SOP Sample for MS Project Management in USA - Early Career

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

[NAME] MSc Project Management with concentration in Construction Management

Architecture, in my opinion, is not just about designing iconic and functional structures. It has a deeper meaning and gravity to it. It is more about creating a habitable space that stirs up emotions and rekindles memories. Learning Project Management will help me bridge this psychological aspect of architecture, efficiently with reality, giving me the skills to systematically schedule and manage the construction aspect of any project smoothly and safely. With over a yearlong professional experience in the field, I now aim to expand my expertise in the construction industry by pursuing a Master's degree in Project Management.

I am an architecture graduate from [UNIVERSITY], affiliated to the [UNIVERSITY]. After finishing my undergraduate studies, I started working as a full-time Architect at [COMPANY], [CITY]. [COMPANY] is an architectural and interior design firm which majorly deals with high end hospitality and retail projects. Here, I got the opportunity to work on the interior design of several luxury hotel and resort chains like [COMPANY], [COMPANY] and [COMPANY]. Working directly under the Principal Architect has given me tremendous exposure to the design phase as well as the construction phase of various projects. My responsibilities, so far, included designing and developing concepts as well as detailed GFC drawings, working on the client's feedback and reviews and coordinating with project managers and consultants to accelerate the progress of work. Further, I conduct site visits for mock-up review and selection of building materials as per design requirements. The interaction with various specialists from across India and abroad has helped me build a strong professional network. Factoring in my caliber and experience, I also shoulder the responsibility of fresher architects and interns, assigning them tasks such as preparation of technical drawings, specification sheets and achieving weekly project deadlines. The overall experience has been educationally and professionally enriching.

On the whole, I have performed fairly well academically. I completed my Bachelors in Architecture with a 7.07 CGPA. For my final year design dissertation, I presented my thesis on 'Visitors Center for [LOCATION]'. The aim was to design a center for the heritage monument, which would help in its rejuvenation by means other than architectural conservation. The research process explored mediums of conservation through tourism, heritage awareness and other community-based approaches. The design of the facility was proposed with local and sustainable building materials, with a blend of contemporary and traditional architecture of Maharashtra. The project was immensely appreciated by my professors and classmates as it discussed preservation of our heritage and culture.

The syllabus of Architecture was diverse enough. It helped me level up my understanding of the various components of the construction field such as the Theory of Structures, Building Construction and Materials, Municipal and Working drawings. Through elective subjects like Revit and BIM, I was able to update myself with the latest software developments. The seminars and workshops held at the campus acquainted me to avenues of long span structures, innovations in building materials such as ferro-cement and geometry in art and architecture. Additionally, the site visits and study tours across India, as a part of the curriculum, have helped me associate with the practical aspect of the field.

[UNIVERSITY]'s course of Project Management fits perfectly with my career aims. I am intrigued by its influential research and facility planning developed on pressing issues such as green construction using low carbon building materials and modern-day maintenance solutions, especially, the climate resilient planning of the campus's infrastructure. I wish to be a beneficiary of such insightful classrooms taught with an experiential and practical approach, by industrial experts and experienced faculty.

Aside from academics, I enjoy volunteer work. During the sixth semester in college, I was a part of the organizing team of the '[EVENT]' exhibition which took place in the college campus. The exhibition was in association with the renowned [ORGANIZATION]. It showcased a disabled-friendly infrastructure project undertaken for the city of [CITY] as its sample study. To add to my knowledge base, I had also offered to help with the accessibility audit of the Main Building in the [UNIVERSITY] campus. These volunteering activities have enhanced my managerial, networking, and team building skills. A few years ago, I started taking swimming lessons after school. Aside from being an enjoyable pass time activity, it has helped me to boost my strength.

In the long run, I see myself establishing my own Architecture and Project Management consultancy. A graduate degree from a more developed country like the USA will acquaint me to the latest trends in technology and make me competent in today's constantly evolving workplace. Being a top education destination and one of the largest mixes of diverse cultural groups, studying in the US will prove to be a more global approach to enhance my career.