I need your advise on my essay!!!
Dear Selection Committee,
I am writing to convince you that I am a potential candidate for the GLOCAL program, particularly Track C: Sustainable Business Development. Being selected for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to pursue this program would help me overcome financial barriers and achieve my goal of becoming an ESG consultant.
I grew up in X, a coastal district in northern Vietnam, known for its fish sauce tradition. As a child, I watched fishermen bring in fresh catches while villagers carefully selected the best fish and mixed it with sea salt. When I asked my father why, he explained it was to preserve the natural flavors and avoid industrial additives. From this, I learned that local communities can sustainably thrive by respecting nature and using resources wisely.
My interest in "sustainability" continued to grow during my studies in Economics and International Development at Foreign Trade University, where I gained a solid foundation in economics, business, and sustainability. I started with foundational courses, then specialized in International Economics and Regional Economics, where I learned classical theories like the Heckscher-Ohlin and Gravity models. In mid-term essays, I proactively applied them in analyzing the competitive advantage of Vietnamese businesses globally. In Economic Development, I used standardized indicators to measure Vietnam's sustainable growth. These courses equipped me with knowledge and skills to apply theoretical frameworks to address practical issues in Vietnam. With consistent effort, I achieved my cumulative GPA of 3.8/4.0, ranking 2nd in my class and earning annual scholarships and Outstanding Student awards (Top 2% of faculty's students).
With a passion for science, I actively applied to work as a research assistant in the Faculty of Business Administration. Under the guidance of Dr. X, an expert in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), I spent three years deepening my understanding of CSR as a key strategy for sustainability. I got the chance to lead two CSR research projects, focusing on its social impact. Research has been a meaningful journey, allowing me to build on past studies, explore unanswered questions, and realize there is so much more to discover-driving me to keep learning and growing. With relentless dedication, we won top prizes in scientific competitions and publications in international journals like Social Responsibility Journal (Q1 Scopus) and Journal of Asian Business and Economic Studies (top journal in Vietnam). I also carried my passion for CSR into my graduation thesis, focusing on its environmental impact, earning an A grade.
Outside of research, I have upgraded myself in extracurricular activities, including global contests, international conferences, projects, cultural events, and clubs, in both leadership and membership roles. My proudest achievement was co-founding CentiVoice, a platform connecting talented freelancers with Human Resources. Driven by market research that revealed a lack of quality services to meet the growing demand for freelancers, I launched this project to address the gap. Our youthful enthusiasm and mentors' support helped us build a database of around 1000 talents and fulfill over 100 businesses' requests, and together, we reached the Top 5 in the Kawai Business Start-up competition.
My next chapter was with Karuna, a social enterprise tackling deforestation in Vietnam. As a marketing leader, I communicated the company's ESG values and discovered that ESG is a comprehensive strategy for sustainable business. I spearheaded a documentary from a Thanh Hoa forest trip, used in our ESG strategy to attract foreign partners. This effort contributed to Karuna being selected for the Dutch-funded "Ready for Export" program in June 2023. Insights into ESG are further explored through my current role as a national assistant intern in the Private Sector Development Committee (Committee IV) of the Prime Minister's Advisory Council. I contributed to ESG and digital transformation reports by analyzing policies and raising ideas for green communication with businesses. This job broadened my vision, allowing me to work with top government officials, sustainable business leaders and institute directors, contributing to Vietnam's sustainable transformation.
However, the challenges I faced at both jobs made me reflect deeply. One key challenge at Karuna was convincing local farmers to shift from slash-and-burn farming to forest beekeeping for honey production. They resisted, believing their traditional methods were sufficient. Similarly, at Committee IV, during the "ESG Analysis: Global Experiences and Lessons for Vietnam" project, I found that many local businesses were also reluctant to adopt ESG practices, seeing them as relevant only to large corporations and unnecessary to follow. All of these issues can be described as a "complacent mindset". This mindset is detrimental, as it prevents businesses from seeking better opportunities, instead accepting things as they are and embracing mediocrity. In the era of globalization, with strict measures like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the world is undergoing a powerful shift toward sustainability. Failure to change this mindset will undoubtedly hinder Vietnam's economic development in the global market.
