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!*****
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!*****
