Motivation letter for a PhD in Global trade and development

September 1, 2013 Motivational letter for a scholarship

Ileana Mineola

Timisoara Street, 67

Bucharest, Romania
University of MontpellierFaculty of
Economics and Social SciencesRue de E-mail: XXXXXXXX
Truel
Montpellier, France Telephone: XXXXXXXX

20/09/2013

Dear Madam, Sir,

I am Ileana Mineola, motivated student in MA in International Economics at the University of

Bucharest, expected to graduate at the end of this year. I appreciate this opportunity to introduce
myself at your University and to apply for the programme PhD in Global Trade and Development at the
University of Montpellier. With my educational background and working experience in the field of
international trade, I strongly believe that I am suitable candidate for the programme.

Since my high school days I have developed strong interests for the issues regarding international
economics, especially international trade and development, as I advocate the opinion that the export
orientated trade is a motor for stronger international development. That is why I enrolled myself at the
University of Bucharest, where I graduated first in my class, with distinction at the programme BA in
Economics and Macroeconomic Policy. At the moment, I am writing my master thesis at the same
University, based on the research that I have conducted on the role of the international trade in the EU
aid assistance policies. Therefore, I would like to apply for a PhD at the University of Montpellier, and
in the same time for scholarship at the Universitys fund. As I do not have sufficient funds for the tuition
fees, I believe that my competences and academic records recommend me for the limited number of
placements at the University.

I personally believe that every person applying for PhD in International Economics should be as much
as specialized in research and practice in that field, as me. In favor of that thesis I should mention that
I have been working within the World Trade Organization, as an Intern in Eurasian economic area. In
2011-2012, I have been staying in Geneva for over a year, where I gained precious experience in the
field of international trade and relations in one excellent organization. This experience enabled me to
be familiar with the work in international environment and to abide to the international decision making
and policies.

During my studies at the University of Bucharest, I have developed special interest for the international
development, as addition to my aspiration to be international trade expert. However, I wanted to
combine those interests of mine as a Junior Researcher at the International Trade Institute, where I
am currently employed. International Trade Institute is one of the most reputable institutes in East
Europe, among the institutes with trade development as their main topics of research activity. I was
employed on the recommendation of my professor George Lucas, one year ago, as I have proven my
skills in topics like Eurasian trade, EU trade policies and international development during our common
research. As a Junior Research I am involved in basic research and modeling of intra-industrial trade
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 in the EU, monitoring international trade developments and analyzing new trade policies in the region
of Eurasia. One of my most favorable activities was my work on the EUR-Asia model, used for
forecast of the future developments in the Eurasia region. I worked on the model for more than one
year with small team of researchers at the Institute and after several tests and practice the model
revealed surprisingly good application for analyzing international trade in general, not just to focus on
the region. As the model got international recognition I was invited to present the model to the Board of
the African Development Bank, where it should be implemented for the Banks analysis.

Working experience received provided me with a deeper realization of importance of being competent
in various spheres of economic research: international trade, econometrics, development and
economic policy. I deeply convinced that all those spheres make an Economist to be complete expert
in this field of research. The understanding of this fact and my strong aspiration to become highly
qualified researcher of international level led me to decision to apply for the position at your University,
as the University of Montpellier has a strong reputation in that field.

After I read carefully the description of the PhD programme and the course requirements, I believe that
it perfectly matches my research interests and profile. Afterwards I have continued my research at the
University website, where I gained useful information about the University campus and the student life
in Montpellier. I believe that I will be positive addition to your team, fit well in your organization and be
a useful member of the community, as I love to volunteer and to be active in the field of social causes
and campaigns.

As I understand, this programme is very competitive, attracting highly motivated students, but I am
convinced that my good record at the University and during my work as a researcher give me a strong
recommendation for a place at it. I would be honored if you decide to accept my candidateship to be
PhD student at the University of Montpellier 2013/2016.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Ileana Mineola

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Top 7 motivation letter mistakes

August 18, 2013 Uncategorized
In this post we would like to list common mistakes applicants are making when writing motivation
letter. In order to make successful application, try to avoid following common mistakes:

1. Motivation letter is a copy of another motivation letter you found online, without
proper tuning to yours qualifications and purpose. Please bear in mind that letter of motivation must
suit your qualification and experience, as well to desired post you are applying to. Since letter of
motivation is personal it has to reflect your own style.

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2. Motivation letter is too general. Letter of motivation has to communicate clear
messages, while employer needs to perceive your motivation for post you are applying to.
3. Language used is to complex. Often applicants try to use to complex language in order
to catch employers attention, and to create better image of themselves. Certainly language used in
letter should reflect in some extent your qualifications and ability to express yourself, but try to use
simple language delivering clear thoughts and messages. Every sentence should have clear
meaning. It is also recommended not to use poetic phrases, instead be concrete as possible.
4. Motivation letter is pure reflection of CV. Try not to merely list items from your CV. The
motivation letter should be complementary to your CV where you can draw attention to some of the
relevant items of your CV. Rather focus on identification of key points from your CV that are
especially relevant to the post you are applying to.
5. Your contact data is missing. Before submitting letter check that you have included all
the necessary information. Therefore do not forget to include your contact details. We assume you
are writing this letter to get a response from employer, right? J
6. Function you are applying to is missing. Bear in mind to state in letter position you are
applying to.
7. Before sending please check the language used in letter, in order to avoid any spell /
typing errors. At this stage you may also use spell check option in your MS Word.