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Motivation Letter- ERASMUS MUNDUS SCHOLARSHIP FOR MATHS DISC JOINT MASTERS PROGRAMME.



OsatoOsazuwa 2 / 3  
Jan 14, 2025   #1
*** 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.

Holt  Educational Consultant - / 15539  
Jan 14, 2025   #2
This motivation letter is background heavy. It fully illustrates your interest in the course and your applicable credentials. What it does not do is address the specifics of the EM motivation letter. These specifics have to do with:

1. Why you chose to attend the 5 universities in the 5 countries
2. How you plan to spend your 2 years as a student
3. A preliminary thesis presentation
4. How your studies can relate to the digital and green transition in your home country

You focused too much on your credentials. The motivation lost relevance in terms of the other information requirements that could further prove your motivation to the scholarship committee. Include the motivations that relate to the aforementioned subjects as well. Yes, you will have to revise the full essay.
OP OsatoOsazuwa 2 / 3  
Jan 14, 2025   #3
Okay thank you for your feedback! I have worked on my motivation letter. I revised it taking into consideration the specifics you highlighted. I hope this version is much better.

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 as a finance manager of a business entity I was revising the End of Year (EOY) projections. The calculations and projections were precise, 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 and predict outcomes with greater accuracy? That moment sparked a restlessness in me and a drive to explore something bigger.

As a First-Class Honours graduate in Accounting (CGPA 4.63/5.0) from the University of Lagos, ranked among the top 8.5% of universities worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings, I have always been fascinated by the logic and structure inherent in 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, Quantitative Methods, and Calculus for Business Students, which provided me with a strong foundation in 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. 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, TensorFlow, Pandas, and NumPy to build machine learning models addressing regression and classification problems.

These efforts were not merely academic but a testament to my dedication to achieving my goals. Through projects such as energy consumption forecasting 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. I am particularly drawn to the diverse expertise of the participating universities, which aligns perfectly with my aspirations. Specifically, I am drawn to Università degli Studi di Verona, renowned for its work in developing financial models and optimizing investment strategies, supported by its research initiatives in the Circular Economy. At Universidade de Lisboa, the strong emphasis on mathematical modelling and risk analysis resonates with my ambition to design sustainable financial systems. Similarly, Université Côte d'Azur's focus on advanced mathematical tools and computational intelligence aligns with my dedication to solving complex problems through scientific machine learning. The University of Wuppertal stands out for its research on robust numerical schemes for solving linear and nonlinear problems in financial derivatives, directly supporting my goal to create models that minimize the likelihood of financial crises. Lastly, the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute offers specialized courses on stochastic and algorithmic modelling for data analysis and machine learning in finance, further enhancing my knowledge in emerging areas of the field.

Over the two years, I plan to immerse myself in the comprehensive coursework and collaborative research opportunities. My focus will be on computational finance and scientific machine learning, with particular attention to financial modelling, risk management strategies and machine learning. I look forward to engaging in cross-institutional projects, leveraging the diverse expertise of faculty and peers, and participating in workshops and conferences to broaden my global perspective.
For my Master's thesis, I aim to explore the application of scientific machine learning in sustainable financial modelling and risk management systems. Specifically, I want to develop predictive models to optimize resource allocation for financial institutions in emerging economies like my home country, focusing on balancing profitability with environmental sustainability. This research will address both industrial needs and societal challenges, contributing directly to the digital and green transition.

Returning to Nigeria, I intend to apply the knowledge and skills gained through the MATHS-DISC programme to drive data-driven innovations. For instance, I intend to collaborate with financial institutions and governmental organizations to develop predictive systems that uncover untapped investment opportunities, driving financial growth and positively impacting local communities. By utilising accurate predictive financial models, I aim to enhance resource allocation and utilisation, thereby reducing economic inequalities and advancing environmentally sustainable practices.

While I may not have a background in engineering or traditional sciences, my story and commitment to learning demonstrate that I am worth giving a chance. My journey has been defined by determination, curiosity, and a desire to make meaningful contributions. This programme offers more than academic advancement for me; it is a chance 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 impactful problem-solving make me a strong candidate for the MATHS-DISC programme.

Warm regards,
Osato Osazuwa.


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