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A desire to Drive Meaningful Impact & Change in Developing nations (Application for QTEM Exchange)



lamiasalim 2 / 4  
Jan 18, 2025   #1
I am applying for the QTEM Exchange Program 2025 and would appreciate some feedback.

The essay should be around 4500 characters without space, mine is around 4800. Will that be a problem?

Here is the Essay:

I was first introduced to data analysis during my tenure at British American Tobacco, an FMCG company, as a Territory Officer. My responsibilities included data entry, extraction, trend analysis, and sales forecasting. These tasks opened my eyes to the transformative power of data-driven decision-making. I found myself engrossed in analyzing numbers, deriving insights, and understanding the stories they told. Coming from Bangladesh, a country 2/5th the size of Germany, with a population twice as large, I realized the untapped potential of leveraging the vast data generated daily. However, my experience at CUB, a local company, was a stark reminder of the challenges faced by developing nations. There, I encountered an absence of data analysis, minimal data collection, and a lack of digitization-processes were still largely manual in the 21st century. This reliance on trial-and-error methods not only hampered efficiency but also incurred significant costs. Extrapolating this to a national scale reveals the pressing need for digital transformation.

In developing countries, these challenges are exacerbated by limited literacy rates and resource constraints. As Jay Baer aptly stated, "We are surrounded by data but starved for insights." The lack of data utilization perpetuates inefficiency and missed opportunities. Despite these hurdles, I see an opportunity for mutual exchange: while the West faces declining birth rates and a labor shortage, the East has an abundance of human resources, albeit unskilled. My vision is to bridge this gap by promoting digital literacy in countries like Bangladesh, equipping individuals with the skills needed to contribute to the global workforce effectively.

The limitations in digital education became evident to me when I sought to enhance my knowledge. The absence of opportunities to explore advanced digital transformation techniques at home led me to pursue a Master's in Management Science at Goethe University. Courses like Consumer Insights, New Products Management, and Data Analytics are equipping me with a solid foundation to understand quantitative methods for driving digital transformation. However, my passion lies in marketing, and I aim to complement my education with expertise in Digital Marketing, SEO, and Social Media Marketing (SMM). These fields will enable me to become a digital storyteller and mentor those who aspire to achieve global independence but lack access to guidance and education.

The University of Amsterdam offers the perfect platform to achieve my goals. With its renowned Digital Marketing courses, including SEO, Online Marketing, and E-commerce, I can build on my quantitative knowledge while mastering creative marketing strategies. I am particularly drawn to Prof. Dr. U. (Umut) Konus, whose extensive experience in these fields aligns with my aspirations. This program will empower me to mentor individuals in developing countries, enabling them to transcend geographical barriers and achieve financial independence.

This mission is deeply personal. Growing up as a woman in a patriarchal society, I have faced numerous challenges firsthand. Observing the struggles of my fellow citizens due to inefficient practices and systemic barriers has fueled my determination to drive sustainable change. Women's empowerment has been a cause close to my heart throughout my journey. During my MBA at the top public university in Bangladesh, I participated in the a2i project under the government's "Digital Bangladesh Program." This initiative, led by the Prime Minister, aimed to alleviate poverty, promote digital services, and empower women through entrepreneurship. Traveling to districts like Cox's Bazar, Rangpur, and Sylhet, I engaged with hundreds of women from diverse backgrounds. Their resilience and thirst for knowledge were inspiring. Yet, their lack of confidence and access to digital skills highlighted the urgent need for mentorship and education.

Studying in the Netherlands will not only provide me with academic excellence but also immerse me in a culture deeply committed to sustainability. Amsterdam's vibrant international community will offer exposure to diverse perspectives, enabling me to exchange ideas and understand global needs better. This experience will allow me to bring innovative practices back to Bangladesh, fostering sustainable development and empowering underrepresented communities.
Looking ahead, I am particularly interested in conducting research on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications in developing nations. My research will focus on how these technologies can be leveraged to address inefficiencies, improve decision-making processes, and drive sustainable development in countries with limited resources. By exploring AI-driven solutions for data analysis, resource optimization, and digital literacy, I aim to contribute to bridging the digital divide and unlocking the potential of emerging economies.

I believe this journey will equip me with the tools to inspire change and create tangible impact. By pursuing this program, I am not just envisioning a better future for myself but for countless individuals in underdeveloped regions who yearn for opportunities and empowerment. With the knowledge I gain, I plan to return to Bangladesh and beyond, fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. This is not just a dream but a commitment to a global vision where technology transcends borders and empowers the underserved.

My aspirations align with Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy: "Be the change you want to see in the world." I am ready to live by these words and lead others toward realizing their potential in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Holt  Educational Consultant - / 15526  
Jan 19, 2025   #2
The answer to your question is yes, your essay presentation will be affected by the over run of 300 words in your response. Since this is an application that will be submitted electronically, the system has been designed to cut off all submitted text at 500 words. What will happen when you go over that number? Either the system will allow you a limited time to edit the essay to up to 500 words or, you will not be able to submit the document and you will have to edit it offline. My advice is, remove the unnecessary quotations from other people. Keep the essay focused on your thoughts, insights, and perspectives. That is what the reviewer is curious to learn about. The words coming from other people will not be considered as a part of your application essay.
OP lamiasalim 2 / 4  
Jan 19, 2025   #3
@Holt
Okay thankyou for the information. Could you also give me your opinion about the essay otherwise? Is there anything you think i should change or add?


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