Former US President Bill Gates once said, “Software is a great combination of artistry and engineering.” This quote aptly summarizes the vast dynamics of the software industry. If you are an individual who is already working in the IT sector, and wants to upskill or is a beginner with no programming experience, then you should pursue a course in software design and development. Apart from the traditional programs, you can also opt for a certificate course in software design and development that can be completed within 3-6 months. Many renowned universities and online learning platforms provide such courses. 

A certificate course in software design and development is basically like a training program, in which you learn about the basic principles of software applications. In this program, you will be studying important concepts like system design, coding, testing, deployment, and software development lifecycle. While applying for this course, you may be asked to submit a personal statement. Now, what is a Personal statement? It is a written document in which you have to explain what inspired you to pursue this program, your academic and professional background, accomplishments, interests, and abilities that show your aptitude and potential for the program.

Composing a Personal Statement for Software Design and Development

To help you get started with your writing, you should first read a PS sample. Now, let us see how you can go on to write an effective personal statement for software design and development. 

  • Find the perfect opening sentence that appropriately describes your interest in this program. You could use a quote like the one we have used at the start of this blog, or perhaps even an anecdote. For instance, you can write about how your initial interest in this subject began. It could be anything, an incident, or an experience from your life. 
  • If you have any previous academic background or professional experience related to software development, you should mention that as well. Like, you can highlight those experiences that inclined you toward this field of study. 

For instance, you can write- “While working as a software developer intern at a top-tier IT company, I faced certain challenges on the professional front, which influenced my decision to pursue a certificate course in software design and development.”

  • Do write about the challenges that you faced, and how you overcame them. By seeing your determination to overcome setbacks in your life, the admissions committee will be able to know about your potential for being a part of their program. Apart from this, you can highlight your skills, interests, and accomplishments that highlight your worth as a candidate.  
  • Write about what motivates you to make a career in this field. Is it because you wish to upskill or have a career transition? Or you could also write about how this course opens up the path for various well-paying jobs in the IT sector. You can support your argument by citing examples or including statistics from verified reports regarding software design and development. 
  • It is important that you also provide a brief overview of what your career goals are. For this, you can write about your future aspirations, and what you intend to do after completion of the program. Ensure that when you explain your career goals, you should align them with the program’s curriculum. This way the admissions committee will be able to properly understand how you will benefit from their program. 
  • In the concluding paragraph, you should reiterate your interest in the program, and how it will help you advance in your career. You could also write as to how you look forward to gaining profound knowledge, skills, and competencies required to excel in the field of software design and development, as a result of this program.

Below is the Sample PS for Software Design and Development


The present technological trends have brought about significant changes in the way businesses are operated. As a networking professional, I too have witnessed many changes in my area of operation, notably the switch from private networks to cloud-based networks. Considering that traditional programming methodologies bring along a set of drawbacks, OOPs are the way forward, encompassing Class, Object, Polymorphism, Abstraction, Encapsulation and Inheritance. Considering this transition that is redefining systems and processes, I too feel the need to elevate my skills. This penchant for making advancements in my career has propelled me to pursue a Graduate Certificate program in Software Design and Development from your illustrious institution.

I am an Electronics and Communication Engineering graduate, possessing a strong grasp of core networking theory. I am currently serving Excel Communications in Dallas as a Network Analyst. I am entrusted with optimizing IT network operations, including examining network requirements, ensuring optimal network communication, and configuring computer networks. Additionally, I am currently pursuing a certification course in Software Development using C++, and am learning to integrate C++ and OOPS concepts toward building applications. In the present technological landscape, companies are integrating technical organizational performance with business outcomes and have dedicated teams to ensure successful implementation of the same. Owing to my fascination with software development and the realization of my potential to excel in the same, the chosen program is ideal for me to embark on.

Through this 1 year practice-intensive course, I look forward to attaining a robust knowledge of data structures and algorithms, computer science, and software development. The curriculum of this course will equip me with the applicability of data structure and OOPs toward the development of various gaming projects and browser plugins, which is my goal. Through this program, as per the spring schedule, I will have the chance to plunge into the implementation of data structures, STL, algorithms, and templates. I will learn about designing functional objects to solve business problems. I am particularly keen to delve into the complexities of inheritance techniques and how they help minimize the duplication of codes. This program will also equip me with the way data is accessed in program memory, how polymorphism amplifies code reusability, and how the multi-threaded paradigm can be utilized to improve the performance of a program.

With the acquired exposure, I seek to switch to software development and explore career opportunities in this field. DevOps Engineer and Network Automation Engineer are the top roles that I look forward to fitting into and marking my contributions towards developing software systems. Professional excellence is what I seek to achieve and this program will prove to be a stepping stone for me to grow and excel.

I am certain that my past academic and professional background will come in handy as I embark on this flourishing opportunity at the Xaviers Institute of Applied Technology. With the zeal to explore, learn, and contribute; I eagerly look forward to being a part of the incoming batch of graduates.

×

Download PDF

PDF icon Download PDF of Personal Statement Sample for Software Design and Development

Conclusion 

We hope that by reading our blog, you get a clear outline of how a personal statement for software design and development needs to be written. Write the personal statement in a way that focuses on your genuine interest in pursuing a certificate course in software design and development, and how it will help you achieve your goals. If you feel that you require more clarity, or feel that you lack a decent writing style, you should hire a professional personal statement writer. We, at Contentholic, provide the best personal statement-writing services in India. Our experienced writers will gather all the necessary information regarding your program, and present you with a well-written personal statement that is as per the assigned format. If you need any sort of help regarding writing a personal statement, feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What can I learn from a certificate course in software design and development?

A certificate course in software design and development will teach you about the fundamentals of software applications. You will learn about various concepts like system design, coding, testing, deployment, and software development lifecycle.

2. I wish to become a software developer, what can I write in a personal statement?

In a software developer personal statement, you need to write about your reasons for pursuing software design and development, skills, interests, career goals, qualities, and achievements that highlight your worth.

3. What is the word limit for a personal statement?

The word limit for a personal statement is 1000-1200 words.

4. Which universities offer the best certificate programs in software design and development?

The best certificate programs in software design and development are offered by universities like:

  • MIT
  • Stanford University
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Duke University
  • University of Alberta

5. How long is a certificate program in software design and development for?

A certificate course in software design and development is for 3-6 months. 

6. Where can I find the best PS samples on software engineering?

You can look for the best PS sample for software engineering on websites like Contentholic, and SOPPRO.in.