PhD in Political Economy and Governance, Application Essay Example

As someone pursuing Dual Masters in Sustainable International Development and Conflict and Coexistence as well as possessing four-years work experience in conflict-ridden countries as a UN employee, I have been exposed to a wide range of ideas and experiences. These ideas have not only helped me expand my thinking horizon but have also allowed me to enhance my critical and independent thinking skills. I have come to the realization that impoverished nations do not lag behind due to scarcity of resources but rather due to absence of sound governance and a working legal infrastructure. These countries possess all the tools to become self-sufficient and enjoy economic prosperity for as long as they revamp their outdated political and economic models. At the same time, countries vary in terms of different characteristics including cultures, norms, social classes, and belief systems, thus, there is no one-size-fits all solution to their weak governance and inefficient economic policies. This is why I am interested in pursuing my PhD in Political Economy and Governance so that I can particularly investigate and determine political and economic models suited to regions struggling economically or embroiled in conflicts.

As a PhD candidate, my research interests will include reforms, conflict resolution, and restructuring and I will have the unique advantage of a background in both academia and field experience. My work as a UN representative opened my eyes to the fact that political economy is still in its infancy when it comes to understanding some of the poorest countries on earth. The strategies implemented by state donors and non-profit organizations often fail because solutions are implemented without really understanding the root causes of the issues being addressed. This is one of the most exciting times to be a political economist because global economies and political regimes are becoming more intertwined with each other, giving birth to challenges rarely faced in the past history.

Not only my academic background, work experiences, and interests make me an ideal candidate for the program but I also possess skills and traits required for long-term career success. First of all, I have strong communication and cross-cultural skills as a result of living in different cultures around the world. Second, I have strong research background and possess advanced analytical and critical thinking skills. Over the years, I have also developed strong global academic and professional network whose connections and expertise will be quite invaluable in pursuing political, social, and economic research projects.

PhD will be the single-most important investment in my future, thus, I didn’t take the decision to choose university lightly. I wanted to make sure I will have access to world-class faculty and research opportunities. I am also attracted by the diversity of students on campus including many from countries I worked in as a UN representative. Thus, the university will not only meet my academic needs but also provide ample room to follow my research interests. I admire the university’s mission to prepare students for success not only in their chosen field of study but also as members of the communities they live and work in. I hope I will be an effective ambassador of the university in real world and will play a major role in bridging the gap between academia and real world in the field of political economy.