Tag: Scholarship

October 8, 2024

Hear from Tom Joe, a new recipient of the ESOMAR Foundation scholarship

“Not Again… Not Anymore”

After dropping out of a master’s class for a record second time, due to financial reasons, I was almost losing it. I asked myself too many questions without answers … “Not again!!” You see I had the willpower (…And Still Do), but the finances were constricting.

Let me tell you a story of a Great Researcher, of course before he becomes a great one-Courtesy of the ESOMAR Foundation. One day a friend of mine came to my desk and showed me a website and claimed that a certain organization known as ESOMAR Foundation was offering scholarships. I took her words seriously and started the application process. I knew how important getting a scholarship would mean to my career and family. Then on one fine evening on a Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at exactly 9:03 PM I received an email from the ESOMAR Foundation that they were interested in financing my education, I was so overjoyed and eager to start school like the “previous day”. This day Forever remains engraved in my heart like an intaglio.

Fast forward, I started my orientation on February 19th, 2024, pursuing a Master of Arts in project planning and Management. My first semester went on seamlessly and I was able to attend all the classes and did the exams. Currently, I finished my second semester. The only challenge that I have faced this semester is about the civil unrest In Kenya. I have made great connections, both in career and Academia, in school, some of whom are into Research like me. The most intriguing thing for me is that I am in a class full of CEO’s and Engineers, ooh! what a privilege. I am overjoyed to be able to finally pursue my academic and career dreams and fortunate enough to have mentors along the way. You see a journey walked with others can lead far. Having this scholarship has given me peace of mind and a unique opportunity to be able to focus and attain my career goals in research. I now say … “Not anymore!!”

I go by the slogan “Loosing hope or giving up is a luxury I cannot afford, it’s too expensive and it’s costs too tremendous”

Words cannot express my joy, I say a big THANK YOU to ESOMAR Foundation for this scholarship. May God Bless you all.

Tom Joe Omollo is pursuing a Master of Arts in Project Planning & Management at University of Nairobi, Kenya. Tom Joe is the recipient of a scholarship funded by the ESOMAR Foundation.

How you can support

If you are a market researcher, a national market research association, an NGO involved in research, or a university interested in a scholarship in your country please contact us at info@esomarfoundation.org

Partners & Sponsors

We are always on the lookout for partners and sponsors. If you are an organisation looking to understand more about how you can support us, please find more information here or contact: info@esomarfoundation.org

August 17, 2024

A labour of love

A tale is told of a love that is brewed from known strangers our hearts fall in love with every once in a while, that actually gives us warmth for lifetime.

All our lives we seek a love that is passionate enough to promise us forever, there’s a love that is always looking forward to 8 PM to ask how your day was, and there’s that type of love that signs a 2-year contract to just love you unconditionally, invest in you and transform you into what little you ever dreamt of. It feels amazing watching people decide to come together and put you as their own responsibility.

Esomar Foundation really took me in as their labour of love.

Year 1 down!! What a journey.

I remember when I was applying for my scholarship and I wrote, ‘’I desire growth’’ and you know what? I already submitted my first research proposal, and my supervisor was happy with my work, isn’t this growth? Your baby is growing!

My first year of master’s has been quite an interesting journey full of love, from being given a mentor who has been guiding me and always there for me anytime I need help, to being offered new courses that will boost my career development and to being introduced to other professionals who guide me as I journey through my career. I have watched myself grow and now approaching work assignments differently.

I look forward to more growth and to another year of expanding my capabilities, networking and making use of all the opportunities accorded to me.

Beatrice Karimi is pursuing a Master in Development Studies (MA Development Studies) at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Beatrice is the recipient of a scholarship funded through a partnership with Women in Research (WIRe).

How you can support

If you are a market researcher, a national market research association, an NGO involved in research or a university interested in a scholarship in your country please contact us at info@esomarfoundation.org

Partners & Sponsors

May 29, 2024

Education: The Sharpest Weapon for Navigating One’s Journey

My name is Pisey Choub, and I am currently a Master’s Degree student at the National University of Management in Phnom Penh (Cambodia), specializing in Global Innovation Management. I am grateful to have received scholarship funds from the ESOMAR Foundation, with Sapio Research being the donor providing this support.

The journey to completing my studies spans two years, and so far, I have greatly enjoyed my classes. I have been learning about Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Talent Management, and many other enriching subjects. The classes have been incredibly engaging, particularly because most of the professors come from various countries, bringing diverse techniques and styles to education. All of the subjects have been very useful for my daily work and have expanded my research knowledge. Due to my hard work, I have achieved an average score of 90.72 in all the subjects.

Currently, I am working on my project capstone research, which is the final project for my Master’s Degree. I have chosen “Mobile Threat Defense in the Cambodian Market” as my research topic. While Mobile Threat Defense programs may be well-established in other countries, they are relatively new to Cambodia. This is an important area of study because smartphones store a significant amount of sensitive information, which necessitates increased awareness and protection.

