The year 2006 was a phenomenal year that I will never forget!

The stocks kept on rising in such a manner that

people started to collect everything they had and even mortgaged their houses in order to invest in the market.
As the rise persisted, some analysts predicted its collapse. However, my father did not take their expectations
into consideration. On February 25th, we received news that we should have, it was a shock to us, especially to
my father. At that moment, I began to wonder why it had happened and what my father could have done to
avoid the crisis. In a quest for answers, I started to read about the crisis and learned that a few people had
survived. This encouraged me to learn more about finance and, ultimately, to specialize in the subject.
I started my journey at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). As an independent student,
I have developed strong problem-solving and time management abilities that have helped me not only deal with
various situations in life and interpersonal relationships, but also enabled me to pursue intensive undergraduate
studies. Away from my hometown, I accumulated great experiences that I hope will be useful for my future
studies and life.
After my training, I took courses that discussed financial modeling and case studies in companies that faced
major financial problems. We were asked to overcome those problems as if we were the CFOs of these
companies. Once, the instructor decided to challenge us by giving us a local project as a case study to expose
us to how complex these projects can get. As I delved deeper into the case, I became keen to study these kinds
of projects.
In 2014, I was among the very few candidates who were accepted at the Center of Complex Engineering
Systems (CCES) at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology (MIT). The center offers new graduates, at the bachelors degree and masters degree levels, the
chance to enhance their analytical capabilities and strengthen their research skills by working on large research
projects as well as dealing with decision makers of relevant stakeholders. At CCES, I worked on two such
projects. The first was titled The Strategic Solar Desalination Network (SSDN), a comprehensive modeling
framework for planning efficient deployment of a solar-desalination network in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
It should ensure cost effectiveness and water and energy security, despite our uncertain future. The second
project is called the Sustainable Infrastructure Planning System (SIPS), a prototype modeling framework for
evaluating infrastructure investment plans based on their impact on sustainable development using the UN
Inclusive Wealth framework. This work supported the decision-makers use of models to address complex
sustainability decisions with the emphasis on future investments related to water and energy infrastructures.
My role in both projects entailed building and improving the cost components of water and energy
infrastructures and, subsequently, the economic components of the models used. This role provided me with a
great opportunity to work more closely with faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students from both
institutions. While working on these projects, I have developed a strong belief that knowledge is power and that
the road to success lies through education. I felt the need to go deeper into my major. As a result, I decided
pursue a masters degree in finance. Having a masters degree will enable me to work on more large projects
using the knowledge I have gained.
To achieve my career goals, I need to learn much more about current developments and techniques in finance,
financial markets, and financial applications and to acquire hands-on experience of financial analysis. A
masters degree in finance from MIT will provide me with theoretical understanding, in-depth knowledge of
practical approaches in aiding managerial decision-making, and research skills. These traits would make me an
expert in financial strategies and global corporate financial operations.
I appreciate your taking the time to consider my application, and I hope that the information I have shared has
demonstrated my academic ability and passion to be part of your prestigious academic institution as an MSc
student. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thousands of risks are taken every day, on the stock market and in companies themselves. Sometimes they pay
off; sometimes they dont. I can personally guarantee I am a risk worth taking.