Sample SOP for Master in Computer Science, Germany

Pursuit of academics and an innate inquisitiveness to explore advances in technology has been a central motif in my life. It is what keeps me occupied every working moment. It provides me with an opportunity to nurture my curiosity and gives me a structure for learning. Ray Kurzweil, leading AI practitioner and futurist, in his book “Singularity is Near”, envisions that we are entering ‘Epoch 5’, the merger of technology with human intelligence, where we are limited only, by our imagination. In this new epoch, I aspire to give wings to my imagination and work at the forefront of technology to chart new frontiers in the field of Computer Science. It is in pursuance of this dream that I now apply for a Masters Program at your prestigious University.

Right from schooling, I have been a bright student – securing 94.48% in Grade 10 and 84.43% in Grade 12. My inextricable interest in computers began when I got my personal desktop at the age of ten. Within a week, I had mastered installation of the OS and its working, developing a deep connection, which only strengthened with time. The seeds of my immersive interest germinated and took strong roots during my under graduation when I cleared the entrance examination to secure admission into the Bachelors of Engineering Program (Computer Science) at Jyothy Institute of Technology, affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University. This comprehensive Program laid a sound foundation of engineering wherein I imbibed a comprehensive range of computing and engineering theories and practical learning modules. Exposure to Data Structures and Algorithms, Data Mining and Warehousing, Linear Algebra, Complex Calculus, Probability & Statistics, Computer Networking and Operating Systems, Cloud Computing, Python, C++, OOPS and an introduction to Artificial Intelligence (you can mention your specific courses here) gave in-depth insights into the field. The plethora of projects, coursework and additional reading enabled me to get a strong grasp over the subject. I got an opportunity to delve deep into research work and use the concept of reverse engineering to develop a traffic predictor, “Data acquisition and prediction for dynamic transport infrastructure planning and simulation-EASY INFRA”. Under the guidance of Prof.Adithya Koundinya, we developed an application to collect the quantitative data of current traffic in real-time through Google maps to estimate the future traffic flow using Java, UNIX shell programming, PhantomJS, OpenCV, SQL and Google Maps API. The project not only helped me to test and hone my programming skills, but also taught me valuable life-skills of discipline, time-management and working in a team. Though I had serious ill health during my 7th semester, I persevered in the final semester to make up and secure a first division. However, I believe that an academic transcript does not define knowledge, and my strong engineering aptitude and skills helped me to get a job offer from Hewlett Packard Enterprise (Now DXC) even before graduating.  

Working at DXC has been an experience inlaid with curiosity and learning on the job. The intense training sessions gave me an opportunity to use the knowledge acquired during my graduation to solve real-world industry problems. As an application developer, I was instrumental in coding new functionalities for Telstra Corporation’s Q2A (Quote to Activate) Application, configuring its environment using Java, Angular JS, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and SQL. I also configured the environment for the application in IBM WebSphere Integrated Solution, successfully achieving targets during each product release. Evolving personally and professionally over these three years, I have learned on the job, adapting, and thinking on my feet while perfecting my technical, communication, and interpersonal skills. With considerable experience under my belt, I feel this is the right time to broaden my horizons and knowledge with a Masters in Computer Science. I strongly believe that a graduate degree will enable me to drive innovation and script savvy technological advancements in this exciting domain. 

My quest for the most cutting-edge programs in Computer science led me to Germany and the University of Paderborn. Germany has been a trailblazer in technical and computing education, with an emphasis on research and experiential learning. From the ubiquitous X-Ray to the Z1, the first programme-controlled digital computer, Germany is a land of innovations and inventions. A top study destination where University education is funded by the Government, an MS from Germany is a dream for students like me, who can focus on learning without having to worry about educational expenses. Amongst German Universities, the University of Paderborn’s leading-edge research and IT Education offers an unparalleled educational experience. I look forward to exploring the complete spectrum of Information Technology under expert guidance from leading professors and scientists. With state-of-the–art infrastructure and research facilities in the Software Innovation Lab and the specialised Paderborn Institute for Data Science and Scientific Computing (DaSco), the University is a vestibule for higher learning, research and innovation. Advanced knowledge about designing and implementation of computing systems, models and processes under erudite professors like Dr. ________ and Dr_________ is very much in line with my academic aspirations. The collaborative learning through interdisciplinary fields and project based learning in a group will habituate me to real world team-oriented working methods. Furthermore, the opportunity to specialise in leading arenas like Software Engineering, Algorithm Design, Computer Systems and Data Science will more than prepare me to meet future challenges. 

I bring with me unique experiences of first-hand research and work experience in the computational domain with a penchant for academics and co-curricular activities. As someone who enjoys challenging oneself, whether though participation in hack-a-thons and technical fests or through Bharatnatyam and Throw ball, I thrive on challenges. Intense intellectual debates with peers and professors, research projects and all the incredible opportunities at Paderborn will help me achieve goals. 

A keen desire to create something of significance in the computing world gives me the confidence to take up the challenges offered by this pioneering programme. Transcending international borders to meet an equally passionate set of students and professors, enhancing critical-thinking and computational skills at Paderborn will surely ignite my metamorphosis into a kompetant and erfinderisch software professional!