University Of Edinburgh Sample Essays & Questions 2023-24-
This should be approximately 500 words in length.–We will be looking for evidence in your personal statement that you have thought carefully about what you can bring to the programme and what impact you feel it will have on your future career. Therefore, please ensure that you address the following issues in your statement to help us select the students who will benefit most from the programme:
What skills, qualities and experiences have prepared you to undertake this programme?
What value do you think you can add to the learning community as part of an internationally diverse group?
What impact do you hope to make in your future career, and how will this programme contribute to your aspirations?
Your personal statement should be around 500 words in length.
University Of Edinburgh Winning Sample Essay-1
Skills, Qualities, and Experiences
My journey in the world of technology and finance began with a B.Tech in Information Technology from VIT University, where I graduated in the top 10% of my class. My role as the Founder of the IEEE-IAS Club honed my leadership and organizational skills, while co-chairing India’s largest college event, Riviera, developed my abilities in networking and managing large-scale projects.
Upon graduating, I joined BYJU’S, where over the past seven years, I have climbed the ranks from Senior Business Development Associate to Assistant General Manager – Digital Finance Operations. Leading a fintech business unit with $900 million in annual revenue, I have developed a robust set of skills in data analysis, product innovation, and team management. Key accomplishments include launching a dedicated credit lending mobile app that achieved widespread adoption and developing fintech platforms that significantly increased user engagement and client retention.
Throughout my career, I have consistently used data to drive strategic decisions. For instance, I led a project that integrated 21 financial service agencies, improving user experience and reducing manual tasks by 60%. Additionally, I spearheaded the digitization of financial products, which boosted enrollment by 70%. These experiences have prepared me to excel in a rigorous business analytics program, equipping me with both technical and managerial expertise.
Value to the Learning Community
I believe my diverse professional background and international exposure will add significant value to the learning community at the University of Edinburgh Business School. Having led cross-functional and multicultural teams at BYJU’S, I am adept at navigating and leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve common goals. My experience in driving digital transformation in the education and fintech sectors will provide unique insights into how data analytics can be applied across different industries to solve real-world problems.
Moreover, my entrepreneurial ventures, such as founding The Fantasy, an EdTech startup, demonstrate my initiative and ability to innovate. Although the startup did not take off, the experience taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, market dynamics, and the importance of adaptability, which I can share with my peers.
I am also committed to contributing to the community outside the classroom. My involvement in volunteer work, such as leading initiatives for ‘Education for All’ and participating in environmental clean-up drives, reflects my dedication to social impact. At Edinburgh, I hope to engage in similar activities, fostering a collaborative and socially responsible environment.
Impact and Aspirations
In the long term, I aspire to establish a fintech firm that provides affordable financial solutions to unbanked middle-class consumers in India and similar emerging markets. The University of Edinburgh Business School’s MS in Business Analytics program will be instrumental in achieving this vision. The program’s emphasis on data-driven decision-making and strategic management will equip me with the skills to develop innovative financial products that cater to underserved populations.
Courses like ‘Big Data Analytics’ and ‘Predictive Analytics’ will enhance my ability to interpret complex datasets and make informed business decisions. Additionally, the program’s strong industry connections and opportunities for practical application will provide me with a platform to collaborate with leading experts and refine my entrepreneurial ideas.
Furthermore, the internationally diverse cohort at Edinburgh will expose me to a multitude of perspectives, enriching my understanding of global market trends and consumer behaviors. This exposure is crucial for my goal of creating scalable financial solutions that can be adapted to different cultural and economic contexts.
By combining my professional experience with the advanced analytical skills gained from the University of Edinburgh Business School, I aim to drive financial inclusion and innovation in the fintech industry, ultimately contributing to the economic empowerment of underserved communities.
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University Of Edinburgh Winning Sample Essay-2
Personal Statement-
My journey towards pursuing a master’s degree in Analytics at the University of Edinburgh has been shaped by a blend of educational achievements, professional experiences, and personal growth. Growing up in a low-income family in India, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of limited resources and opportunities. Despite these adversities, my father’s commitment to education, even to the extent of mortgaging our home to fund my engineering studies at Michigan Technological University, ingrained in me the value of resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of education.