Education is the sharpest weapon for navigating one’s journey. Learning opportunities extend beyond the classroom, and I am grateful for the chance to expand my knowledge and experience through this Master’s Degree Program. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the supporters and donors who have given me the opportunity to see the world more clearly.

How you can support

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February 14, 2024

The beauty of new beginnings

Wander into the unknown, open your heart & take the leap! I wrote these words down on the first day of 2023 as my mantra throughout the year and sure enough, dreams of faraway places came knocking at my doorstep and roaring my name so loud.

My biggest wish for 2023, was that at some point this year, whenever I will have to introduce myself, I will have to mention that ‘’ I am pursuing my Master’s degree’’ this was only a dream because I always have believed in being the change, and bringing change, in the society I live in and I also desired growth in my career. I believe that if I advance my education, I will gain the skills I need to transform the world and be an asset in the Market Research space.

17^th October 2023, I describe this day as ‘’Beatrice International day’’, it’s like everything in the universe had gathered together and decided it’s about time my life shifted into new many beginnings that would bring me so much bliss. This is the day I received my scholarship confirmation from ESOMAR Foundation/WIRE. Finally, my dream of advancing my education had come true, and people who only knew me through my certificates decided to invest in my future and transform me into the professional I have always desired to be.

Since I started my Master’s degree, it has been a series of new beginnings for me, from meeting a new family from ESOMAR Foundation/WIRE, my classmates, attending classes every day and the shift my life had to take to now being a full-time student, these are experiences I wish I knew were waiting for me. Lately, I have been happy, contented, and at peace as I embrace this new journey of achieving my dreams.

From Nairobi Kenya, I send a billion thank you (s)!!!

How you can support

Partners & Sponsors

January 26, 2024

New scholarship awarded in Kenya

26 January 2924, Amsterdam, NL – ESOMAR Foundation recently funded a new scholarship benefiting a deserving student entering into a market research-related field of study in Kenya.

Beatrice has the desire to further her education by pursuing a Master’s degree which she believes will equip her with more knowledge and skills to guide her in how she approaches situations in the research industry and development sector at large.

Upon the announcement of her scholarship being funded, Beatrice shared: “I was thrilled to learn about my selection to the programme and I deeply appreciate all the efforts the ESOMAR Foundation and WIRe have put into transforming me into the professional I desire to be. Thank you so much for making my dream come through and thank you a million from Nairobi!”

“We are deeply grateful to the WIRe community for the continuous support of the ESOMAR Foundation scholarship programme. We wish all the best to Beatrice on her journey towards becoming an inspiring professional in our industry ” said ESOMAR Foundation President John Kearon.

“We’re thrilled to once again collaborate with the ESOMAR Foundation on this critical initiative, enabling us to provide women globally with professional development opportunities that are truly life changing. The passion and generosity of the WIRe community continues to inspire us year after year; as our fifth Global Scholarship Fund recipient, the funding of this award is a testament to the lasting impact we can make when we choose to collectively support each other. We wish Beatrice the very best on her educational journey and look forward to her post-graduate success in this industry.” said Kristin Luck, Founder, Women in Research – WIRe

How you can support

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September 27, 2023

Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times” – Asian Proverb

Pisey Choub, the student from Cambodia who received the ESOMAR Foundation scholarship sponsored by Sapio Research, was invited by the ESOMAR Foundation to join the group of student-helpers during the recent ESOMAR Congress held in Amsterdam on 10-13 September. Read about Pisey’s delightful write-up of her Congress experience

I can say this was one of the finest and most satisfying adventures of my life I had a chance to visit a European country which is Amsterdam City in the Netherlands for the ESOMAR Congress 2023. Each day of the trip brought new sights and new adventures especially new experiences that I never had before. Amsterdam is a beautiful city. People like to use Boats, Bicycles, trams, and buses for traveling. The city is not too crowded by traffic jams and less noise from the car horns. The weather there is very good, some days the sunny day, and some days the windy day. I am so impressed by the way that they can conserve and maintain the old building very well. To talk about the people there, they are all so friendly and helpful.

I felt so scared for the first time since I had never travelled so far from my country before but after I met Ms Phyllis Macfarlane, I felt so warm and all the fear that I had gone away. I am so delighted by the way she took care of me and treated me as a family member. She took me to see the city and introduced me to meet with the ESOMAR Foundation Team as well as other people in the event for networking.

I gained a lot of life experience during the lovely dinner with the ESOMAR Team, they shared with me about work experience and life tips to make the work and life balance. During the congress, after I had done my volunteer tasks, I had some time to see and hear from the speakers about their experiences and their marketing research presentations. It is very interesting the way they do the explanation and the way they use the method to collect the data. This is the chance that I can learn from them about the techniques they use, insights, and tip which is up to date with the market research now.

