SOP Sample for Finance Masters in the UK - Fresh Graduate

Statement of Purpose

Business has evolved into an organism where money is its lifeblood and finances its nerve centre. The conventional view of finance focuses on its qualities of being reactive and efficient, keeping in mind potential risks. With the upsurge in quant-driven methodologies in the business world, it has become ever more pertinent to skill oneself with profound knowledge in advanced finance, analytical techniques and associated computing technology. India, like the rest of the world, is on the threshold of vast economic changes, as they fall out of the Covid pandemic. To be a part of this revolution, and make a meaningful contribution, I need to master the science of financial analysis and capital budgeting. I believe that if I channelize my skills, I will be able to augment my influence in this domain.

In many ways, I was fortunate that I needed to switch schools in my formative years. This has made me adaptable and familiar with diverse people with different ways of thinking. One of the schools that I studied in was [SCHOOL_NAME] where I stayed in the hostel. Staying in a boarding school, I tasted many flavours of life. The most important being accountability and self-responsibility. This made me learn how to be an independent individual and do things for myself, look out after myself. It was a good time of my life. I explored different sports, participated in cultural functions and made great friends.

My parents are the main source of inspiration and courage for me and they are the reason for what I have become as a person today. My father is an entrepreneur and always involved me in matters regarding accounting, legal paperwork and financial decisions of his construction company. I have been surrounded by numbers since my childhood. I, to this date, manage his documentations involving contracts, partnership deeds, income statements and taxation related information. I have a fond memory of him teaching me how to read and interpret tax statements during my 7th grade. That moment I believe was the beginning of my journey to enter the world of business. I have accompanied him in his meetings with government officials, chartered accountants and business partners. Reflecting back, I feel I was always a part of an ecosystem of business and am glad I made career choices based on this exposure which is so valuable to me.

During my undergrad, I have studied financial accounting, business laws, taxation, financial reporting, marketing, entrepreneurship, and my favourite subject – Financial Management. In addition, Business Mathematics, Business Statistics and Economics also was a significant quantitative element of my coursework. I am eager to dig deeper into Financial Management simply because I can relate my compassion and associated thinking processes more to this subject. I have practiced analyzing financial statements, calculating financial ratios, as well as have learned the practical aspects of valuation techniques under the guidance of my father and his team. In my free time, I imbibed knowledge of the stock market. I made mock investments and to date I like tracking my equity to understand and learn.

In order to explore the functioning of other companies, I undertook several internships. My internship was related to finance and accounting. My time at work proved to be useful as far as learning goes. I maintained inventory, was involved in the bookkeeping system and communication with clients. I like trying out new things. My grandfather always says experiencing and experimenting new endeavours always shapes one's personality. In my hunt to look for something yielding self-satisfaction, I took the initiative to volunteer at the [ORGANIZATION_NAME]. I helped in organizing blood donation camps to support an NGO, social gatherings and conducted workshops for fundraising. Eventually, I served as the Entrepreneurship Development Director in 2019. I realized as a student and an individual, I could use my knowledge and ideas to keep communities.

I am keen to pursue a Master's in Investment Banking and Finance because it blends finance theory with the apt use of financial concepts in the real world. So, the need of the hour is to keep abreast of the latest trends and upgrade one's knowledge constantly. I wish to carve my niche in this ever-evolving field by delving and learning more about it. I understand that the journey will be replete with challenges and I intend to equip myself with the required knowledge, skills and experiences before taking the plunge to use all that I have garnered in the real world.

During my search for a suitable course, I found the UK to be the most appropriate for pursuing higher education. The quality of education amazed me. I finally got interested in [UNIVERSITY_NAME] since its coursework closely aligns with my interest. The program will surely help me gain specialized knowledge in finance theory and financial markets, indeed preparing me for the real world and its challenges. As the world is globalizing, it will be a unique experience to get an exposure and opportunity to interact with international students. I believe in determination, commitment and I'm a firm believer thriving to excel. I value hard work and never wish to find a shortcut which can be achieved without working hard.

I eventually aim to become industry ready and leading personnel in the financial sector. I want to use my accumulated knowledge and experience to help businesses flourish by leading them towards growth and sustainability in turn making an impact in the lives of people. Self-satisfaction from my work has always been my priority. The success achieved by true sincerity cannot be matched by anything else in this world is what my soul firmly believes in.

I wish to pursue Master's in Investment Banking and Finance and having it done at the [UNIVERSITY_NAME] would be a privilege for me both academically and personally. It's an opportunity to develop professional skills to contribute to this wonderful pace of developing a new world. I hope the admission council provides me the opportunity to study and hone my skills at the [UNIVERSITY_NAME].