My academic background in electrical engineering gave me a strong foundation in quantitative analysis and problem-solving. At Michigan Technological University, I specialized in Advanced Power Systems, where I researched renewable energy technologies and their integration into power grids. This research deepened my technical expertise and sparked my interest in utilizing data analytics to solve complex engineering challenges.
Professionally, I have over five years of experience as an engineering consultant in the utility and energy sector. I have worked on projects that involved optimizing power distribution, integrating renewable energy sources, and improving disaster management strategies. These roles required me to analyze large datasets, develop predictive models, and implement optimization techniques. One of my significant accomplishments was leading a project that resulted in a 15% reduction in energy costs for a major utility company by integrating renewable energy sources and innovative storage solutions. These experiences have honed my analytical skills and reinforced my belief in the potential of data-driven decision-making.
I am particularly drawn to the University of Edinburgh’s MSc in Analytics program because of its rigorous curriculum, emphasis on real-world applications, and strong focus on research. The program’s comprehensive coverage of data mining, machine learning, and optimization techniques will provide me with the advanced skills necessary to tackle the multifaceted challenges in the energy sector. Additionally, the opportunity to engage with faculty members who are leaders in the field and to participate in cutting-edge research aligns perfectly with my aspirations.
I can add significant value to the learning community at the University of Edinburgh. My diverse experiences in engineering and consulting, combined with my entrepreneurial initiative, “Sanskriti,” which supports Jamdani weavers in West Bengal, reflect my ability to apply analytical skills to a wide range of problems. “Sanskriti” has provided fair pricing opportunities and helped weavers market their products directly, promoting sustainable business practices and contributing to socio-economic upliftment. This initiative demonstrates my commitment to leveraging technology for social good and my ability to work effectively in diverse and interdisciplinary settings.
Furthermore, my experience as a mentor for young women engineers and my active participation in STEM outreach programs underscore my dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion. I am eager to contribute to the University’s vibrant community by sharing my insights and collaborating with peers from various cultural and professional backgrounds. This exchange of ideas and perspectives will enhance my learning experience and enable me to contribute meaningfully to group projects and discussions.
My goal is to transition from an engineering consultant to a strategic role within the energy and sustainability sectors, focusing on applying advanced analytics to drive innovation and efficiency. I aspire to lead data-driven initiatives that optimize renewable energy integration, enhance grid resilience, and promote sustainable development. The MSc in Analytics program at the University of Edinburgh will equip me with the technical expertise and strategic insights needed to achieve these goals.
In conclusion, the University of Edinburgh’s Analytics program represents the perfect next step in my professional journey. The program’s rigorous curriculum, emphasis on research, and commitment to fostering a diverse learning environment align perfectly with my aspirations. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to and grow within this esteemed academic community, ultimately driving impactful change in the energy sector through advanced analytics.
University Of Edinburgh Recommendation Letters- Key Questions
Just so you know, you need one academic or professional reference to complete your application. This should be an academic reference if you graduated less than two years ago. If you graduated more than two years ago, this should be a professional reference from your current or most recent employer.—One academic or professional reference letter
For this programme, only one reference is required. It should be:
- Recent
- Dated
- In English
- On letter-headed paper
- If submitted directly by the referee, it should be sent from the email address of the referee’s institution.
MSBA Recommendation Letters
(Free Samples & successful Examples)
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 1
Date: 23 September 2023
Admissions Committee
Ms in Business Analytics Program
UC Davis
Subject: “Recommendation Letter for Akhila Mohan”
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for my former student, Akhila Mohan, who is applying for the Master’s in Business Analytics program at UC Davis. As her professor at COMSATS, where she pursued her Bachelor of Business Administration degree, I had the privilege of observing her brilliant academic and professional journey, which is punctuated with outstanding achievements. I am thrilled to support her application, as she possesses a unique blend of skills and qualities that make her an outstanding candidate for this program.
Academic Excellence and Analytical Skills
During her time at COMSATS, Akhila’s commitment to academic excellence was evident as she consistently ranked in the top 1% of her class and achieved remarkable results across all campuses. Her dedication to her studies and her exceptional intellect were further reflected in the numerous merit scholarships and medals she secured. She was an active leader in class discussions, curious and engaged, and consistently provided insightful contributions to diverse topics.
