SOP Sample for MS Data Science in Canada

Statement of Purpose

B.Sc. (H) Physics, [UNIVERSITY_NAME] [UNIVERSITY_NAME]

The advent of Data Intelligence combined with the massive amounts of online data generated every day has reshaped business strategies in a significant way. In the past few years, especially due to the COVID pandemic, businesses in various fields have shifted online or have adopted a hybrid business model. This has increased the demand for Data Science and Analytics professionals significantly in the past few years and will continue to do so in future. The aspect that fascinates me the most about Data analysis and Big Data is the art of uncovering the insights and trends in raw meaningless data and using analytical tools and data visualization models to derive useful insights and predict the future. During my bachelor's education, BSc. (Hons) Physics, I also had the opportunity to study scientific computing along with other STEM courses. As I stand at the finish line of my bachelor's studies, I look forward to applying my analytical and computational skills in Big Data Analytics. To this end, I have decided to pursue higher studies in the field and acquire the necessary skills and technical know-how to embark on a fruitful professional journey.

Since my childhood, I have been eager to learn about new computer technologies applications. As a curious and introverted child, computers have been a major part of my life. With each passing year, my interest and skills have grown manifolds. Academically speaking, topics such as Advanced probability theory (6th semester), Linear Algebra (2nd semester), Calculus (1st semester), Elementary Statistics and especially Scientific Computing excited me and I wish to develop advanced skills and expertise in these fields. My Bachelor's studies in Physics imparted a scientific outlook to me and consequently, my thought process has become much more refined. It has significantly shaped my intuition and tuned my observational skills which I firmly believe would be very useful in the data science field as well.

During my bachelors, a computational lab course spanning over the range of five semesters taught me C++, Python, FORTRAN and Latex where we successfully simulated problems like the chaotic pendulum and the time evolution of 1D wave packets in Quantum Mechanics. Apart from that, I have also applied Mathematics principles in computing, working on problems such as Computational Interpolation (Newtonian, Lagrangian, Chebyshev), computing the Eigen values and Eigen-vectors using the Power method and Householder algorithm. Apart from this, I have undertaken studies related to evaluating the standard deviation (sigma) for a data set of 2000 points by fitting a Gaussian curve to the histograms and Computational integration (Monte-Carlo, Simpson, Gauss Quadrature). I am proficient in advance Excel, practicing conditional formatting, advanced charting and Pivot tables. On top of that, I had also practiced a few data visualizations tools like [TOOL_NAME] and various visualization techniques.

During course work projects and lab sessions, I learnt the most in regards to Computer applications in Data Science and Analytics. I have collaborated with my colleagues to explore problems like using Linear Regression, the method of least squares and various python's in-built scientific libraries to import data from thermocouple experiment. The aim was to explore its physical nature on a computer by fitting a curve to the imported data and converting the data into plots and simulating the trajectory of a pendulum under the action of air resistance. I also undertook lab sessions for understanding the dynamics of the N-body system by first mathematically modelling the system and converting it to a dimensionless physical system, thereafter, applying algorithms such as Leapfrog, Runge-Kutta and Verlet algorithm to predict its future state by visualizing it using Matplotlib. Apart from this, I have ample exposure to MacOs, Windows and Ubuntu due to which I am efficient in working on any of these operating systems.

I was fortunate enough to work as an intern at two different firms during my studies. The former gave me industrial exposure in management and the latter helped me explore 'supervised and unsupervised machine learning models' using Sci-Kit learn, pandas, NumPy and Matplotlib. I used cluster visualization and linear regression to make predictions. The best task was exploratory data analysis where I realized that it can be used to analyze big datasets to measure consumer's product preferences which will be crucial to predict and influence future sales and investments. In future, I wish to apply my knowledge and skills in Scientific Computing and Data analysis to provide credible results of research for e-commerce websites.

The Master's program at [UNIVERSITY_NAME] is a perfect match for my higher education requirements. It is a highly recommended and established institute. The course structure for the Master's program is efficiently designed and covers a wide variety of topics in theoretical as well as experimental fields. I wish to make use of the mentorship and experience of the skilled faculty of the university. Studying at your prestigious university at the master's level would provide a supportive environment and a scope of collaboration with like-minded people so that we can exchange innovative ideas and information with each other. I am excited to encounter and study Hadoop, Tableau, Data Mining, Visualization, scalable Machine Learning, Web and Cloud Computing under the capable guidance at your institution. [UNIVERSITY_NAME] unlike other universities provides a co-op opportunity that can give me hands-on research experience. It will be an added advantage to kick-start my career and set foot in the professional world. All in all, situated in [CITY], [UNIVERSITY_NAME] can provide me with ample networking and training opportunities in the large IT sector in [CITY].

I believe that my current academic standing has the potential to continue an advanced study in Big Data and I am certain that studying at your university will be an opportunity for me to seek excellence and learn skills that are imperative for a successful career in Big Data Analytics. I would want to assure the selection committee that I would serve as a good asset to the institution and uphold its high standards of education and conduct. In the past, I have been a volunteer at many social and public events. My involvement in community service and NGO-led public service initiatives has brought a sense of satisfaction to me in tough times and I intend to continue doing the good work. These habits along with active involvement in sports, cultural activities and on-campus academic events will ensure that my stay at the campus is fruitful and beneficial to myself as well as for the institution in as many ways as possible.

In the end, I wish to thank the selection committee for their time and for considering my application.