Letter of Motivation

Dear Professor,

I am Rashid Hussain, writing this letter to apply for the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship
Program at the Bielefeld Graduate School in the History and Sociology (BGHS).

I didM.Ed. (Master in Education, 16 of education in Pakistan)in 2015; and after that in February
2022, I completed MPhil/MS in education from the Institute of Business Management (Pakistan)
with a CGPA of 3.73 out of 4. My thesis was “The difficulties faced by underprivileged university
students to take online classes during coronavirus pandemic”. Due to a good academic
progress the university provided me with 50% merit-based scholarship throughout the program
(for two years).

My MS degree program was research-oriented wherein the focus was on the qualitative and
quantitative research approaches in education sciences.As a result, I went through the entire
process of research several times and applied various educational research methods to
complete assigned tasks. In addition, I am acquainted with SPSS and the latest version of APA.
All these learning activities equipped me with the knowledge and skills required to conduct
research activities independently.

I have been working for a ship repairing and Construction Company in Pakistan for the past 10
years.Mymajor job responsibilities entail assessing and managing on-the-job training for
workers. So far, I have arranged several training events including 5 on-the-job (OJT) in the UK
with collaboration of International Maritime and Engineering Training Consultants (IMETC) UK.
Apart from that, I have been a part of the training team that teach and train apprentices for
workplaces. This training imparted through formal and non-formal ways of education where
theaim is to equip apprentices with basic theoretical knowledge, industrial roles, use of basic
tools and equipment, and hands on practical.

Through the experiences, I have learned that a large proportion of young people are lacking
updated knowledge and skills required in the digitalized marketplace. This is one ofthe main
reasons people do not get jobs after completing their education.The problem of skills shortage
was also highlighted in my research (MPhil Thesis),where the study has shown that
underprivileged students of higher education could not use digital gadgets and resources
properly. Moreover, many studies have indicated that skills mismatch and shortage are one of
the reasons for which people may not get jobs timely after completing their schooling.

The cognition of problems such as entering the job market, skills mismatch, and shortageof job-
oriented competencies motivated me to conduct a research that examine these problems in
details. Hence, my research will explore the problems that young people face during transition
from education to workplace. In addition, this study will also examine the factors behind skills
mismatch and shortage. Lastly, through this study, a mechanism will be formulated which willact
as a guide for applicants for the smooth transition from education to the workplace.

I opt for Bielefeld Graduate School in the History and Sociology (BGHS) for my PhD as it is
internationally recognized Graduate school. Secondly, a range of faculty members available,
there are many professors to whom my research interest and current proposal aligned.

This is an excellent opportunity for me to demonstrate academic competencies; and acquire

new skills. I am optimistic that you will provide me a chance to be a part of your vibrant research
team and conducive environment.

Thank you very much for considering my application. I will be happy to provide you with further
information if required.