SOP Sample for MS in Computer Science in USA

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

An unimaginative way of living in the modern world is a world without computing devices like computers and mobile phones. The way these devices effectively work and perform complex tasks has revolutionized all sectors be it healthcare, finance, teaching or logistics. They have added value to simplify human work in diverse spheres. But the question that stuck in my mind was how these tiny devices manage to do all these intricate tasks. The miraculous nature and versatility of computers, and their abilities that have aided in the quantum leap, not only in business and industries even in our own social and societal evolution, intrigued me. I got the answer to a few of these questions by learning programming languages like BASIC and LOGO online, which covered basic logical flow to program. I also familiarized myself with Microsoft applications while taking up MS-CIT course. I realized that there is a lot more to learn about the vast discipline of computer software and applications, which made me opt for a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering.

While pursuing my Bachelor's degree, I developed competence across myriad fundamentals of Computers Applications. I learned Operating Systems and Architecture of Computers, Programming in C established coding in structural programming and further, 'Data Structures and Algorithms', 'Analysis of Algorithms' helped me gain expertise to write efficient code in terms of Time and Space complexity and developing best practice to design software. Furthermore, a module on Object-Oriented Programming Methodology using Java was vital to bolster my ability to write reusable and efficient code. Studying Database Management Systems and tools like Java Database Connectivity equipped with the knowledge to create, read, update and delete operations on databases. These learnings also saw me work with data computing, learning Structured Query Language (SQL) syntax and its queries along with centralized, distributed, relational, and NoSQL databases. I learned to build projects in Web Technologies Laboratory where I used HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), JavaScript, and incorporated other fundamental subjects, while also bolstering security. I opted for Machine Learning and Soft Computing subjects in elective because of their potential for a further revolution in the IT industry. In these subjects, I learned the theory and implementation of Neural networks, Predictive models, Regression, Recommendation Engines, etc.

To supplement my theoretical knowledge with some practical experiences, I participated in many co-curricular activities after joining the Computer Society of India (CSI) committee. For example, I participated in technical workshops such as R, Hadoop, PHP and organized technical coding events based on web development and programming. Beyond this, I worked as General Event Organizer for CSI to manage yearly technical festivals at undergraduate college. In addition, I completed a training course in OCJA and OCJP8 using JAVA Database Connectivity. Also, our project team published a research paper in the International Conference on Advances in Science and Technology (ICAST-2018) on 'Textile Inventory Simulator', Track-1, CS22, issued on April 7, 2018. These activities and events provided me with global exposure and the opportunity to exchange ideas with other participants and industry experts.

My final year project, Textile Inventory Simulator, was an integral part of learning, and it was based on chosen elective subjects 'Soft Computing' and 'Machine Learning'. The project primarily involved Apriori Algorithm in python to simulate production lines in the Textile industry; it used association rule learning over prior databases through data mining. The secondary goal was to reduce the loss of materials occurring by theft and other unnoticed loss through negligence. With the help of Python language and using complex calculation on inventories weights, using OpenCV to locate materials found in restricted areas, and implementing QR codes for boxes, we built a complete solution application to track the inventories. Working on a final year project oriented me to practical learning and building software applications from scratch to do all the intricacies involved from thinking and planning, modelling, designing, implementing, and testing.

After completing my under-graduation, I began working as a Trainee Software Developer in the [TEAM_NAME] Team at [COMPANY_NAME], and was later promoted to Software Developer and then Software Engineer. Initially, I got the opportunity to work on a PHP migration project to migrate [PRODUCT_NAME], a cloud-based web application from php5.6 to php7.1. After the competition of this project, I worked on vue.js and code written in [FRAMEWORK_NAME], a Zend framework of PHP. We developed web pages to be used by the customer support team, which involved pushing urgent orders to warehouses, re-rating the fulfillment orders, resetting stuck cron jobs, etc. I also implemented different command-line tools to reduce intricate and lengthy ES work. Working on [PRODUCT_NAME] projects, we used collaborative software such as Bitbucket, JIRA, Confluence and gained expertise in Git version control. I worked with the DevOps team to work on Kubernetes, Docker to containerize different applications and services used in our [PRODUCT_NAME] platform. Also worked on MySQL Workbench for MySQL and ROBO 3T for MongoDB to generate various reports which involved complex queries and required logistics knowledge. Moreover, we solved different technical problems faced by merchants and bugs found on the platform. Having an interest in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, I practiced online and later attended a Data Science program conducted by [ORGANIZATION_NAME], on weekends and gained expertise in Statistics and working with data.

Having proficiency in computing tools and more than three years of experience working in the Information Technology (IT) industry, I believe myself ready to now continue my academic journey by studying for a master's degree in Computer Science, specializing in Machine Learning Engineer and Software Engineering at the [UNIVERSITY_NAME] because it will be a turning point for my career to give the ability to work as Team Lead and also it will flourish my knowledge on these subjects which is needed for upscaling and handling of projects in IT. I am keen in particular to learn more about concepts pertaining to Elements of AI and Software engineering processes. Thus, I seek to study under the expert tutelage of Professors [PROFESSOR_NAME] and [PROFESSOR_NAME] at your esteemed institute. On graduating, I would like to utilize my skills either by working in a top logistics or a consultant company or with an organization like [COMPANY_NAME], [COMPANY_NAME], or [COMPANY_NAME] that uses ML and AI extensively and work on a humongous amount of data. Ten years down the lane, I want to utilize all my knowledge and skills and become Entrepreneur. I aspire to have my own start-up to solve problems for small businesses and help them succeed. I also believe that I have the requisite technical skills, persistence, and focus on learning quickly and contributing to the classroom.

I aver my dedication to this undertaking and do thus submit my application to study at the [UNIVERSITY_NAME] and look forward to shaping my career here.

[APPLICANT_NAME] Fall 2022