So, how to solve it? The answer lies in fostering a "growth mindset". This drives me to pursue a Master's degree to deepen my expertise and learn from countries that have strongly implemented sustainable business practices. My ambition is to return to Committee IV, using my knowledge and network to develop a supportive ecosystem for ESG implementation, including awareness training programs, consultation services, and supportive partnerships. Track C of your program aligns perfectly with my aspirations. First, it complements my previous studies by offering a multi-scale, historical, and political approach to develop cross-sector, public-private collaborations for ESG support. Second, the program's focus on sustainable business and its relevance to environmental, social, and governance issues in "Consultancy in Environmental Management", "Sustainability Issues in Latin America" and "Strategic Management Research" will significantly enrich my knowledge. Third, consulting skills and network of experts across Scotland, Spain, and Colombia will equip me with valuable insights to apply in Vietnam. Lastly, growing up in a Vietnamese rural village, studying abroad has always been my dream. Experiencing education in three countries will allow me to foster cultural exchange among diverse backgrounds.
For my Master's thesis, I have chosen the topic "Does institutional support for ESG enhance the likelihood of exporting to the EU?". This study will fill the research gap on the relationship between ESG and exports from an institutional perspective. I aspire to work under Prof. Iván Lobo at Los Andes University, Prof. Jeffrey Fear at Glasgow University, and Prof. Aurelia Estrada at University of Barcelona. Their expertise in sustainable business can help me broaden my knowledge in the field.
My lifelong ambition is to connect the European Sustainable Business Federation and Vietnam. I plan to create initiatives in transferring technologies from the EU to Vietnam, helping Vietnamese businesses meet ESG standards. In return, Vietnam would offer tax incentives for attracting investors, helping the EU access more sustainable sources and boosting Vietnam's competitiveness in the global market. This supports SDG 8 (Sustainable Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption).
From a Vietnamese rural girl, I have grown into someone with clear goals, strong passions, and big dreams. With consistent effort, I am confident in my candidacy for the scholarship. This opportunity will be life-changing, helping me turn my plan into reality.
Dear Selection Committee,
I am writing to convince you that I am a potential candidate for the GLOCAL program, particularly Track C: Sustainable Business Development. Being selected for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to pursue this program would help me overcome financial barriers and achieve my goal of becoming an ESG consultant.
I grew up in X, a coastal district in northern Vietnam, known for its fish sauce tradition. As a child, I watched fishermen bring in fresh catches while villagers carefully selected the best fish and mixed it with sea salt. When I asked my father why, he explained it was to preserve the natural flavors and avoid industrial additives. From this, I learned that local communities can sustainably thrive by respecting nature and using resources wisely.
My interest in "sustainability" continued to grow during my studies in Economics and International Development at Foreign Trade University, where I gained a solid foundation in economics, business, and sustainability. I started with foundational courses, then specialized in International Economics and Regional Economics, where I learned classical theories like the Heckscher-Ohlin and Gravity models. In mid-term essays, I proactively applied them in analyzing the competitive advantage of Vietnamese businesses globally. In Economic Development, I used standardized indicators to measure Vietnam's sustainable growth. These courses equipped me with knowledge and skills to apply theoretical frameworks to address practical issues in Vietnam. With consistent effort, I achieved my cumulative GPA of 3.8/4.0, ranking 2nd in my class and earning annual scholarships and Outstanding Student awards (Top 2% of faculty's students).
With a passion for science, I actively applied to work as a research assistant in the Faculty of Business Administration. Under the guidance of Dr. X, an expert in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), I spent three years deepening my understanding of CSR as a key strategy for sustainability. I got the chance to lead two CSR research projects, focusing on its social impact. Research has been a meaningful journey, allowing me to build on past studies, explore unanswered questions, and realize there is so much more to discover-driving me to keep learning and growing. With relentless dedication, we won top prizes in scientific competitions and publications in international journals like Social Responsibility Journal (Q1 Scopus) and Journal of Asian Business and Economic Studies (top journal in Vietnam). I also carried my passion for CSR into my graduation thesis, focusing on its environmental impact, earning an A grade.
