Personal Statement of Purpose PHD in Economics

Introduction

Growing up in a family where both parents were employed in the financial sector, economics and finance were obvious career choices for me. I completed my challenging undergraduate studies in Economics and Finance at the University of Hong Kong and then went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Economics in Boston. I am now eager to expand my expertise by pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics at XXX University, a program that aligns perfectly with my academic interests, career aspirations, and personal suitability.

Personal Statement of Purpose for the PHD in Economics

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Personal Statement of Purpose Examples for the PHD in Economics

With both of my parents working in the financial sector, choosing a career in economics and finance felt natural. I completed a demanding undergraduate program in Economics and Finance at the University of Hong Kong, then moved to the United States to pursue an MS Degree in Economics in Boston.

I now aim to pursue a PhD in Economics at XXXX University. I am particularly drawn to XXXX because I believe I am well-aligned with your curriculum, program structure, and location.

Game theory, especially as it relates to industrial organization, is central to my professional interests. I am eager to take courses in this area during my graduate studies to build upon my undergraduate education. I aspire to earn a doctoral degree in economics. Although I faced challenges in some classes, my grades improved consistently as an undergraduate. I eventually took mathematics and statistics courses, remained undeterred, and continued with advanced classes, earning several A grades. My interests have mainly focused on industrial organization and development economics, particularly their potential impact on public policies. In the future, I hope to enhance my research skills and gain advanced knowledge through a PhD program. Ultimately, I aspire to become a professor and researcher at the university level.

My interest in industrial organization stems from my fascination with game theory. My father is an avid fan of the chess game GO, and I became familiar with the concept of "strategy" through it. However, it wasn't until I watched A Beautiful Mind, the film about John Nash, that I appreciated its mathematical significance. I was captivated by the strategic interactions among individuals. During my undergraduate studies, I took a game theory class and wrote an A-grade essay using the multi-player repeated game model. This was my first theoretical paper, and I received praise for my mathematical work. I am deeply interested in the extensive application of game theory in industrial organization and economics, and I wish to continue at the doctoral level, with a focus on my native China.

While traveling to Tibet as part of a teaching support team, development issues captured my interest. Living with a local family, I realized that although the students I taught were my age, their living conditions were far worse than mine. I became acutely aware of the economic disparities in greater China and began to view education as a fundamental human need alongside basic resources like food, water, and shelter. I understood how the state could better manage rural areas to alleviate poverty but often fails to do so, leading me to conclude that the rural poor subsidize the urban wealthy, which seems to be an implicit government policy. The PhD Program at XXXX University is ideal due to the department's focus on China, with several professors dedicating special attention to the country in their research.

By the time I started my master's degree in the US, I envisioned my future as a researcher, academician, and economist more clearly. I accepted an internship at a government agency in China responsible for designing and strategically positioning a new district in Shenzhen, a coastal city bordering Hong Kong and home to immigrants from across China. There, I collaborated with university researchers to review government reports on future development plans for the marine economy, particularly the biomedicine industry. I was involved in enterprise survey design and conducted on-site investigations in various firms, witnessing the real-world application of what once seemed like theoretical "brain work."

I have worked as a research assistant, aiding professors with data collection, cleaning, and visualization. The research projects primarily focused on international trade and the relationship between Covid-19 and school calendar dates. Alongside my regular coursework, I conducted my own research on the effects of Covid-19 on the online education industry, employing a random-effects model.

These experiences have not only acquainted me with the research process but also fueled my desire to continue learning research methodologies and programming skills to conduct independent research. I believe the rigorous training I will receive in the PhD Program at XXXX University will serve as the perfect springboard for my career as a dedicated researcher.

Completing various internships has helped me become a well-organized and detail-oriented person, an honest communicator, and a willing collaborator. I commit fully to every project I undertake.

I also enjoy Chinese traditional painting and table tennis, viewing the arts and sports as essential for cultivating one's temperament, contributing to both professional and personal success in life.

Thank you for considering my application to the PhD Program in Economics at XXXX University.

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Detailed Analysis of the Personal Statement for a PhD in Economics

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Introduction and Background

The statement begins by grounding the applicant's interest in economics and finance within their family background. This context establishes a logical and organic connection to their choice of study, which is beneficial for demonstrating long-term commitment. However, the introduction is relatively brief and lacks depth in terms of articulating what specific experiences or early influences within their family sparked an intellectual curiosity in economics.

Strengths:

• The familial connection gives a personal touch and provides a natural entry point into the academic journey.

• The reference to the University of Hong Kong and a master’s degree from the US adds credibility and establishes the applicant’s academic credentials.

Weaknesses:

• The applicant could expand on how their parents' work specifically shaped their understanding or passion for the subject. More personal anecdotes or reflections could make this introduction stronger and more engaging.

• The transition from undergraduate to graduate studies is somewhat abrupt. A brief mention of key academic or professional milestones during this transition would provide a smoother flow.