Initiative and Practical Application
Akhila’s interest in studying economic disparity within socioeconomic groups in Pakistan led her to survey women in underserved areas in her community. Using her research, she developed and implemented a financial literacy program to improve the livelihoods of economically disenfranchised women by imparting crucial money management knowledge and skills to enable their financial autonomy. This project showcases her ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems, a critical skill in business analytics.
Leadership and Multitasking Abilities
Throughout her academic tenure, Akhila demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance a multitude of responsibilities while excelling in every endeavor, both within and beyond the classroom. Her multitasking prowess is evident in her successful completion of five internships while maintaining exceptional grades, and notably her involvement with AIESEC, which showcased her dedication to global awareness for SDGs and cross-cultural exchange. Through her leadership in promoting student exchange programs, she facilitated transformative experiences for over 100 individuals through international exchanges and professional internships.
Conclusion
In summary, Akhila possesses a rare combination of academic brilliance, practical problem-solving skills, and leadership qualities. I am confident that she will excel in the Master’s in Business Analytics program at UC Davis and make significant contributions to both the program and the broader field. I highly recommend her as an exceptional candidate.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Institution Name]
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 2
To,
Admissions Committee,
XXX University,
Date: 21 December 2022
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for Pranav
I have known Pranav for over two years now. He was a student in my Entrepreneurship course as part of his Minor in Entrepreneurship and Management. As a student in my class, Pranav showed great skill in applying these concepts in practical in-class quizzes, his final group business pitch at the end of the course, and his professional activities at UBS. Pranav also achieved remarkable performance in my course, earning the highest grade possible of A+.
Pranav stood out to me during the final project for the course evaluation. As a major assessment, I assign a project for students to work in groups and pitch a viable, self-sustaining business idea. Pranav took the initiative to create a multicultural and diverse team with students from different countries and majors, successfully delivering a business pitch for a student-run laundry and cleaning business. The idea was unique, and he actively sought my advice and mentorship to make the team and project successful.
Another noteworthy aspect is the analytical research Pranav conducted before and after seeking my advice. He made a concerted effort to learn about diverse topics he had not previously encountered and was able to grasp different aspects of entrepreneurship, such as management and finance. This demonstrated his goal-oriented and detail-oriented abilities. The idea, data-oriented research, and financial analysis were impressive, synthesized and executed effectively on assigned tasks. Additionally, the real-world considerations regarding the execution of the pitch and the cohesive delivery from a team collaboration perspective were excellent.
I was so impressed with the project that I asked Pranav if I could include the pitch and presentation as teaching material for my course. I also offered him a Research Assistant position for the following summer, which he was unable to accept due to his graduation.
Given his analytical skills and collaborative approach, it was no surprise to me that Pranav was able to transition into finance directly from his undergraduate studies in engineering, securing a role in finance with UBS in their Investment Banking Operations in Hong Kong.
In terms of areas for improvement, I believe Pranav’s analytical nature and attention to detail can sometimes lead him to get caught up in minutiae, affecting his time management. In the group project, Pranav struggled with time management and was a week behind schedule because he gave equal attention to all the details of the presentation, losing track of the bigger picture. With my guidance, he was able to get back on track and submitted the project by the deadline. However, I believe Pranav needs to develop a better overall view of projects to improve his time management.
Pranav is just beginning his financial career, but he already possesses analytical skills and an understanding of management, teamwork, and other organizational elements comparable to other top students I have recommended to Master’s programs. Pranav’s progress at CityU and UBS clearly demonstrates his intellect and dedication. He is capable and has a keen intellectual capacity for analytical thinking. I believe Pranav is on track to build a successful career that blends his quantitative inclinations with his qualitative skills, inspiring those he will lead and work with.
To conclude, I strongly recommend Pranav, and I would be happy to discuss his candidacy further if you have additional questions.
Regards,
XXXXX
Professor
XX university
Work Manager - Recommendation Letter Sample 1
Here is a quick PDF of a sample recommendation our client submitted for a successful admit.
Internship Manager - Recommendation Letter Sample 2
How long and in what capacity have you known the candidate?
I have known Pranav for roughly one and a half years. I was his mentor during his internship with UBS. Although he completed his internship and has moved on, we still continue to keep in touch to exchange different business ideas.
