SOP Sample for MS Data Science in the US - Fresh Graduate

Statement of Purpose

# Why the world needs Superman Data Scientists?

For the first time in history, we have a limitless resource that is produced by humans at an exponential rate - Data. But as a species, we have become overly-optimistic and negligent when it comes to technology. We should take a cue when we say that 'Data is the new Oil' and realize that history can repeat itself. Like Oil, Data is also a vital resource, but we have neglected a more crucial resource throughout history - people. If the people who saw the potential of Oil could have foreseen the devastation that would be caused by its long-term ill effects, we may have found ourselves in a better situation. So it comes down to the people who will handle data for the future, Data Scientists, to learn from the past and set a better example by using Data ethically and judiciously. After all, forecasting is part of the job description.

Data Science intrigues me because of its investigative nature. Every step of a problem poses new questions providing fuel for my curiosity. I find working in Data Science is a lot like playing chess. Just as different opponents demand different strategies, each problem requires a unique approach. Chess is a mix of intuition and calculation - it involves planning every move, just like Data Science. But a modern-day data professional requires intuition and expertise to utilize these skills along with effective communication, data management, ethics, strong foundational knowledge of statistics, and modern machine learning to make meaning of data. To develop this broad range of skills, I've decided to earn a Master's degree in Data Science.

During my undergraduate, I realized my affinity to some classes, particularly coursework related to programming and math. The math through a span of 4 semesters covered broad topics like Linear Algebra, Calculus, Statistical Methods, and Probability Distributions. The programming class provided me the knowledge to apply math through code. In my 3rd semester, wanting to apply the concepts I had learned from both I designed a python code to implement the numerical analysis methods. Keen on developing my newly acquired skills I began taking up projects in the subsequent semesters that were based on real-world problems. In my 4th semester, under the guidance of [PROFESSOR NAME], I along with my team worked on building a toll-tax management application that would allow the users to pay the toll-tax in advance and not stop at the toll booths on highways saving time in queues.

Finding the dynamic between math and code led me to discover data science. The process of collecting data, finding trends, and predicting was exciting. It was the first time I started to enjoy the effort of building a solution rather than the end product. In my final year, it has led me to build a multimedia search engine that uses feature extraction to provide better and accurate search results for users for the files in their operating system.

Once I had accumulated a fundamental grasp on concepts I pursued internships in the field to gain experience of working in a professional environment. While working for [COMPANY NAME] as a Data Analytics intern I was tasked with assessing the behavior of PV systems by analyzing their daily performance based on solar irradiation. I also worked on graphing the performance ratio of the site in order to predict energy generation in the future. This experience helped me in growing my critical thinking skills. I enjoyed working on something where I could use my analytical skills in a project with real-world results that benefited an organization.

At the [UNIVERSITY NAME], I wish to pursue the Masters in Applied Data Science program. I hope to draw on my foundational knowledge from my undergraduate and internship to gain more knowledge of advanced concepts. I am particularly interested in studying the ethical use of data along with effective data management and the modern machine learning methodologies that are a prominent part of the curriculum. What attracted me more towards the program is [PROFESSOR NAME]'s knowledge in sports analytics with reference to in-game strategy and player performance. To learn from him would be a privilege. Also, the guidance from the faculties of different departments would be invaluable given their domain expertise.

Different experiences from my internships, volunteer work and studies have shaped me with a unique perspective. During my undergrad, I was involved in many team-based activities to design creative solutions to real-world problems, many of which received accolades. I would like to achieve the same at [UNIVERSITY ABBREVIATION]. I enjoy academic debates and am highly active, so I'll contribute a lot to the group discussions. Given the opportunity, I would ensure that my candidature will be a mutually beneficial one.