SOP Sample for MS Business Analytics in the USA

Statement of Purpose

I have been working as Business Analyst for [COMPANY] for the past three years. Due to the ongoing data-intensive shift, I could observe the dramatic digitization of business processes and drastic improvement of existing technologies. Furthermore, the master's program could be a one-stop solution instead of multiple pieces of in-house training and certification programs. Therefore, pursuing decision science, analytics, programming, and other academic modules would revitalize my work experience with relevant domain knowledge and offer career longevity by leveraging techno-functional skills. The reasons mentioned above would be housing my motivation for a master's education.

I have pursued my bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering from [UNIVERSITY] in 2018. As I lean towards experiential learning, I was among the few candidates who pursued their practicums at the beginning of my third year. With these industrial practicums, I got conversant with the usage of software, database systems, the extent of computing, and opportunity available as a business analyst across the industry. Moreover, as there would be several available software versions per use case, these technologies would not be taught on campus. The internships facilitated gaining industry-relevant skills and enhanced networking with working professionals. During my final year of under graduation, as a significant chunk of recruiters was interested in absorbing candidates with solid domain knowledge and tinge for programming, I shifted gears and started pursuing software knowledge. The training exposure helped realize the advantages of being a multi-faceted resource by learning software packages and possessing relevant knowledge in data Analysis with Excel, Python programming for Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

As an outcome, a job opportunity with [COMPANY] got materialized for a data management and data digitization project for a fortune 500 client. The project aims to digitize, capture and process the paper-based data onto a universally accessible database for the client. The database repository should be developed with keyword searchability. This would reduce the labor-intensive search for physical documents, warehouse maintenance, digitizing physical documents, and processing paper data into a universal digital software input file. With the mentioned demands of the project, I was provided with robust training in database management systems, domain-specific software – [SOFTWARE_1] and [SOFTWARE_2], Indexing tools, reporting technologies – [SOFTWARE_3].

As part of the day-to-day work, I would be responsible for data extraction, quality control, and reporting. Coming from an alienated domain, I have proven efficient in delivering work. Given that, I have achieved the star performer award for error-free data delivery, best compliance practices for consecutive months. In the latter stages, I was promoted as a sub-layer quality analyst. On a timely basis, I would be assisting the team through best practices inoculation within the work and error mitigation. This experience introduced me to sampling, database dump checks, and guidelines development, which were crucial for end delivery. At a perilous juncture, in association with team leads, I have contributed to developing an Excel-based error analysis tool. As business units stalled during the pandemic, I concentrated on priming up my computer literacy through in-house training programs in Python, R, and SQL languages. Thereby, I would seize any opportunity and get accustomed to the work culture with minimal training. This is an indication of learning ability and proficiency. The work opportunity with the training helped me grow a unique portfolio as a data analyst.

As the project reached the climax stages, the investment moved towards automation. I have later transformed into a software tester to develop a subsurface digitization tool that could reduce the human intervention of processing and capturing data. In this testing project, I have reviewed code blocs of python, image processing libraries, and machine learning models in an elementary way. Meanwhile, I have continued to upskill, but I have felt the need for peer support and classroom learning as collaborative learning would offer a multitude of perspectives in analyzing a business problem.

With references and experiences from colleagues and alumni of the campus, I have concluded to pursue my master's in [SCHOOL_NAME] in Business Analytics & Information Systems (BAIS) at [UNIVERSITY]. As per QS Rankings in 2020, the program stands at 43rd across B-schools, which intuitively suggests the innovation, research, curriculum, and placement record. As I am leaning toward collaborative learning, I am looking forward to networking and learning from diverse experiences. Moreover, the core courses (12 credits) lay solid foundations for course completion. The Analytics and Business intelligence segment meets on-demand industry requirements creating a higher scope of employability. With accreditations from AACSB and a strong faculty panel inclusive of – [PROFESSOR_NAME], a data mining pioneer with an extensive knowledge base in statistics and mathematics, could provide solid basics and outlook required for the program. Another eminent faculty, [PROFESSOR_NAME], who has completed his master's & bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, is now a pioneer web application & information assurance. As I went through the profiles and their portfolios of faculty, I found the department recognizes the need for the provision of opportunity for candidates from alienated domains. Therefore, I am excited about the diversity and exposure available on campus.

Finally, I am focused on pursuing, Analytics and Business Intelligence concentration, which would aid in developing applications relevant to computer vision, data warehousing, and machine learning with the processing of imagery, text, and document-based data. This techno-functional knowledge would aid in stabilizing my career choices and improve my longevity as a business analyst. The industry is advancing at a rapid pace with remote working and data science. I want to be part of that transformation.

[NAME] MS Business Analytics & Information Systems