Graduate / Automobiles have fascinated and captivated my attention MS-Auto/MECH - SOP [4]

as per your valuable feedback , i did few changes in my SOP. Please have a look. As of now my SOP looks pretty lenghty, pls tell me which points I can omit.

Statement of Purpose
I was always interested in machines and its mechanisms. My father is a Doctor, a Dermatologist. He has a complete setup of dermatology and cosmetic clinic but I never found interest in his field. I was always inclined towards engineering and hence I chose a vocational course instead of biology or language in my junior college. When it was time to decide on my undergraduate course, I chose Mechanical Engineering because it would provide me with a firm foundation in the basics of Engineering while allowing me to maintain flexibility with my graduate studies. After completing four years of this course I feel very pleased and satisfied about my decision of opting bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. The coursework I have taken, as well as the experiences I have had throughout my undergraduate years, have really inspired me to pursue further studies in Mechanical Engineering.

Bachelor program offered by Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the country. Subjects such as "Machine Tools", "Strength of Materials", "Production Process", "Theory of Machines", "Applied Mathematics", "Thermodynamics", and "Fluid Mechanics", and also practice with ANSYS, Catia, Gambit, Fluent, AutoCAD and Pro-E gradually helped me in building up a mechanical aptitude. Well-equipped laboratories and workshops as well as the industrial visits organised by various subject teachers helped me in improving my practical understanding of concepts. My years at VJTI helped me build the foundation to take the Master's course.

I believe that Mechanical Engineering would be a good pursuit for me because I like Practical application of concepts. In my first year of college, I represented my institution in a regional inter-collegiate robotics competition, where we were given the task of designing and constructing two level-one wired robots. The first one was a replica of an industrial crane capable of lifting 6 pounds. The second one was a manually operated off-road vehicle (a small robotic car) that was able to conquer artificially created off-road track and carry a load of 10 pounds, which was almost equal to the car's own weight. My curiosity about robots and participation in these events encouraged me to take Industrial Robotics as an elective subject. In this course, I studied the working and logic behind industrial robots, including robotic arms, which are extensively used in the Mechanical Industry. Most of the work needed in the industrial sector, such as painting, welding and assembly is automated, which is why I feel that my basic knowledge of robotics is absolutely essential.

The main idea propelling my desire to work as a Mechanical Engineer stemmed from my involvement with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) during my formative undergraduate years. SAE organized a number of academic seminars, competitions and conferences during my undergraduate years of study. During that time, I was selected as a co-speaker to guide junior members in the club through a number of seminars covering topics such as brake-system design, manufacturing methods employed and basics of automotive. This experience shaped my public-speaking skills and helped me develop my ability to adapt to new situations. SAE also organizes BAJA, a national level inter-collegiate All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)-building competition well-known engineering colleges from over India take part in this annual event held at Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, India and only the best teams last till the end. I had the privilege of leading the manufacturing team to fabricate parts such as Brake Disc, Wheel Hub, Wheel upright, Gearbox of the vehicle. Having also designed the brake system myself, I was able to appreciate the technical risks and challenges of a real-world engineering assignment. I was also the representative driver from my college and must say it was an incredible experience. This was an excellent opportunity to put to practical use our knowledge of manufacturing techniques, material selection and heat treatments that we had picked up in our "Manufacturing Processes" and "Metallurgy" classes. In that one year of competition I mastered many skills such as time management, planning, multitasking, and team work. Vehicle designed and fabricated by us was quite simple although we had to utilise most of our knowledge and resources. The mechanism and technology used in real cars will be much complicated and to understand such systems I feel need of pursuing Master's in Mechanical Engineering.

Fresh and encouraged with the experience at SAE India, my next opportunity came in the form of Summer Internship project at consulting firm ESMECH, in May 2012. I worked on analysis of design problems faced by the organization in development of a Single Stage Scissor mechanism for an engineering firm. The 'scissor-lift' had to be capable of space-constrained load-lifting. Through use of CAD and CAM software; I proposed an optimum location of pivot for actuators, besides off-setting the actuator mounting points from the center-line, resolving the space constraint issue thereby. My final year project, titled, "Assessment of Performance & Measures Taken to Improve Efficiency and Reliability of Boiler of m/s Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (R.C.F) Ltd." at Trombay, involves a case study in the boiler unit of RCF. We analyzed the correlation between maintenance work and boiler shutdown, by taking critical readings at suitable intervals. After a year of analysis, we also suggested a few practical improvements conducive to improving boiler efficiency. These suggestions were well received and implemented at RCF. While working on industry based project I could resolve many doubts which I had during theory. This made me more curious about industrial work and practical world. I realized I need to gain actual work experience. Hence I took a job in Viraj Profiles.

My present job at Viraj Profiles as a Graduate Trainee Engineer requires me to look after maintenance of a Gyratory Forging Machine (GFM) that manufactures Stainless Steel rods. I also look after GFM's supporting machines like EOT Crane, Cutting Machine, Straightening Machine (Press) etc. I personally manage a team of around 6-8 workers, ensuring that manufacturing processes run smoothly. During the maintenance work I got the opportunity to analyse various mechanical and hydraulic systems. I understood the practical applications of engineering subjects such as Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulic Machinery, Theory of Machines, Metallurgy and Manufacturing Process. This job, in addition to giving me invaluable industry exposure, makes me self-dependent and tests my leadership skills. I am certain that my tenure here has honed the skillsets that will help me successfully complete a master's program in the United States. Few years from now, with the Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering I would love to see myself working in R&D department of a Mechanical Industry in USA.

In last four years I gained valuable experiences as well as knowledge. But my thirst for knowledge is not yet satisfied, in fact it has elevated. The machines or the mechanical systems which I analyse and get impressed by now in the industry, one day I want to design them. I want to have the deep knowledge of the concepts which are difficult to understand now. Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering at --------------- university will help me achieve my goal. Ongoing research on ------ and --------- matches closely with my interest. Moreover I would like to work with Dr.----------- since his research interests are in resonance with mine. I thus wish to pursue the graduate program at Clemson University, because I know it will provide me with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue my educational and career goals.

Aneesh Nabar