I have a little hope that one day I have a chance to present about marketing research at the international congress like this. But everything like this could not happen without Sapio Research and support from the ESOMAR Foundation. I am very grateful to Ms. Jessica Bunce for the fund support from Sapio Research that she has provided to me. This support allows me to see what the world looks like and lets me go another step closer to the Market Research world. I am very happy and feel proud to share with my family, friends, and Masters’ Degree Class about this exciting experience. Live the life of your dreams, you never know what is happening next, but you need to be ready for the opportunities that will come.

Thank you for everything you have done for me.

How you can support

Partners & Sponsors

June 15, 2023

From Dream into Reality

From a young age, I kept hearing words from my father: “Only education would make you live better and work better than I do now”. This word is repeatedly played around in my mind until now, and what he said is true.

Education is a sharp weapon for us to fight for our life. Some said, “You can continue your degree only if you grow up in a good-condition family.” I’m afraid I have to disagree with this statement. Nothing can stop you from your goal if you think you can do it.

I enrolled in a government school from primary to high school without paying fees. Because of my hard work and enjoyment of learning, I became an outstanding student. I kept learning, hoping to get the scholarship to continue my bachelor’s degree at the university. I knew that if I could not get the scholarship, I might not have a chance to continue my bachelor’s degree immediately after my diploma, and I needed to work more to save for my school fee to enroll in a quality university in my country which is the Royal University of Phnom Penh. My hard work paid off in return. I had an opportunity to get a 100% scholarship for my bachelor’s degree and graduated with a great result. These opportunities allow me to have a better job to support my family and myself; the most important is to cut the burden on my father because he is getting old now.

My dream never stops. I still hope to continue the Master’s Degree in the Global Innovation Program at the National University of Management, the best program that allows me to study with an international standard program as well as international professors. Supporting my family is not the only goal for me, and I am ambitious to become a quality human resource to help the Cambodian people to have better jobs, live in good conditions, and have enough ability to send their children to study in better schools without working so hard like my father. Once I heard there was a scholarship program from ESOMAR Foundation for Post-graduate students, my dream started to have the light come in. So I tried my best to get this chance in my hand.

Finally, a dream is becoming a reality. I have been granted a scholarship to cover the tuition fees. Thanks very much to the ESOMAR Foundation, and deeply thankful to the supporter Sapio Research, which allows me to achieve another step toward my biggest dream in life. This scholarship is improving not only me, but I will bring this as the capital to supporting all the young generation to become the better human resource for the future.

How you can support

Partners & Sponsors

April 23, 2023

New scholarship awarded in Cambodia

23 April 2023, Amsterdam, NL – ESOMAR Foundation recently funded a new scholarship benefiting a deserving student entering into a market research-related field of study in Cambodia.

Pisey Choub is the recipient of a scholarship funded through a partnership with the global research consultancy Sapio Research.

Pisey is following the MBA Program in Global Innovation Management at the National University of Management (NUM) International College in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Pisey comes from a low-income family who have invested their earnings in providing her with an education. Pisey’s aspiration is to advance her business education to become an entrepreneur and support the Cambodian people to have better jobs and live in good conditions.

This scholarship comes at the right moment for her, as she’s entered a period in her education where access to additional financial support will allow for career-making opportunities such as field research, internships, and other university activities.

Upon the announcement of her scholarship being funded, Pisey shared: “I was thrilled and appreciative to learn that I was selected as the recipient of your scholarship. I want to personally thank each of you for helping make it possible for me to pursue my dream of continuing the Master’s Degree Program.

I am truly grateful for the scholarship support. This scholarship allows me to work fewer hours and focus on my studies and additional education opportunities. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me.”

“We are—more than ever—grateful to SAPIO Research for the continuous support of the ESOMAR Foundation scholarship programme” said ESOMAR Foundation President John Kearon.

“We are really thrilled to be able to continue to support students with their studies via the ESOMAR Foundation and congratulate Pisey on her award of this latest scholarship. We are looking forward to hearing how Pisey’s studies are progressing, and supporting and mentoring where we can” said Jessica Bunce, Co-Founder and Director, Sapio Research

How you can support

Partners & Sponsors

We are always on the lookout for partners and sponsors. If you are an organisation looking to understand more on how you can support us, please find more information here or contact: info@esomarfoundation.org

March 31, 2021

Studying during the pandemia

It’s a fact, COVID-19 is slowing down the studies of many students throughout the world! Here is news from our two students from Sri Lanka who are lucky enough to be able to study thanks to the generous support of SAPIO and WIRE/Unilever. The scholarship gives them an opportunity to face the challenges ahead and, surely, with universities closing down and distant lessons, life is not easy for them!

News from Ayesh:

After my last blog, again university closed down due to Covid-19. At the moment I’m completing my final year first semester which is conducted online.

