This is my final draft of the SOP that I have prepared for applying in German Universities. Kindly help me on improving it.
Statement of Purpose
"A scientist in his laboratory is not a mere technician; he is also a child confronting natural phenomena that impress him as though they were fairy tales."
These famous words of the great chemist and physicist Dr. Marie Curie has served as an inspiration for me since time immemorial. The simple chemical reactions in day to day life ï rusting of iron, photosynthesis, respiration had planted a seed for my lifelong passion about chemical engineering.
I am aware that in today's world, Chemical Engineering has an increasing important role ranging from pharmaceuticals to petrochemicals. The challenges involved in the application of scientific theory through research to practical world problems and the broad range of opportunities to contribute to society through technological innovation is one of the main attractions for me to continue further studies in Chemical Engineering.
Over the years in school, I developed a great interest in basic sciences and mathematics because I was amazed by their role in helping mankind lead a better life. Physics, for example, teaches us how mirrors work, how glasses can aid one's vision and how heat is treated by various household materials (plates and utensils). Chemistry discusses the principles of matter, like atoms, molecules and compounds. It discusses the countless different substances that can arise from the minutest variations within compounds. Mathematics is the base for these physical sciences. If we have better standards of living, longer life expectation and industrial revolution, we have our better understanding of science and mathematics to thank for. This led me to choose an undergraduate course in engineering, specifically Chemical Engineering, because I felt that chemical engineering was the only field which involved study of the basic sciences and mathematics. Another reason behind this choice was that chemical engineers create innovations by solving technological problems that impact the life of common man in surprising ways like those involving the process of converting raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms. In addition, modern chemical engineers are also concerned with pioneering valuable new materials and related techniques ï which are often essential to related fields such as nanotechnology, fuel cells and biomedical engineering. For me, this is a great opportunity to directly serve society. Chemistry being the field of my interest, I enrolled for Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering at S. S. Jondhale College of Engineering (Mumbai University).
During the course period, I have undertaken various courses like Heat transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Mass Transfer, Mechanical Operations, Process Control, Chemical Reaction Engineering and Energy Management. These have introduced me to various theoretical concepts and methods which are widely used in chemical industry. I undertook many industrial visits during the third year, primarily to Pharmaceutical industries like Arch Pharma Ltd, Nikunj Chemicals Ltd and others in the vicinity of the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra in India. I could also visit a Pesticide Manufacturing Company named Gharda Chemicals Limited alongwith a Paper Factory. In many of these industries, I was taken to the plant control division where I was shown how the entire plant was automated and how the entire process could be monitored using the computers. It was just astonishing that an entire plant was being controlled by just a few operators monitoring the various critical parameters at their terminals. This really kindled my interest in the usage of computers in chemical industries which led me to explore more applications of computers in chemical engineering. This led to my interest in topics such as Process control, Process optimization, Modeling and simulation. Visits to these industries also enlightened me on the various environmental issues confronting the industry. It also made me aware of the role of the chemical engineer towards protecting the environment. A course on environmental science and engineering in my last year introduced the concept of sustainable development and how a chemical engineer could contribute towards reducing pollution.
To continue my interest in scientific research I did a research project on 'Production of Phthalic Anhydride' as part of my final year curriculum. This was my first major introduction to a Chemical Industry where I could carry out the Project in Herdillia Chemicals Ltd. (SI Group), Navi Mumbai. As part of the project, I did designing of equipments and selection of process which involved designing of three equipments namely the Reactor, Storage Vessel and Heat Exchanger involved in the process. I also did thermodynamics and kinetics calculations, material and energy balance calculations - which included application of The Law of Conservation of Mass and Energy to the Physical System alongwith Cost Estimation and Analysis to find out the Overall Cost, Payback Period and Rate of Return. The main part was bringing into focus safety and environmental aspects, pollution and controlling measures to find out the effects of Phthalic anhydride on the environment, safety precautions and controlling measures adopted by the industry.
After completing my Bachelor in Engineering, I got a job with Henkel Chembond Surface Technologies Ltd. as a Project Engineer for Henkel's internal projects. Henkel Chembond Surface Technologies Ltd. (HCSTL) is the Indian arm of Henkel Surface Technologies (HST), which is a joint venture between Henkel KGaA and Chembond Chemicals Ltd., a company with over 29 years of experience in products for metal pretreatment, water treatment, protective coatings, building chemicals, and monitoring instrumentation. Here I was responsible for planning, scheduling, conducting and coordinating the technical and management aspects of internal projects in compliance with industry, company and regulatory standards. The profile included identifying ongoing project risks and assigning and mitigating risks, undertaking various stages of Hazard studies including HAZOP (Detailed Risk Analysis), preparation of list of equipments, bulk Material Take Off (MTO) from P&ID's of a processes, preparation of piping specifications as per process data. I could also do vendor Identification, development & technical assessment of quotations (like comparison, negotiation & order finalization etc), which helped me in understanding the equipments all the more better. I was also accountable for supervising maintenance control & preventive maintenance of new and existing Products' Production Facility and also acting as a liaison with Designing Consultant, Project Manager, and Production Manager for the transition from prototype, design through the completion of project. The project management skills acquired during my studies and in my current role as a Project Engineer helped me to manage real life projects from conception to completion.
Working in a team has given me great exposure to the advantages and challenges of teamwork, as well as preparing me to take on supervisory roles. I have gained invaluable communication skills developed through teamwork, presenting my research project and in my current position. Having real work âexperience, I now have a balanced view of my interests, potential contributions and âpriorities, which enables me to make a decision between pursuing a career in the âindustry or one in academia. I find the academic environment more appealing because âof the high level of intellectual challenge and creativity associated with it as well as âthe opportunity it provides to follow my research interests.
I feel that a Master's program in chemical engineering will go a long way in preparing me for a successful career in the chemical industry. I am sure that exposure to cutting edge facilities, interaction with renowned faculty at your institution will help develop my knowledge and versatility and help me to face stiff global competition. It would be a great privilege to be able to do my postgraduate studies at your esteemed university, and I am quite confident that I will match the high standards set by your university. Rigorous training at your facility, which tirelessly maintains its hard earned reputation as a breeding ground for engineering talent, will help lead my aspirations to fruition
