotiating new grain handling terms with industry impact farmer's bottom line? or what federal payments the province expects under an array of economic uncertainties? I often resorted to a creative data-driven approach to deduce an outcome(s) to the question at hand. Having a strong foundation in statistical analysis helped me tremendously in fulfilling my desire to think outside the box. Consequently, I found myself being a member of the team or the person at hand decision makers resorted to when developing strategy.

With the ever growing volume of structured and unstructured data available nowadays, I quickly realized my limitations in capturing insight using software applications and technology. I believe the XYZ's program core courses will help add the necessary tools to my toolbox, especially in areas data mining, data visualization and web analytics and build on my SAS knowledge. The XYZ's proven track record of post-graduation employment will provide me with the opportunity to apply my newly gained skill set as business analytics consultant in sectors of interest such as agribusiness and energy. More importantly, the XYZ's cohort-based learning experience combined with the programs focus on team performance will provide an avenue to share my experiences with fellow team members and expand on my professional network. I am confident the program will help me realize my long-term goal of growing my consulting business in the identified markets by leveraging my professional educational background along with the programs' industry connections.

Graduate / Back to Graduate School for more Economics: Letter of Intent! [2]

Dear All,

I came across this site today, and noticed how amazing is the feedback people receive for their writing. I am very happy to come across this site and hope to be just as lucky. I am looking for overall feedback in content, flow and really any suggestions that can be of help

In brief, I hold a BSc in math, and an MA in Economics from a Canadian institution. However, after 2 years of working as an economist in the public sector...I decided to its time to go back to class. Except I can't go straight into PhD because of low grades in 2 of the core courses (i describe below in the letter)...instead I am applying for another Masters in hopes I can take courses that would help me get into PhD. I don't mentioned my intent to pursue PhD initially as it seems unfavourable in the process.

Note: " (..) " is inserted instead of names.

without further a due...
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I am writing to you with great interest in the Masters of Public Economics program at (..) University. I am an economist with an aptitude for addressing economic issues through creative statistical techniques. I have keen interest in macroeconomic and public policy issues related to Canada. Throughout my academic and professional careers, I conducted independent economic research in a variety of fields, including macroeconomics, econometrics, and public finance.

I find economic policy to be particularly fascinating as it addresses many interesting problem in public finance, public policy and the dynamics between governments in general through qualitative and quantitative approaches. My interest in public economics however is a recent development in my career. I believe it is a byproduct of my various life experiences, my research interests, and my academic and professional backgrounds. These developments ultimately materialized in choosing a career path in public policy.

My interest initially began when I traveled to Canada by way of Lebanon to join the department of mathematics at (..) University. My curiosity for solving intricate problem in mathematics steered me towards taking a variety of courses in algebra, calculus, statistics, topology and real analysis to list a few. However my first encounter with economics only came later when I took an elective course in macroeconomics during my second year. This sparked an interest in the subject and proved to be a turning point in my academic career. After successfully completing a combined degree in mathematics and economics, and still wanting to learn more about economic theory I pursued a Masters degree in Economics at the University of (..). During my first semester however I went through some difficult times dealing with a personal loss along with other personal issues. In dealing with these issues, I let my academic performance slip. Despite this unpleasant period, I remained focused and achieved higher grades in my entire remaining course work. I also went on to present a well-received Masters project to faculty members and students that earned an 'A' overall grade. Please see my attached CV for details.

My curiosity to test my newly cultivated skill set in real world applications led me into seeking an economist position with the (..) Ministry of (..). My tenure with the ministry's Office of (..) proved to be a great learning experience that enhanced my understanding of the challenges faced by the province and policy analysts alike especially during these difficult economic times. It also proved to be a vast playground for creative and interesting application in economic policy. One of the many interesting applications I encountered is developing (..) fiscal equalization-forecasting model, which I further discuss in my 'written statement'.

I want to study at (..) University, because it emphasizes on the rigor and analytical tools that are necessary for policy analysis. I want to develop and exploit these skills to the greatest extent by carrying advanced research in the Canadian public sector, think tanks or in world nonprofit organizations such as the United Nations. I feel the help and guidance that can be provided to me by the distinguished faculty of your university will be invaluable. I am sure if given the opportunity to study at your university I will be in favorable environment that will bring the best in me.

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