SOP Sample for MS in Data Science in Canada - Internship Profile

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

[NAME] Master of Data Science

Modern-day engineering practices and techniques have come a long way from brick and mortar methods to high sophistication which we are experiencing across all the streams. This has been made possible by the rapid advancement in the arena of data science. Such has been the impact of these areas that their applications have seamlessly merged with our day-to-day activities and life without them seems incomplete. Through my Bachelor's program and Work Experience, I have managed to merely touch the surface of the huge ocean of knowledge and I wish to delve deeper into the fine details of various aspects. Getting a grasp of all the streams within the domain will be really challenging but the consolidation of understanding through a holistic perspective of an MS in Data Science will enable me to be at par with the best minds working and researching in this domain. My career as a Developer has enabled me to develop proficiency in different related technologies and encourages me to accept greater responsibilities in the industry.

A degree in engineering was always on the horizon for me since the time I observed my brother, a mechanical engineer by profession working in this sector. The seed of getting associated with data germinated as early as when I was in my third standard and was introduced to the computer lab at school. Gaining knowledge of basics in computers my interest arose in data analysis and I enrolled for a junior-level course called Enjoy with Computer beyond my school curriculum. Learning about the basics of the World Wide Web and various other topics during my school life I knew which way my academic career was heading. With the help of a good performance in my undergraduate studies, I secured a campus placement with [COMPANY]. Before graduating, I worked with [COMPANY], as a Product Engineer Intern for two months, where I learned to use the Agile Model, MATLAB Simulink, Embedded C. I worked on a project "Automatic Emergency Brake Assist" under the guidance of [NAME].

At [COMPANY], I received training on software development paradigms, software lifecycle models, Python, MATLAB, and database skills. As I was already familiar with the technologies, I secured good grades while training. After strengthening my basics, I moved to the second tech training which was on Image Processing with Python and Cpp where I learned to apply Deep Learning and Machine Learning. Before the end of our training, I Programmed Geometric pattern identification of the objects in the image for Line Detection using Hough Transform and for Curve Fitting using Least square fit. I soon joined as a Python Developer in a project and could quickly grasp the project's landscape. I along with my team developed a tool known as SOTIF (Safety of the Intended Functionality) which would create lakhs of scenarios based on various factors and data provided by the client. The project dealt with generating scenarios that would require storing and handling data using SQL. As a Developer, I wrote SQL queries and Python Scripts, executed Linux commands, took backups, created shell scripts, and more. My tenure in the industry has given me skills in storing and retrieval of data, querying, and managing databases which I would like to study in greater detail.

My innate strengths have been my quantitative and analytical abilities, which implanted in me a special interest in mathematics and basic sciences. My bent towards mathematics and analytical skills has impelled me to choose mathematics, physics, and chemistry as my major at my 10+2. Thus, upon the completion of my college education, I pursued my Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Telecommunication (E&TC) from [UNIVERSITY]. Along with core electronics, I had courses on Data Structures and Algorithms, Computer Networks, System Programming, Operating systems, Information Theory, Machine Learning, and Coding Techniques which took my interest. I have benefited vastly from the breadth of [UNIVERSITY]'s undergraduate syllabus and gained comprehensive exposure to many core areas of the field and a strong conceptual understanding. During four years of study at [UNIVERSITY], I have learned how to maintain an expanding independent approach in all my endeavors.

Along with gaining theoretical know-how, the opportunity to work on various practical projects during my undergraduate studies helped me gain tremendous insights into the domain of Data Science. While in my third year I had done a mini-project on Embedded C called "Smart Irrigation System" and was applied in the [COLLEGE] and observed its results for 4 months and compared the results with the normal plants and found 20% increase in the yield with 30% fewer efforts and time consumption. I also worked on 2 projects on a Web Browser called "Medical Store Management" and "Weather Notification" using Java and SQL. During "Digital Pune Hackathon-2K18" I worked on a project on an Android Application called "Automated Electricity Billing Application" using Robot Framework and Java. My latest project, named Special Character Recognition, uses Machine Learning to detect characters on an image and shows the percentage of structural similarity of characters.

In the final year of my engineering, I implemented a project called "Automated CNC Machine for PCB Drawing". This project helped to solve the problem of a low-cost computerized numerical control (CNC) for PCB drawing. To achieve cost-effectiveness, our system was based on an Arduino microcontroller and also maintained the accuracy and reliability required for complex shapes. As the solution architect, I converted the PCB design file into a Hex file for the Arduino microcontroller. I have also published a paper in [JOURNAL] titled "Automatic mini CNC machine for PCB Drawing using Arduino". These academic experiences laid the foundation for me to go out and work in the industry. While preparing for this project I gained skills for developing an automated system and designing a dashboard on a mobile app for analyzing data.

I have done well in my academics and obtained first class with distinction in my final year. With a good foundation in data science and analysis through my job profile and studies, I believe that I can successfully pursue a master's program in Data Science in Canada. I also believe that I possess the motivation, intellectual ability, and perseverance to do justice to a demanding graduate program.

Having gained a fair amount of exposure to various aspects of data science through my work, academic and beyond the classroom experiences, I now want to have a focused approach. A comprehensive well-structured MS program in Data Science from your University will help me with this and guide me towards my career path. The in-depth coursework, flexibility in structure, experienced faculty, top-notch resources, and multicultural environment are the prominent reasons which attract me to your esteemed university. The research and opportunities are what attract me further owing to my inclination towards this country. Currently, Canada is a land of opportunities and it will be a great honor for me to study there and I am confident that undergoing your rigorous training will bring the best out of me and develop not only my technical but leadership skills as well. I wish to be an integral part of the technology world of the future and being a part of your university will enable me to take my first big leap towards that direction. With the knowledge I gain from [UNIVERSITY] I intend to return to India and apply that knowledge and experience as a project leader in Indian IT firms.