I learned the basics about research in the previous semester, but I have to do my research in the final year second semester (research subject complete in the last semester of the final year). So sadly, I’m still studying for my research.

As a consequence of Covid-19 (closing of my university and distance studying), I’m still a final year first-semester student and I haven’t graduated yet, but I hope to enter the job market soon and complete my internship.

Again I’m not forgetting the opportunity given to me by the ESOMAR Foundation! Thank you very much.

Ayesh is following a B.Sc. Marketing Management (special) degree program at the Department of Marketing Management Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. His scholarship was granted through a partnership with the global research consultancy Sapio Research.

News from Chamari:

When we consider my academic activities, I have already completed my exams. As a partial requirement for the complete B.Sc. Marketing Management (special )degree, we had to complete a “Research study” and “Internship”.

I have completed my Internship as a Management trainee in a well-reputed Digital Marketing Agency ebirds.lk. As a management trainee, I was able to develop my Digital Marketing practical knowledge, Interpersonal communication skills, Leadership and Time management skills, Research study skills, Analytics and Decision-making skills, and many more related to the administration.

Due to the growth of obesity and overweight in Sri Lanka, I conducted my research study based on the impact of fitness -health-related social media group engagement on healthy food choice and physical fitness, with special reference to fitness inspiration contents. Finally, the Marketing Department announced that they have selected my research study for the Top 25 Research studies. Therefore I have to present my research study at the Undergraduate research symposium of the Department of Marketing Management that will be held on 6th April. I have to arrange a presentation and get ready for that event.

On 16th March I joined Moonstar Groom Designer as e-commerce manager and here my job role is the management of e-commerce website and online marketing including social media marketing.

I love to win. Therefore I always learn something special and do all I can to achieve success. I also help and encourage others to be successful. Nowadays I’m studying more concepts related to digital marketing because I want to be a marketer. I completed few digital marketing-related online courses and I’m constantly learning, because I want to excel in the industry.

Finally, I want to thank very much the ESOMAR Foundation for the kind support I received to complete my higher education. Your scholarship helped me to undertake my academic activities as I so much wanted!

Chamari is following a B.Sc. Marketing Management (special) degree program at the Department of Marketing Management Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Chamari is the recipient of a scholarship funded through a partnership with global non-profit Women in Research (WIRe) and Unilever.

A note from the ESOMAR Foundation:

We really enjoy following your progress and your personal lives during these years of your study. We are also happy that you can get through your studies in spite of the difficult times, and that the ESOMAR Foundation can contribute to fulfilling your dream!

We wish to thank our sponsors for so generously allowing us to provide these two scholarships:

November 19, 2020

Just One Year

Final year. First semester started almost a year ago in December 2019. I did good for the first part, I have attended every lecture and did my academic activities well. Although the final exam of the first semester was scheduled to be held in March, it was advanced to August due to the Covid-19 situation. During this period I started to learn everything about social media marketing and developed myself watching courses on Youtube. I spent my days studying about social media trends, how to market product through social media, search engine optimisation, content developments, etc. I didn’t waste the time enjoying with my friends, not that I could anyway.. I know that the social aspect is really important as well but I wanted to make the most of this time. Between the 17th and 28th of August I successfully faced the first semester exams.

Although the first semester exams were held in August, the second semester started before that, in June 2020. My department scheduled online lectures for all the students, with no lectures at the university. During this time, I have been assigned to carry out a research study as partial fulfilment of the dissertation of my B. Sc. Marketing Management (Special) degree. The name of my research study is “Impact of social media group engagement on healthy food choice and engagement of physical fitness activities”. I have decided to conduct this research study to address the prevailing problem of Obesity and Overweight in Sri Lanka. Though online lectures my supervisor guides me to carry-out the research study. These days I’m dedicating my full attention to my research studies because I have to submit the research report before the 28th of December.

During my leisure time I study more about social media platforms. Recently I have successfully completed the following courses “The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing” certified by Google Digital Garage and “Google Analytics for Beginners” certified by Google Analytics Academy.

At the beginning of this year I felt that 2020 will not be too good for me as I considered the pandemic will affect me deeply. Now I feel the time has gone very fast and the worst has passed. During this period I learnt new social media trends, new concepts, new subjects and gained a lot of new skills. Now I know that life is a challenge.. with the acquired new skills we are ready to pass any obstacles in the future and find it easier to adhere to changes.

Chamari Jeewanthi is following a B.Sc. Marketing Management (special) degree program at the Department of Marketing Management Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Chamari is the recipient of a scholarship funded through a partnership with global non-profit Women in Research (WIRe) and Unilever.

Partners & Sponsors

We are always on the lookout for partners and sponsors. If you are an individual or an organisation looking to understand more about how you can support us, please find more information here or contact: info@esomarfoundation.org