Hey guys,
I'm currently in the process of applying to Masters in Finance programs across Europe. I'm applying to these:
Bocconi
St.Gallen
Imperial
Cass (MSc Finance, MSc Banking & International Finance and MSc in Energy, Trading and Finance, you can chose 3 options so why not take advantage, you never know)
Warwick
(and maybe ESSEC)
Anyway, since all applications are due until end of April, it is now time to do my motivational letters. Some programs ask for 1 page, others 2, it changes.
I was wondering what I had to include in my letter. I mean, I don't think I'm supposed to "brown-nose" the universities like one is supposed to do in the US but I really don't know how to do this. Also, I don't think I'm supposed to "talk" about my life that much, I just need to mention why I'm choosing this program and why I think they should pick me. But I could be mistaken.
I'm asking this in this section because my ultimate goal is to work in IB and if possible, my dream would be to work in a hedge fund. Should i state this, if yes, how? What should I NOT say? Should it be very professional and formal or can I use a more relaxed style of writing. Should I make it stand out or do they not really care about the motivation letters, it's just procedure. I'm really a bit lossed.
The only program that states explicitily that it gives points out (They give out points for the gmat score, GPA, profile and letter and you need a certain number of points to get accpeted) for the motivation letter is St.Gallen so I might have to change it up for that one, make it stand out more than for other programs.
One last thing, is it a issue if I use the same template for all programs. I mean I can just change the name of the institution and the degree, is there anything wrong or dangerous with that?
This is more US-specific advice for finance programs, but someone from Europe can step in on the places where we're different.
In the US, you definitely don't want to brown nose either. Just ask Brady4MVP. He wrote about how an MBA would be a "truly transformational experience" like none "he has ever experienced" in his life. An otherwise strong candidate, he got snubbed for interviews because he came off as desperate.
Your attitude writing these things needs to be "Ehh, an MSF could help here. But I have a pretty good career as it stands. Let's just see how this goes."
An MFE/MFin programs is a cross between an MBA and a research PhD. Your statement of purpose/personal statement/motivation letter needs to do three things:
1.) Market you as a candidate. Show the admissions committee why you are interesting; why they want to admit you rather than the kid from Oxford. 2.) Share your academic interests, research interests, and industry interests (depending on the program; don't share your industry interests for a strictly research program.) 3.) Give the admissions committee a rough sketch of who you are and where you would fit in the class they are trying to build.
I would recommend doing the schools you really see yourself going to by hand. If Oxford/Cambridge aren't going to happen, but you're really close for St. Gallen or Bocconi, do a template for Oxford and spend your time on doing a really nice application for Bocconi.
Thanks a lot!
What do you mean by "do a template for Oxford"? I'm not applying there...
Motivation letter (Originally Posted: 01/11/2015)
Hello friends,
I'm about to write a motivation letter in order to apply for Master's. I'm going to apply for CBS, Warwick, Imperial, Cass, and more. (in finance).
Do you have any good ideas what to write? Are there any do's and dont's?
Bump!
Bump!
Nobody will/should help you. Motivation letter should be something coming from you, something that characterize you. Just close your eyes and think. It may take some time but at the end you will have an original idea "made by Dante_from_Sweden" that you can offer.
Ok, yes of course. I might have stated my question a bit stupid. What I am looking for is some thoughts about do's and dont's and if anyone has any experience regarding this and has some advice.. In other words, some general thoughts.
The reason I wanted to post this question is because I am pretty good at writing cover letters when applying for jobs, but when writing to business schools I get a bit insecure.. e.g. should I put any emphasis on selling them my skills and talk about my experience, and why I would be a good student or would they think it's bull shit if they're not impressed enough in my undergrad grades... Or should I only write about my interest in finance? Or should I write about why the trading floors seem exciting and how I think the people in the business seem bright and smart and that It helps me to developed... (better formulated of course... )
Also... this might sound stupid... but I get the feeling that the business schools see corporate finance (for example) more "academic" than sales&trading... hence, is it better to discuss a career path within something else rather than sales&trading in the letter?
Also... this might sound stupid... but I get the feeling that the business schools see corporate finance (for example) more "academic" than sales&trading... hence, is it better to discuss a career path within something else rather than sales&trading in the letter?
LSE has a pretty good guideline on their homepage for do's and dont's in personal statements/motivational letters.
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