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Alumnae-i
22 August 2022

Reetuparna Vishwanath Receives 2021-22 Alumni Community Scholarship

Coming from a humble financial background with big dreams, Reetuparna was raised to value the power of education and the change it can bring to people’s lives. She was present at the Annual Alumni Reunion on 17 September 2022. 

I am honoured to have received the Alumni Community Scholarship from the from the Geneva Graduate Institute, and it is my pleasure to share my story so that many others like me can have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. 

During my college days at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, India, I began thinking about pursuing higher education in economics at an institute of world standing; one where I could work towards global engagement and ethical leadership. Naturally, my first choice was the Geneva Graduate Institute, with its renowned faculty and environment that shapes the next generation of leaders and global visionaries. 

When I first applied in 2019, I got an offer for the fast-track master’s programme in International Economics at the Institute but could not accept it because of financial challenges. I had to similarly turn down offers from other excellent institutes. I then went with the next best alternative, the Hanken School of Economics in Finland, where I received a full scholarship allowing me to compete my MSc in Economics.

In 2021, I applied to the Institute again with the same passion towards human development and global engagement that I had two years before. This time, I received the Alumni Community Scholarship, which has enabled me to pursue my studies at this premier institution and to be a part of its vibrant and diverse spirit. I am very grateful for this opportunity.

Coming from a humble financial background with big dreams, my parents brought me up to value the power of education and the change it can bring to people’s lives. Giving back to my community and working towards uplifting the masses has been instilled in me from a young age. The Alumni Community Scholarship is the bridge between my background and these goals to help make people’s lives better and empower the underprivileged.

At the Hanken School of Economics, the focus of my studies was development economics, and my thesis studied the impact of women leadership on corporations. Additionally, I worked as a research assistant at Aalto University, studying the social impact of restrictions due to COVID-19. I am also a Qualitative Techniques for Economics and Management (QTEM) graduate from the Entrepreneurial University in Munich, (TUM) Germany, which is designed for students interested in a quantitative and analytical degree.

These experiences have not only enhanced my skills in the quantitative methods of economics, but have also helped me realise my interests within the vast field of economics.

At the Institute, I would like to focus my research on international trade and development economics, eventually leading to a doctorate in the intersection of these topics. 

The Alumni Scholarship was established in 2014 to fund the academic and living expenses of a student in financial need for a year. Funds for the scholarship are collected through direct donations on the Alumni Scholarship web page and also during a raffle and silent auction held at the annual Alumni Reunion, which reunites alumni from around the world each year.

 

 

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