SOP Sample for MS in Computer Science in USA

Statement of Purpose

Interested in database systems, algorithms, and web technologies, I wish to build innovative applications and begin a start-up in my country, Nepal. Academically gifted, I actively participated in sports and was the captain of the school cricket team for two years. I decided to pursue my bachelor's in Computer Science Engineering in India as I have always been passionate about computers and software development. I was involved in various extra-curricular activities like attending seminars and workshops, volunteering programs, and blood donation programs. I took a gap year in 2016 to prepare for medical entrance exams but later decided to pursue engineering. I had to wait for the next round of admissions to begin, and so I started working as a Data Entry analyst in [COMPANY_NAME], a leading ISP provider in Nepal.

Computer Science covers data-centric computing, security, software, algorithms, and machine learning. It helps us understand software development methodologies, design patterns, different phases of planning, developing, testing, and releasing a product from scratch. It teaches us to build full-fledged, highly optimized, and secure software and hardware. My interest in computers began when I started writing QBasic code in school. I was curious to know how websites were made, so I started learning and designing basic web pages. This interest led me to pursue a bachelor's in computer science engineering. I realize that I still lack an in-depth understanding of various techniques and technologies. So, in order to expand my horizons and enhance my skills, I have decided to pursue a master's degree in computer science.

While pursuing my bachelor's, I worked on several projects. One was an android application whose main objective was to help users during times of uncertainty. It detects a person's image and determines whether they are wearing a mask and alerts the user regarding the same. I published a paper, "[PAPER_TITLE]" in the [JOURNAL_NAME] on the same. I was awarded the 2nd position in the Intra College Project Competition for "[PROJECT_NAME]". This project is a corporate-centric project with a simple GUI which helps the team lead in managing the projects, team members, clients and visualize the data with graphs. Despite numerous projects, and the fact that I was the Class Representative and had to manage, solve issues and take decisions on behalf of the class, I scored a CGPA of 9.57.

I have completed various courses on Frontend Development, Backend Development, Cloud Computing, and Machine Learning from different online platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Pluralsight. I completed a LinkedIn learning path program, "Becoming a React Developer" and applied my learnings to create some basic web applications like Restaurant Management, [APPLICATION_NAME], and [APPLICATION_NAME]. After my 4th semester, I interned as a Full Stack Developer at [COMPANY_NAME], Nepal; I worked on the product section of a business website, understanding the various stages involved in the development of software. Knowing the value of people, I took a course on communication and emotional intelligence; people, the way their minds work, their needs, the need for effective management, and empathy are as crucial to the success of any venture as much as, if not more than, technical expertise.

I worked as a Software Intern at [COMPANY_NAME] from January to June 2021, during my 8th semester. I performed ETL operations on real data by developing dynamic pipelines on Azure Data Factory and also worked on a data warehouse solution, Snowflake, to further clean and analyse the processed data; this role made me realize how data plays an important role in analysing and expanding businesses. I was awarded the title "Commit and Deliver" by my manager for my contribution to a critical project, "[PROJECT_NAME]". Apart from that, I learned about various enterprise applications and enhanced methodologies used to develop software.

Later in June 2021, I was accepted as a Full-Time Software Engineer due to my exceptional performance. The company focuses on helping doctors technically, and I take great pride in the fact that I play a small part in saving lives. Every day I write dynamic codes, debug, test, and optimize them. Besides these, I participated in Cyber Security Awareness Month 2021 organized by [ORGANIZATION_NAME] and won a "$100 cash prize". In September 2021, I was also given an opportunity to appear for the ITIL v4 certification exam which I cleared, scoring 90%. Despite not having any previous experience of directly handling clients, I was able to successfully process their requests and deliver the work in time. My efforts were also appreciated by one client for a quick turnaround time on a "[REPORT_NAME]" report. During my professional journey, I have gained technical skills like understanding agile methodologies, enterprise applications, Microsoft Azure, Business Analysis, and Reporting.

My short-term objective is to work as a Full Stack Software Engineer in a reputed organization like [COMPANY_NAME]. I am inspired by the quality and technologies they bring to their products. My long-term objective is to become an entrepreneur by establishing my start-up. The Computer Science (MS) at the [UNIVERSITY_NAME] will act as a stepping stone for my goals.

I am interested in conducting research in fields related to Web Technologies, User Experience and Design, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence. I'd also like to apply my knowledge and experience to avail myself a research assistantship or teaching assistantship. I would also like to participate in Hackathon and contribute to the university, even as I make optimum use of the resources and opportunities it provides me with. I don't have dreams, I have goals, and I work very hard to achieve them. I hope you find me a suitable candidate for the program.

[APPLICANT_NAME]