SOP Sample for MS Cyber Security in the UK - Early Career Profile

Working as the Senior Representative – Operations at [COMPANY_1] (formerly [COMPANY_2]) for the client [COMPANY_3], I have handled multiple scenarios where huge organizations and even small family businesses had to shut shop due to cyber-attacks on their business. Incidents like these have only made me realize the unparalleled importance of cyber security today. This coupled with the numerous reports that I read about an unprecedented rise in cyber-attacks during the covid pandemic has motivated me to study more about this field. Today, I am intrigued by the field of cyber security and now wish to delve deeper into this field. Such is my interest in this field that I am ready to put my well-settled career on hold and become a student once again. Therefore, my application to the MS Cyber Security field program at [UNIVERSITY_1].

As a school going child, I loved science but hated math. As part of the School Science and Arts committee, I helped my teachers organize science fairs - from setting up the music tapes for the dance group to making sure the speeches were scripted well. I was also an avid athlete and was nominated for the [AWARD_NAME] for outstanding achievement in the preliminary rounds of [COMPETITION_NAME]. Given my aptitude and interest in computer science, my teachers motivated me further to pursue a career in Computer Science, which led me to take up computer science as my elective in for my 12th.

For my undergraduate degree, I selected bachelors with a triple major because I was interested in studying computer science as well as electronics but didn't want to take an engineering degree. Hence, I took up the next best option (B.Sc. (Computer Science, Mathematics, Electronics)). In hindsight, I chose well as the program enabled me to further my love for computer science. Being a practical learner, I did multiple projects such as Automated Fire Emergency RC, Collision Alert Systems, Password Based Door Lock System using 8051 Microcontroller, E-Commerce Platform of Health Care Products, Hospital Management System and worked as an IT intern at [COMPANY_4]. During the internship, among other roles, I monitored 8 servers, network connections, firewalls and corporate filters to maintain maximum up-time and functionality; performed tests of functionality, security and performance of different workstations and devices; and assisted IT team members by crafting project research material for implementation.

I was also actively involved in extracurricular activities during the undergraduate program and have been a part of multiple committees and associations. From department committees (Computer Science and Electronics) to arts and cultural committees, I have participated and won awards in multiple intra and inter collegiate fests in computer science, photography and team activities. I have also been part of our college's community extension program, where we would educate the underprivileged over the weekends. During my final year in college, I was the head of the placement committee and have helped students with their interviews.

After graduation, I started my professional career as an Engineer for Windows Support and am now currently working as Senior Engineer for Microsoft Exchange and Outlook support. I have been the top performer for two consecutive quarters and have become a key contributor for the process. I have also received recognitions for lowest case handling time, and highest number of user satisfactions. Overcoming challenges is a part of my personality and I remember playing a key role when there was a global outage for our organization. Our India team was able to work to identify the root cause of the issue and we resolved it in a short span of time which helped us get back to business in a couple of days. We were able to coordinate with global branches and ensured that there were no further vulnerabilities.

Since I love upskilling myself, I have completed The Complete Cyber Security Course: Network Security, The Real Power of Penetration Testing Unveiled, Data Science: Python for Data Analysis 2022 Full Bootcamp, and Information Gathering - Phase 1 of Cyber Security certification courses from [PLATFORM_1].

I have proven my technical expertise and professional skills during the last 2.5 years. I now feel that the time is perfect for me to further my knowledge and what better way to do it than study a master's program in Cyber Security - a field that has interested me in recent years. Networks and cyber security have been my passion for a long time, and I would like to enhance my skills in digital forensics and penetration testing. After completing the master's program, I would like to take up the role of a Cyber Security Analyst with a leading firm such as [COMPANY_5] and [COMPANY_6]. My long-term goal is to become the Chief Information Security Officer of this firm and be at the helm of cyber security.

I wish to study for a master's from the UK as it offers the finest education. The UK universities are recognized the world over and are highly ranked too. The universities here allow students to build on their theoretical as well as practical knowledge. I also wish to make use of the two-year post-study visa that will enable me to gain experience of working in an international setting before returning to India and leveraging this experience.

Selecting the MS in Cyber Security program at [UNIVERSITY_1] is backed by multiple reasons. The industry-oriented and updated curriculum, the choice of core courses and electives, the highly renowned faculty all attract me to this university. I wish to make the most of the experiential learning offered by your program while also making use of the unique facilities offered by your university. Networking with global peers and listening to the highly successful alumni will again be a huge learning experience.

I bring with me the experience of working for a top corporate organization and am confident that I am adequately prepared to meet your expectations.