Outside of research, I have upgraded myself in extracurricular activities, including global contests, international conferences, projects, cultural events, and clubs, in both leadership and membership roles. My proudest achievement was co-founding CentiVoice, a platform connecting talented freelancers with Human Resources. Driven by market research that revealed a lack of quality services to meet the growing demand for freelancers, I launched this project to address the gap. Our youthful enthusiasm and mentors' support helped us build a database of around 1000 talents and fulfill over 100 businesses' requests, and together, we reached the Top 5 in the Kawai Business Start-up competition.
My next chapter was with Karuna, a social enterprise tackling deforestation in Vietnam. As a marketing leader, I communicated the company's ESG values and discovered that ESG is a comprehensive strategy for sustainable business. I spearheaded a documentary from a Thanh Hoa forest trip, used in our ESG strategy to attract foreign partners. This effort contributed to Karuna being selected for the Dutch-funded "Ready for Export" program in June 2023. Insights into ESG are further explored through my current role as a national assistant intern in the Private Sector Development Committee (Committee IV) of the Prime Minister's Advisory Council. I contributed to ESG and digital transformation reports by analyzing policies and raising ideas for green communication with businesses. This job broadened my vision, allowing me to work with top government officials, sustainable business leaders and institute directors, contributing to Vietnam's sustainable transformation.
However, the challenges I faced at both jobs made me reflect deeply. One key challenge at Karuna was convincing local farmers to shift from slash-and-burn farming to forest beekeeping for honey production. They resisted, believing their traditional methods were sufficient. Similarly, at Committee IV, during the "ESG Analysis: Global Experiences and Lessons for Vietnam" project, I found that many local businesses were also reluctant to adopt ESG practices, seeing them as relevant only to large corporations and unnecessary to follow. All of these issues can be described as a "complacent mindset". This mindset is detrimental, as it prevents businesses from seeking better opportunities, instead accepting things as they are and embracing mediocrity. In the era of globalization, with strict measures like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the world is undergoing a powerful shift toward sustainability. Failure to change this mindset will undoubtedly hinder Vietnam's economic development in the global market.
So, how to solve it? The answer lies in fostering a "growth mindset". This drives me to pursue a Master's degree to deepen my expertise and learn from countries that have strongly implemented sustainable business practices. My ambition is to return to Committee IV, using my knowledge and network to develop a supportive ecosystem for ESG implementation, including awareness training programs, consultation services, and supportive partnerships. Track C of your program aligns perfectly with my aspirations. First, it complements my previous studies by offering a multi-scale, historical, and political approach to develop cross-sector, public-private collaborations for ESG support. Second, the program's focus on sustainable business and its relevance to environmental, social, and governance issues in "Consultancy in Environmental Management", "Sustainability Issues in Latin America" and "Strategic Management Research" will significantly enrich my knowledge. Third, consulting skills and network of experts across Scotland, Spain, and Colombia will equip me with valuable insights to apply in Vietnam. Lastly, growing up in a Vietnamese rural village, studying abroad has always been my dream. Experiencing education in three countries will allow me to foster cultural exchange among diverse backgrounds.
For my Master's thesis, I have chosen the topic "Does institutional support for ESG enhance the likelihood of exporting to the EU?". This study will fill the research gap on the relationship between ESG and exports from an institutional perspective. I aspire to work under Prof. Iván Lobo at Los Andes University, Prof. Jeffrey Fear at Glasgow University, and Prof. Aurelia Estrada at University of Barcelona. Their expertise in sustainable business can help me broaden my knowledge in the field.
My lifelong ambition is to connect the European Sustainable Business Federation and Vietnam. I plan to create initiatives in transferring technologies from the EU to Vietnam, helping Vietnamese businesses meet ESG standards. In return, Vietnam would offer tax incentives for attracting investors, helping the EU access more sustainable sources and boosting Vietnam's competitiveness in the global market. This supports SDG 8 (Sustainable Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption).
From a Vietnamese rural girl, I have grown into someone with clear goals, strong passions, and big dreams. With consistent effort, I am confident in my candidacy for the scholarship. This opportunity will be life-changing, helping me turn my plan into reality.
