dear friends

I'm writing you to ask for some help with my (poor!!) motivation letter for a PhD Deegree in Economics and International Development.
I also will need some assistance with the presentation letters.

Thank you so much for all the suggestions you could give to me.
(I've to send my application tomorrow - wednesday!!! but I really will appreciate all assisatnce you could give to me!)

un abrazo, paola.



Dear Madam/Sir,


I am writing to apply for the PhD Degree in Economics and International Development.

I have graduated from the University of Padua - Italy, Department of International Political Science where I obtained first class honours in a degree that focuses on International Relations. I also took specific exams in International Economics, History, Law and Sociology, as well as Human Rights and the study of Economic Development and Cooperation between nations.
During my studies at the university, in addition to academic work, I undertook a series of activities, including local volunteer-based projects such as holiday exchanges for disabled children, an experience that I found very rewarding.

I further decided to undertake post-graduate studies in the area of Development of International Cooperation, the study of Micro-Credit and Feasibility of Economic Growth with Sustainable Resources. My post-graduate course final dissertation is titled: “Micro-credit, an effective instrument for economic and social development”.
I improved my academic knowledge working as a volunteer project assistant with specific responsibilities for South American projects within an organisation that promotes training and research in the fields of ethical finance, microfinance, environmental and social economics in Italy and abroad.
In addition, I chose to develop my professional and personal skills during field research in Nicaragua. The investigation concerned specific instruments and indicators for the evaluation of the social and environmental impact of micro-finance institutions. After this experience I wrote a report on a related topic titled “Field research on methodologies of fund allocation and debt collection of micro-finance institutions working in Nicaragua. Evaluation of social and environmental impact – Presentation of an integrated system of monitoring and evaluation”.

Since March 2004 I have been working at the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in Santiago, Chile, as a socio-economic consultant in the Division of Production, Productivity and Management. The central theme of the investigations realized concerned local public policies in support of micro-finance. The main purpose of the analysis was to compare different methodologies of public intervention regarding the target sector, credit instruments, interest rates and non-finance services developed by the institutions.
I also collaborated with the Division of Social Development as well as the Division of Environmental Development in relation to different draft project proposals concerning micro-credit programmes and social-environmental responsibilities.

As you can see from my CV, I have a strong academic background, evidenced by my graduate level courses, as well as a solid track record of professional experience.
I find that the PhD Degree in Economics and International development corresponds well with my future plans of seeking a career in an international no-profit organization or government organization. It is my ambition to be admitted, and pursue my PhD studies in the field of Social and Economic Development. In addition, I believe that my previous academic and professional experience could contribute in a significant manner to the research themes developed by the Department of Economics and International Development.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

P.