Letter of Motivation for European Business Schools

Hey there,

I stumbled over this forum a couple of days ago and it helped already a lot. Still I am not quite sure if my letter of motivation is good enough to get me into one of europe`s top 30 business schools (besides my grades of course ;-).
First of all I have a question concerning the introduction of my letter of motivation:
Is it advisable to start with a quotation? If so are there any requirements I should keep in mind chosing this quotation?

Here is my first attempt:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to apply for your Master of Science program in xxx.

I graduated from high school in 2008 with majors in mathematics and history. Currently, I am studying Business Administration at the xxx university majoring in Strategy & International Business and expect to attain my Bachelor of Science degree in August 2012 with a grade that puts me among the top 15% of my year.

In my bachelor thesis, which I wrote at the chair of xxx I focused my research on the strategic core competency framework of international companies and its practical application at the xxx Corporation. I could confirm that even unique competencies are devaluated over time. Therefore it is essential for companies to recognize future trends and establish new strategic core competencies.

Having reviewed several master degree programs, I am confident that the xxx program best suits my goals and aspirations. In particular, I am anxious to attend courses like “xxx” and “xxx” as they will enhance my existing practical experience with a solid theoretical foundation in these areas. I expect that the university’s close connection to the business community, especially in the frame of “Life projects”, will further help me in gaining insight in the working procedures of international companies.

In parallel to studying at xxx University I am employed at the Innovation & New Business Development department at xxx, assisting in the preparation of business cases concerning potential new business models. Here I have the chance to work in a team of innovative and inspiring individuals. This, together with the challenging tasks assigned, strengthened my ambition to focus my graduate studies on business management in an international environment.

Given the opportunity, I would like to spend one term abroad at the xxx University because they offer among others the course “xxx”. Planning to eventually start an own business, this course will provide me with the opportunity to cover an important additional topic, since social media are an excellent, inexpensive platform for start-up businesses to market their services.

In my previous studies, I acquired a good understanding in the field of strategic planning, especially in International Management. In order to extend my knowledge in this area I decided to spend my term abroad at the xxx University, since it is known to offer a variety of excellent courses in this field.

In 2011 I had the exiting opportunity to intern at the UNESCO in Bangkok. I assisted in developing an internet network connecting schools from South-East Asia with schools in Europe in order to foster cultural exchange. This internship along with my term abroad provided me with the possibility to work and study in an international context and to improve my skills in working in teams as well as presenting and writing papers in English. While studying and working in Bangkok I was holder of a DAAD-scholarship.

While my academic career is vitally important to me I spend my pastime actively playing soccer as a goalkeeper and as an assistant trainer for younger goalkeepers. This has been a passion of mine since my early years at school, playing both in my school’s team and in regional teams in Munich and Augsburg. Sports always helped me in keeping a maintaining a healthy work life balance.

After graduating from xxx I hope to find an employment in the area of new business development. The fact that xxx lists business development manager as one example for prospective future occupation confirms my decision to choose xxx for my master studies. In addition, during my one week trip to xxx in autumn 2011 I had the chance to experience the city and its people as well as to visit the campus and to speak to students of the xxx. The bright entrance hall with its friendly atmosphere as well as all the students working together left a lasting impression.

I am sure that my academic background, my sincere character and both my research and practical experiences in multi-cultural environments will help me and my fellow students to successfully complete the Msc in xxx at the xxx. I am convinced that I have the motivation and the intellectual ability to make significant contributions to the program as well as to work and live in an international community.
I am looking forward to joining the xxx as a graduate student of the Msc in xxx program.

Yours faithfully,

Thanks in advance for reviewing my letter and for your amazing hints!