What do you think about the candidate’s professional performance and potential (including any room for improvement)?
When Pranav started his internship with UBS, he was one of the most proactive interns. Since he didn’t have a finance background, he showed keen interest in learning and came up the curve very quickly.
The team assigned him Automation and Efficiency-related projects, and while working in the automation team he managed to stand out from other interns by providing solutions that were slightly outside of the box and impressed everyone on the team.
For instance, he met with various team leads to understand their automation requirements and one team lead expressed her frustration with the manual risk report that used to take 10-12 hours every quarter. After the meeting, Pranav took the proactive step of helping automate this report for the team. The specific process automation that he implemented was for risk reports for the risk team. The team had a manual time consuming process in which they had to refer to multiple Excel sheets to create their quarterly risk report. Pranav understood and mapped the entire process before using an automation tool to automate it. This led to a time reduction of 90 percent in the compilation of the report. The automation process he designed was ingenious; no one had thought of using it before, and that is why I think everyone was impressed with his out-of-the-box thinking.
Apart from that, another one of his biggest strengths is his willingness to take initiative.
To highlight another instance, he noticed the dashboards in Operations and wider UBS were on Tableau, he took the initiative to compare Tableau and PowerBi and pitched shifting the employee statistics dashboard to PowerBi. The management team agreed and Pranav successfully created an Employee demographic dashboard on PowerBi. This led to cost savings for the department as UBS was already paying for PowerBi. He also took even more initiative, helping others in his team and UBS get certified on PowerBi and documented his knowledge for everyone before he left his internship.
On the flip side, when it comes to areas of improvement, I would also say this proactiveness and eagerness sometimes led to difficult situations. Like other fresh hires, he was also trying to prove himself in the initial months of his tenure with the team. However, this often meant that he would try to manage and solve things on his own instead of seeking help. This led to delays and situations becoming critical.
Pranav was tasked with getting certified on Automation Anywhere, another automation tool used by the team. He was unable to crack the certification according to the timeline assigned to him and was delayed by a month in getting certified. He tried to manage and solve the situation but was unable to do so without help from his team, this delay led to an increased workload for the rest of the team and longer hours as work had been earmarked for Pranav to do as soon as he would be finished with the certification.
Overall, I would say that Pranav has great potential; he is not afraid to take the initiative and present his ideas.
Regards
XXXXXX
Manager – UBS, Hong Kong Offices
Do's & Don'ts - of a Recommendation Letter
When it comes to writing great letter of recommendation, here are a few do’s and don’ts tailored for candidates applying to a Master’s in Business Analytics program:
Do’s:
1. Choose Relevant Recommenders:
– Do: select recommenders who can provide detailed and specific examples of your technical and analytical skills. Ideally, these should be people who have directly supervised your work in relevant roles, such as data analysis, business intelligence, or any analytics-related projects.
– Example: Your current or previous supervisors, project managers, or clients who have seen your analytical skills in action and can speak to your ability to handle complex data sets and derive meaningful insights.
2. Provide Context and Achievements:
– Do: give your recommenders a comprehensive list of your accomplishments and the context in which you achieved them. Highlight your contributions to significant projects, especially those involving data analysis, statistical modeling, or the implementation of analytics solutions.
– Example: Create a list detailing how your analysis led to actionable business decisions, cost savings, or process improvements. Share this list with your recommenders to help them write a more impactful letter.
3. Meet and Discuss Your Goals:
– Do: meet with your recommenders to discuss your career goals, reasons for pursuing a Master’s in Business Analytics, and why you have chosen specific programs. This helps them tailor their letters to align with your aspirations and the program’s focus.
– Example: Explain how the program’s curriculum, faculty, and resources will help you achieve your career goals in data science or business analytics.
4. Ensure Specific Examples:
– Do: encourage your recommenders to include specific anecdotes that highlight your skills and accomplishments. Real-life examples add weight and credibility to your recommendation.
– Example: Ask them to describe a particular project where you used your analytical skills to solve a complex problem, detailing your approach, tools used, and the impact of your work.
5. Set Early Deadlines:
– Do: set early personal deadlines for your recommenders to ensure they complete the letters well before the application deadlines. This gives you a buffer period to follow up if needed.
– Example: If your application is due on January 1st, ask your recommenders to submit their letters by December 1st to avoid last-minute issues.
