Statement of Purpose
Master in Public Policy (MPP)
Intake – Fall 2021
Campus –
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Idioms may vary; but even the sceptics will agree that the need to revolutionize public policies is paramount. Every sphere of human existence stands to accrue colossal benefits through effective policies and I aspire to be that change. My education and work experience places me favourably to be eligible to partake in the rigorous curriculum of Masters in Public Policy (MPP) at London School of Economics and to produce spectacular results from it.
I have worked with progressive entities, the likes of Morgan Stanley, Gates Foundation, and various Central & State Government bodies curating a competitive skill praxis of academic research, public speaking and of working with a brilliant synergy with prominent stake holders in the realm of policy making and economics research. I have contributed to prominent research depicting a comparative analysis of Indian economy vis-à-vis other East Asian countries, presented at the 37th PAFTAD Conference, Singapore in year 2015.
Hitherto, gaining idiosyncratic theoretical knowledge through Masters (including MSc in Applied Economics), I have, since 2012, contributed progressively in quantitative analysis of macro & micro economic data whilst working with Policy advisory entities such as National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). I am currently working as an economist with India’s third largest public sector bank, Bank of Baroda, leveraging a combination of my academic research, data interpretation skills and tech proficiency in SPSS, STATA & R, to produce economic growth forecasts for multiple trade sectors. My core areas of expertise at the bank lie in collating and tracking global macro-economic data, developing dataset variables and generating forecasts for both Indian and Global Economy.
I concur that now is the most opportune time to resume my higher education and acquire a holistic knowledge bank as an effective policy maker. In last nine years of rigorous employment, I have gained a much better understanding of the applied scope of my education. A Masters in Public Policy from an esteemed institution such as London School of Economics will undoubtedly give me a specialist perspective to sovereign policy making alongside allowing me to gain understanding of neo modern, qualitative approach to the discipline of public policy making.
My family ties are strong and much of my achievements; both personal and professional are owed to the guidance of my brother and mother; who in spite of being a single parent, nurtured us with love, discipline and rational opulence. I have been admittedly privileged with a lettered lineage and resourceful academic opportunities, yet, was mindful to exercise the benefits with diligence and self-discipline. Right from early academic years, I was drawn to study subjects such as political science and economics, often venturing beyond the scope of my syllabus through additional readings and research.
Post concluding my senior schooling in 2006, I readily joined the prestigious, Delhi University to pursue Bachelors of Economics (Hons). My bachelor education was completed in 2009 here, satiating much of the knowledge anticipation and with accolades. My research on the topic of ‘Combatting Malnutrition: Progress, Lacunae & Future Strategies’ earned me a certificate of appreciation at the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Annual Seminar.
In 2010, I enrolled to the MSc in Applied Economics program at the Madras School of Economics and completed the course in first class division, submitting an expansive dissertation on the topic,’ Energy Pricing, Exchange Rate and their Impact on Gross Domestic Product: India’s Perspective’. The research highlighted the correlation between the Real Exchange Rates and Oil pricing with respect to Indian economy and its impact on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of India.
The post-school academic years enabled me to acquire profound knowledge in my chosen academic stream, meanwhile, presenting ample opportunities for curricular participation. I organised a National Level Workshop at the India International Centre (IIC) involving stakeholders from the Indian Central Ministry of Agriculture, Skill Development and from NITI Aayog; the foremost public body in India that plans and defines business and economic policies. As a guest author, I cherish writing for prominent publication such as the Indian Economist and also maintained my own blog ‘Econocrats’ which was widely read and shared by various news agencies and economics enthusiasts. Over the years, I have developed excellent public speaking skills through such initiatives and an astute professional acumen to collaborate effectively with multiple stake holders.
Since 2017, I have been employed as an Economist with the Bank of Baroda, the third largest Government owned bank in India with 132+ million customers. My major performance indicators here include analysing the large datasets using Bloomberg to present fiscal forecasts such as GDP, Inflation, Currency and Industrial Production Output. In the last three years, I have had the privilege of creating thematic reports on Interest Rate Outlook, Currency Watch, Indirect Taxation Policy, Demonetisation, Reserve Bank of India’s policy brief, Interest rate outlook, along with pre and post Budget analysis and Annual Outlook Reports on the National Economy. I have successfully developed a deep analytical perspective to research and interpret economic and financial data which aids in creating comprehensive reports for the relevance of prominent policy makers and top management brass of Large Cap companies in India. My profession allows me ample time to divulge into economic research and has made me privy to expansive data. I like to share my findings and point of view on macroeconomic variable on Indian economy through vocal and written mediums.
Prior to my employment at the Bank, I worked for a year (2016-17) at Morgan Stanley (Evalueserve) as a Senior Researcher – Economics. During 2013 – 2016, I worked as a Research Analyst at the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) which is a foremost advisory body in India providing guidance to Infrastructure Development and Foreign Investment Policies. I worked on several projects here including the State Level Direct Benefit Transfer Readiness Ranking, sponsored by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and jointly worked on the research paper titled ‘India: Escaping Low-income Traps and Averting Middle-income Ones’ presented at the 37th PAFTAD Conference, held in Singapore. It is while researching at NCAER, I got a front seat view to examine and contribute to creating applied policies. I keenly worked to understand the methodologies and technicalities of public policy making and its various compliances.
While performing applicative assessments of multiple organisational policies in the last few years, I yearn to learn more on the subject. I am driven by a dual sense of working on economic reforms and their impact, through long-term policy vision. To the ambition of becoming a distinguished policy maker, I have developed adept skills to work with qualitative and quantitative datasets using statistical software such as SPSS and STATA along with good understanding of theory and current practices. This will undoubtedly lead to an ease of learning and effective peer collaboration while studying at the London School of Economics (LSE).
I am admittedly biased to study at LSE; party owing to the stupendous academic legacy of your university and more so for the unique curriculum of the Masters in Public Policy Program proffered at the campus. I am certain that due to my rich work experience, working in diverse roles and sectors, I will be able to comprehend the interdisciplinary modules covering Economics and Polity while further accentuating my skills in Quantitative Analysis. The London School of Economics encapsulated academic values and future ready knowledge and I am fully committed to learn here with an exemplary scholarly conduct, uplifting my knowledge and contributing sincerely to the academic legacy of LSE.
Through my Masters education from LSE, I intend to develop an enhanced skill bank and understanding pertaining to the tough discipline of Public Policy Making. I am driven to study extensively about the precedents, theory and best practices while researching profoundly about the impact of philosophical and socio economic elements on public policies. While I have shattered the glass ceiling many a times, I vehemently look forward to be a markswoman in my field of study and instrumental in effective execution of public policies that work towards the broader good of society. Post my Masters education in UK, I will be seeking progressive association with (name some organisations), to be able to mobilise noble changes through my research and efforts. I also intend to continue my research through a prestigious PhD program, a few years down the line.
I hope to have elucidated my rational and an earnest intent to study at your prestigious college. Thus, I request a propitious review of my application and will be eager to address any further queries that you may have regarding my candidature.
