SOP Sample for MS in Aerospace Engineering in Canada

Statement of Purpose

My career aspirations take off on a note of developing the world of aviation itself from a highly exclusive section of society to an equally accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly model. Coming from a common Indian household, flying has always been something luxurious to me. Being a first-generation child, I always wanted to make flying accessible to my family. The first time I had been on a plane, while others were enjoying the takeoff and the view, I was admiring the wing and the sound of the engine. My admiration for the flying machine itself gave me two career choices - either to become a pilot, to fly one, or become an engineer, and make one. I would choose to make something over operating someone else's creation any day.

I finished my basic schooling and higher secondary education both with flying colours with above 95% marks in both. After my secondary education, the question the child in me had was as to which course I should opt, so that I could build the plane of my dreams. I took Mechanical Engineering in one of the prestigious institutions in my country with the intent to learn more about the structural aspects of an airplane as well as how it all worked. At the end of the day, I had to know how fuel could propel this plane forward. Together with my academics, I did various academic-related projects as well as self-research projects, to understand more about the field of my interest. The research paper I did on how to increase the Lift coefficients of a NACA 2412 airfoil by implementing channels and the paper I did on increasing the performance of a HAWT blade by the implementation of dimples helped me understand how I could excel as an engineer. Although my grades dipped during the first three semesters due to extracurricular involvement in the Aerospace club, competitions, and other related projects, I quickly picked it up from there. I was able to acquire a First Class Degree in Mechanical Engineering which I had complemented with 2 projects and a couple of internships. During my course of study, I also managed to do an introductory course in Aerospace Structures and Materials and an Introductory course in Aeronautical Engineering by [UNIVERSITY] which helped me with those fundamentals of Aerospace that was not covered in my course. I am currently doing a course on Digitization in Aerospace by [UNIVERSITY] since digitization is taking up every field and I consider it is very important to be up to date with the latest technological developments.

During the course of study, I was able to acquire internships in [COMPANY] and [COMPANY]. [COMPANY] being a publicly owned and established company gave plenty of industrial exposure. I had the opportunity to see how [AIRCRAFT_MODEL], India's Light Combat fighter was built from scratch. Together with that we also had the chance to get involved in the production of the door for the Airbus A350. This experience in the second year of college completely changed my outlook. I came to understand a wide variety of factors, apart from engineering and design brilliance, that played vital roles in manufacturing. [COMPANY] is a local startup company that helped develop hands-on experience in development and design aspects. I was part of the team that designed a low-altitude surveillance RC aircraft from scratch. Together with this I also got opportunities to work on Indian Defence projects. Working in a startup helped me in learning how to handle huge responsibilities, as the reputation of the company itself depended on the quality of our work. The two internships I took helped me make sure that Aeronautics was indeed my thing.

In India, Aerospace is not considered a mainstream of engineering. Because of this, aerospace engineering course options in India are very bleak. Industrial presence for Aerospace and Aeronautical fields are also very limited. This is exactly why I intend to do my course in Canada. Together with the experience and expertise of the faculty at the university, Canada also has excellent choices for internships in Aeronautics. Research and development options are multiple times higher than back home. I intend to make use of this opportunity and develop my capability and knowledge.

On coming back home, I intend to start my own company. It has been an aspiration of mine to make aviation more carbon-free by application of structural designs. India has very little presence in the Aerospace industries but with the amount of population that we have, I can easily find the right people to help me with my target. I hope to tie up with already established companies and help them to increase efficiency, reduce footprint and manufacturing costs by better design, advanced modeling, and developing modern manufacturing techniques. I am aware that such a dream requires constant motivation, advanced knowledge, experience, and proper guidance which I am convinced that the university can provide me. Such a career would certainly not be just beneficial for me, but be beneficial for society as a whole. Hope that you find my application worth your while and consider me a fitting candidate for your university.