Don’ts:
1. Avoid High-Ranking but Unfamiliar Recommenders:
– Don’t: choose recommenders based solely on their title or status if they are not familiar with your work. Letters from high-ranking individuals who cannot provide detailed and personal insights will be less effective.
– Example: Avoid asking a company CEO or a prominent professor you met briefly unless they have worked closely with you and can provide specific examples of your skills and achievements.
2. Don’t Write the Letter Yourself:
– Don’t: write the recommendation letter yourself, even if a recommender offers to sign it. Admissions committees can detect self-written letters, which can harm your credibility.
– Example: If a recommender suggests this, politely decline and offer to provide them with all the necessary information to write the letter themselves.
3. Avoid Generic Content:
– Don’t: let your recommenders submit generic letters that could apply to anyone. Generic praise without specific examples of your work and skills will not make your application stand out.
– Example: Ensure your recommenders avoid statements like “X is a great team player” without context or evidence supporting such claims.
4. Don’t Overlook the Instructions:
– Don’t: ignore the specific instructions and questions provided by each business school. Different programs might have different requirements for recommendation letters.
– Example: Make sure your recommenders address each question posed by the school’s recommendation form and follow any formatting or submission guidelines provided.
5. Avoid Subordinates as Recommenders:
– Don’t: ask subordinates to write your recommendation letters. Their perspective might not carry the same weight and could be seen as less objective.
– Example: Recommendations should come from individuals in a supervisory or client role who can objectively evaluate your performance and potential.
These tailored do’s and don’ts will help ensure that your recommendation letters are strong, relevant, and supportive of your application to a Master’s in Business Analytics program.
Free Sample Template - for your to Use
Recommendation letter template specifically tailored for candidates applying to a Master’s in Business Analytics program, including different structuring and clear instructions for highlighting relevant skills:
Admissions Committee
[Business Analytics Program Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Date:
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Master’s in Business Analytics program] at [University Name]. I have had the privilege of working with [Candidate’s Name] at [Company Name] for [duration], where I serve as [Recommender’s Title]. In this time, I have observed [his/her/their] exceptional analytical skills and unwavering commitment to data-driven decision-making.
Analytical Skills and Achievements
One of [Candidate’s Name]’s standout projects was [specific project/task]. During this project, [he/she/they] [specific action taken], resulting in [quantifiable result/outcome]. This project clearly demonstrated [his/her/their] expertise in [relevant skills, e.g., data analysis, statistical modeling, predictive analytics].
In another significant endeavor, [Candidate’s Name] was responsible for [another specific project/task]. [He/She/They] utilized [specific tools or methodologies, e.g., Python, R, machine learning algorithms] to [specific action taken], which led to [quantifiable result/outcome]. This work highlights [his/her/their] ability to leverage complex datasets to drive strategic business decisions.
Problem-Solving and Innovation
[Candidate’s Name] is particularly adept at identifying business problems and formulating innovative solutions. For example, during [specific challenge], [he/she/they] [specific action taken], which significantly improved [specific metric or outcome]. [His/Her/Their] problem-solving skills and innovative approach are invaluable assets in the field of business analytics.
Collaboration and Leadership
[Candidate’s Name] excels not only as an individual contributor but also as a collaborative team member. In [specific team project], [he/she/they] [specific actions taken to lead or collaborate], fostering a productive and cohesive working environment. [His/Her/Their] ability to communicate complex analytical concepts to non-technical stakeholders was particularly noteworthy.
Constructive Feedback and Growth
In my experience, [Candidate’s Name] is highly receptive to feedback and committed to continuous improvement. I once advised [him/her/them] on [specific area for improvement], and [he/she/they] proactively [specific actions taken to improve], which led to [positive outcome or development]. This responsiveness and dedication to growth are crucial for success in a dynamic field like business analytics.
Conclusion
In summary, [Candidate’s Name] possesses a unique blend of technical expertise, problem-solving acumen, and collaborative spirit. I am confident that [he/she/they] will excel in the [Master’s in Business Analytics program] at [University Name] and make significant contributions to both the program and the broader field of business analytics.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Company Name]
This template provides a structured format that highlights the candidate’s analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative nature, making it suitable for applications to a Master’s in Business Analytics program.
