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SAMPLE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE FOR A SOCIAL SCIENCE PhD APPLICATION
Dear Admissions Committee,
The mission of an economist encompasses both epistemological and ethical dimensions, which drive my passion for pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics. Epistemologically, economics, as defined by Samuelson and Nordhaus (1998), is “the study of how societies use scarce resources to produce valuable commodities and distribute them among different people.” This framework equips researchers with tools to analyze pressing global issues such as increasing inequality, migration, and technological change. My enthusiasm for addressing these challenges fuels my desire to deepen my understanding of the world through rigorous research. Ethically, economics offers a pathway to enhance efficiency in production and interactions, fostering a more equitable and harmonious social and political order. My motivation stems from a commitment to contribute to solutions that promote such harmony.
My academic and professional journey has prepared me to excel in a doctoral program. During my undergraduate studies, I honed my research skills by creating a dataset for my bachelor’s thesis, which I used to implement econometric models. This experience taught me how to analyze reforms and collect data effectively. Additionally, I worked as a dedicated researcher at an institution, where I utilized Stata to outline country-specific data and identify suitable reforms. For my master’s thesis, I explored the impact of a specific economic phenomenon, employing novel empirical strategies to address data access challenges and endogeneity issues. These experiences strengthened my ability to manage large datasets and conduct empirical research with creativity and precision. I also developed theoretical and modeling skills through team-based projects, where I built models using Matlab.
My research interests center on the interplay between the financial system and the real economy, with a focus on fostering sustainable economic growth and stability. I aim to investigate the financial determinants that influence economic forecasting and stability. Drawing on the work of scholars like those in 2003, 2011, and 2016, I plan to assess key financial characteristics using empirical models, such as time-varying Structural VAR and dynamic Factor models, to create indices that synthesize relevant financial features. Additionally, I intend to examine the impact of financial conditions on economic outcomes, estimating their effects through advanced econometric techniques. My proposed research will extend existing literature, such as the seminal works of 1989, 1997, and 1999, which highlight mechanisms like shock propagation and amplification in financial systems. By incorporating contemporary institutional frameworks and credit market frictions, as suggested by research from 2010, I aim to develop an updated, medium-scale model that integrates critical financial conditions to better predict economic trends.
To achieve these goals, I seek to collaborate with professors specializing in Macroeconomic Theory, Monetary Economics, and Advanced Econometrics, particularly in time series analysis. This multidisciplinary approach will allow me to contribute meaningfully to ongoing research while refining my skills. Beyond research, I am passionate about teaching and disseminating scientific knowledge. As a member of a community organization in my hometown, I have promoted economic literacy, which has deepened my commitment to education. I am eager to engage in teaching training during my Ph.D. and share the values of diligence and professionalism with future students.
A Ph.D. in Economics will enable me to pursue an academic career while collaborating with public institutions to implement research findings. I am confident that my dedication, international experience, and research skills will make me a valuable contributor to a doctoral program. I look forward to the opportunity to advance knowledge in economics and contribute to a more equitable economic framework.
Thank you for considering my application. I eagerly await the next steps in the selection process.
Kind regards,
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