Interest in PhD Program at XXXX University

The applicant expresses a strong interest in game theory and industrial organization, which they view as central to their career ambitions. They attempt to align their research interests with the program at XXXX University. While this is essential, the expression of "best fit" with the curriculum is generic and lacks detailed information about why the program at XXXX University is particularly well-suited to their goals.

Strengths:

• Clear mention of academic interests, particularly game theory and its applications in industrial organization, is well-placed. These interests are articulated clearly, and the applicant connects them to previous coursework.

• Reference to the future goal of becoming a professor and researcher at the university level demonstrates a clear career trajectory.

Weaknesses:

• The claim of "best fit" with the program needs to be substantiated with specific details about the university’s curriculum, faculty, or research opportunities. Mentioning particular professors or research centers could strengthen this argument.

• The mention of struggling with certain classes should be reframed. Instead of focusing on past struggles, the applicant could highlight resilience, work ethic, or a more strategic approach to learning difficult material.

Interest in Game Theory and Industrial Organization

The applicant shows a strong fascination with game theory, stemming from a personal interest in strategic games and further reinforced by watching "A Beautiful Mind." This section is well-written and draws an effective connection between a personal interest (strategic games) and academic passion.

Strengths:

• The reference to "A Beautiful Mind" adds an interesting personal angle, humanizing the applicant’s intellectual journey.

• The mention of receiving compliments on their mathematical work in a game theory essay highlights both competence and recognition from academic peers or instructors.

Weaknesses:

• The transition from personal interest in game theory to research in industrial organization is not fully fleshed out. The applicant should connect these fields more explicitly, explaining why game theory has practical value in industrial organization.

• The brief anecdote about game theory could be expanded with more discussion on how the applicant applied these concepts in other areas of economics or how it shaped their understanding of broader economic principles.

Experiences in Tibet and Interest in Development Economics

The applicant’s experience teaching in Tibet reveals a significant shift in their focus towards development economics and public policy. This section is critical in adding depth to their understanding of economic disparities, and it introduces an important dimension—applying economic theory to real-world social issues.

Strengths:

• The vivid description of teaching in Tibet and observing economic inequality provides strong emotional appeal and demonstrates a real-world application of their academic interests.

• The linkage of this experience to broader economic policies (rural poverty and economic disparity in China) adds depth to the applicant's academic aspirations.

Weaknesses:

• The discussion of this experience could be tied more directly to their research goals in the PhD program. The applicant could mention how these observations in Tibet would influence their future research in development economics.

• The section would benefit from further elaboration on how they plan to apply development economics to contribute to policy reforms, particularly how a PhD will equip them to address these disparities.

Research Experience and Future Aspirations

The applicant highlights significant research experience, particularly their work with professors and government agencies. This section helps demonstrate technical competency in research methodologies and an understanding of real-world economic issues. However, it lacks depth in explaining the specific skills gained and how they will transfer to the PhD level.

Strengths:

• The description of working on enterprise survey design and reviewing government reports showcases applied economics experience, making the applicant stand out as someone with practical research skills.

• The experience in data collection, cleaning, and visualization adds a technical element that is crucial for PhD research.

Weaknesses:

• More specifics are needed regarding the research methodologies and programming skills they used during these experiences. Did they develop any econometric models? What statistical tools were used? Detailing these experiences would add technical depth.

• The mention of the research assistant role could be expanded to include examples of research challenges faced and how the applicant overcame them.

Personal Qualities and Extracurricular Interests

Towards the end, the applicant adds a personal touch by mentioning hobbies like Chinese painting and table tennis. While these interests are relevant for demonstrating a well-rounded personality, they feel somewhat disconnected from the rest of the statement. These sections could be better integrated or condensed.

Strengths:

• Mentioning personal interests such as painting and sports adds dimension and shows a balanced life outside academics, which is often appreciated by admissions committees.

Weaknesses:

• The discussion of hobbies feels slightly disjointed from the rest of the narrative. A more seamless integration into the academic narrative—perhaps connecting these activities to discipline, focus, or teamwork—would make this section more effective.

Conclusion and Final Remarks

The conclusion of the statement is respectful and professional, thanking the admissions committee for their consideration. However, it lacks a strong, impactful closing that ties the entire statement together.

Strengths:

• The tone remains respectful and professional throughout, leaving a positive final impression.

Weaknesses:

• The conclusion could reinforce the key themes discussed in the statement, summarizing how the applicant’s academic journey, research experience, and personal motivation make them an ideal fit for the program. A more compelling closing would leave a lasting impression.

Overall Strengths of the Statement:

Demonstrates a solid academic foundation in economics, with clear research interests and a strong desire to continue at the PhD level.

The applicant has relevant practical experiences, particularly with government agencies and research teams, making them a credible candidate for doctoral studies.

The statement is well-structured and flows logically from one section to the next.

Areas for Improvement:

Provide more specific details about how the applicant aligns with the curriculum and faculty at XXXX University.

Expand on technical research skills and how these will support the applicant’s PhD studies.

Strengthen the narrative by weaving personal experiences more consistently with academic goals.

Reframe sections that mention struggles with coursework by focusing on growth and resilience.

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Personal Statement of Purpose for the PHD in Economics