SOP Sample for MS in Data Science in the UK - Early Career

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Innovation is the basis of many research ideas. I have always been intrigued by the immense influence the field of Computers has had on daily life. Being innovative and combining it with the knowledge of Computers has given rise to many new inventions and topics. I've decided to pursue a Master's in Data Science to gain a broad understanding of all the fields and branches of technology that Data Science encompasses. I am confident that attending [UNIVERSITY_1] will allow me to achieve excellence and acquire the skills necessary for a successful career in data science.

I would like to introduce myself as a graduate student specializing in Electronics and Communication Engineering from [UNIVERSITY_2] (Formerly [UNIVERSITY_2_FORMER_NAME]), a prestigious engineering college affiliated with [UNIVERSITY_3]. It is one of the top universities in Telangana, India. During my under-graduation, I was extensively involved in data science seminars and events conducted at college, these intrigued me to become a Data Scientist. I also joined the [ORGANIZATION_1] to stay in touch with the latest developments in the field of programming and technology. To start, I took up courses and pursued a wide range of certifications in Python, SQL, Data Structures & Algorithms to satiate my growing knowledge to learn about the world of Data Science. These certifications have helped me through my final dissertation during my under-graduation course.

I had the opportunity to be a part of the [PROGRAM_NAME] which helped me think of an innovative idea for my final project. I decided that my final project should be based on water conservation. Upon additional research, I proposed the title "Sapling health monitoring system using Smart Drip Irrigation System" for my project. The basic ideology behind this project was to reduce wastage of water by providing an effective water supply chain for farming. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 60% of the water diverted or pumped for irrigation is wasted. The Drip Irrigation System has the potential to save water and nutrients by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants directly and avoid soil erosion. This prototype included Raspberry-pi which was programmed using Python. A prototype of such kind will be useful in reading the values of the humidity, temperature, and moisture in the soil and provide the necessary amount of water required for the growth of the sapling. On the other hand, all such data of the moisture, temperature, humidity from the sensors used, would be stored in the cloud for future references. This system was also integrated with a chatbot to notify the user, the condition of the sapling on a timely basis. This raw data could be processed and used for the prediction of the growth analysis of the plant and provide an estimate of sufficient amount of water to be dripped into the saplings, which in turn could be the revolution in the field of Agriculture. Also, this was published as a Journal to [JOURNAL_NAME], Volume 5 Issue 4 (April 2018).

My technical skills also helped me procure a job opportunity in a prestigious company – [COMPANY_1] (Merger of [COMPANY_1A] & [COMPANY_1B]). I preferred to join [COMPANY_1], keeping in mind my urge to learn about the use of technical concepts in the real world. I started my stint as an Associate Professional Test Engineer to work with our clients of [CLIENT_1] & [CLIENT_2].

As an employee of [COMPANY_1], I have had the opportunity to perform functional testing on web applications that falls under the domain of insurance. This mainly included data mining techniques that I learned through the training period of my career in [COMPANY_1]. Refining real-time raw data from production environments, apply statistical methods on the data extracted to identify and produce insights on areas that produced defects, enabling me to feed in different combinations of test data sets in large amounts into the test environments, this has aided me in improving the quality of testing. The process of extracting useful data from raw data and giving it a direction of statistical approach has enabled me to deliver bug-free software as a test engineer. Thereby I have decided to explore more of such capabilities the field of Data Science incorporates.

Working with [COMPANY_1] has been an amazing experience for me over the last three years. The progressive professional environment suited me perfectly. I cherished my role as a software test engineer and was engaged in raising bugs and maintaining quality. Initially, I worked under the supervision of my seniors and having performed as per their expectations, because of my hard work and my leadership qualities, I have been given the responsibility of being the main point of contact for all the product utilities. Given that I have already acquainted myself with the industry, I consider this is the right time for me to undergo further specialization in the field of Data Science.

To all of these goals, pursuing Masters in Data Science shall provide me with a comprehensive platform that will allow me to reflect on my previous learning, teach me winning tactics, and help me establish a holistic vision of businesses. The program will facilitate my progression and take me closer to my ultimate goal of becoming a thought leader and expert in Data Science. And the reason for me to choose the UK as my destination for postgraduation is, this country provides invaluable growth academically, personally as well as professionally. The intellectuality and sophistication in the level of the education system of this country will guide me a great deal in the enhancement of achieving my dream of obtaining a respectable position in the professional field.

After a careful study of the department's brochures available at [UNIVERSITY_1]'s website, I have realized that it can provide me with a perfect environment to direct my mental resources towards independent research. Your university's course structure, facilities, and research appear to be aligned with my interests. I am confident of meeting the high standards and my active involvement and enthusiasm in my undergraduate studies should serve as proof of I possessing the necessary qualities. Given a chance, I am poised that I will explore my potential to the fullest and that with my academic standards and strong motivation, and with the aid of the university's graduate program, I will be able to make a significant contribution to the research endeavours at your university. I would be very grateful if I am accorded the opportunity to pursue my graduate studies at your university and looking forward to being a part of your graduate program.