SOP Sample for MS in Civil Engineering in Canada

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

I am writing this draft in support of my application for Master's in Civil Engineering at your University.

Most of my early childhood was spent on a journey through the wonders of the world. From the end of the rainbow to the edge of the time, I was always intrigued by the different things occurring around me. My constant zeal to learn the mechanisms behind the working of each object in and around me didn't cease to exist soon. As a result, both my interest and knowledge in fields like Physics and Mathematics were nourished. It is my passion for these subjects, besides my undying desire for constant evolution and growth that maneuvered me into taking up a major in Science after tenth grade. Eventually I scored 93.9% in my higher secondary school.

I have always been pretty creative. As a kid, I used to make toys for myself, using scrap and other congregated waste. In fact, I used my father's toolbox more than he did, and still remember how all my friends used to buy new toys and show them off, whilst I just made my own unconventional elements. Sometimes, my experiments were so successful that my classmates would exchange their new toys for mine. That is how my quest for delving into the principles and mechanisms of engineering kick-started, and I decided to pursue a Bachelors in Technology from an institute offering diversified exposure.

I chose [UNIVERSITY_NAME] for my Bachelor's. Those four years has been the most valuable time of my life. First, my experience in college has given me a chance to sharpen my skills in my field of choice i.e. Civil Engineering. There have been, and there will continue to be, many opportunities to learn more ways of improving my craft as a result of my time in school, which I am truly thankful for. For example, in my bachelor's, I have grown a lot technically and personally. My interest has inclined towards areas of study like Construction and Structural Engineering. My summer training at the [COMPANY_NAME] [CITY] Metro Rail Project, which was India's first Public Private Partnership (PPP) metro rail project, gave me first-hand experience of how these concepts function on a large scale. I got to learn about the design and analysis of pre-cast structures used in metro rail structures. Also got the chance to visit the site for pre-tensioning and post-tensioning of the structural elements. Throughout my undergrad, I was amongst the top percentage of my branch with a grade point of 9.16, I have also been awarded 100% scholarship by the University for Academic Excellence for four years.

After completion of internships, my interest towards construction and structural engineering lead me to choose my final year project in Design of High-Rise Building. I have used the technical softwares like StaadPro and RCDC (StaadPro advanced) for design of RCC structure that includes columns, beams and foundations. Main focus of the project was analysis of structure for seismic analysis in which I have applied the Static Analysis method and Response Spectrum method. In response spectrum method, I have calculated the dynamic properties (natural periods and mode shapes) for vibration in the structure. Comparing the two methods, I find considerable difference in the lateral load distribution with building height and therein lies advantage of dynamic analysis.

After my bachelor's, I was associated with [COMPANY_NAME] and [COMPANY_NAME], where I was trained deftly in the trainee period. Gradually, I have promoted to Design Engineer and had opportunity to work on several international projects in Pharmaceuticals and Microelectronics field. During this professional period, my project experiences includes confidential project of microelectronics plant in Ireland in which I have designed the pipe-rack structures of about 1km in length along with 50m trusses for pipe supports. I was also involved in designing of pile foundations for large structures in the area where existing underground facilities were present. In pharma plants, I have worked on [COMPANY_NAME], Finland which was the Pre-cast RCC structure with pile foundations. Also, I have worked on [COMPANY_NAME], [CITY] pharma project in which I have designed the pipe-rack and platform structures.

My experience in all these projects lead me the way to pursue my masters in Canada. From all these experiences, I have come to realize that developing new technology isn't beneficial or useful, until it is affordable, sustainable and financially feasible. Furthermore, revolutionary changes are necessary and long happening in field of Civil Engineering. The purpose of all these changes is simply the betterment of the nation and society, and I want to be part of these changes rather than just being on the receiving end of their fruitful results. As a result, for me to design sustainable and accessible solutions to complex problems, I would require more in-depth knowledge of my subjects. This is the reason behind my determination to pursue Masters at a university that will widen my horizons and give me the knowledge to solve more problems.

After much thought, I jumped to the conclusion of choosing Canada as the destination for my post-graduate studies because the country, with its state-of-the-art infrastructure and research-oriented education system. Moreover, Canada provides peaceful and immigrant friendly environment; and thus, promises to make a student well-rounded. More specifically [UNIVERSITY_NAME] best suits the interests and requirements for my graduation, with its rich history, stellar faculty and resources. My intended area of specialization in the graduate program will be Master of Engineering (M. Eng.) in Civil Engineering.

After my long journey and by looking at the University which has 100+ years history and considering the qualified professors, I am keen to gain in-depth knowledge in subjects and can explore research to find solution in civil engineering. By this I can propose the sustainable and efficient infrastructure solutions to the world. Escalating demand for sophisticated infrastructure accompanied by rising income levels along with increasing investment in smart grids is driving civil engineering market to a swift growth.

My motive is to dig out novel and unconventional ways through which I can help the world to tackle these problems and march towards the development and advancement of the society. I am sure that my Masters in Civil Engineering from your University would help me withstand this challenge and open up the best possible opportunities for me.