Graduate / In 1999 we procured our first home computer and since then my fascination with computers begun [4]

hi, I am currently working on my SOP and i'd be grateful to anyone who is kind enough to look it over and let me know if there are any mistakes that need correction.

my statement of purpose is aimed at information technology and i come from a non computing discipline.

--------STATEMENT OF PURPOSE----
My fascination with computers and their internal functioning goes back to 1999, the year we procured our first home computer. The World Wide Web was accessible to us through Netscape navigator and at the click of a few buttons, encyclopedic information was made available, which greatly aided my school projects and homework. It was this interest in finding out the processes that made a computer an indispensable multifunctional tool that made me choose computer programming using C++ language, alongside mathematics and science. I decided to pursue my Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology to better understand the principles of internetworking and programming using OOPS concepts.

During my undergraduate study, the first semester offered a theoretical and practical class in problem solving using computers which furthered my knowledge in using C++ language to write codes that performed basic arithmetic calculations, generated factorials and palindromes and created transactional database records used to store information related to banking, hospital and employee payroll records. This introduction to computer programming eased the transition to progressively challenging modules like Computer organization and architecture and Object Oriented Programming.

Undeterred by the fact that I could not change my course to Information Engineering at this point, I proceeded to take up online classes with codeacademy over the semester holidays that allowed me to learn about making web pages and developing my skills in creating a website using html, jquery and CSS. Under the guidance of Prof. Lakshmikant Bhat, I worked with a student team to assemble and program an Atmega microcontroller connected to a breadboard to make a temperature sensor with an LED display that displayed the surrounding fluctuations in temperature, using Keil-3 and Proteus simulation software. This was challenging because the interface between the microcontroller, the keyboard and the display also had to be programmed to send user input accordingly. To complement my theoretical knowledge I interned with Advanced International Electronic Equipment, a Motorola joint venture company based in Kuwait which hosted a radio simulation and testing workshop. I worked with a team of senior IT engineers to program over two hundred radios using continuous tone coded squelch systems (Private Line and tone squelch) and learnt to detect the speech portion of transmission systems that deflected undue interference by introducing sub-audible frequency tones at the receiving radio. The anti-squelch programming software was used to program approximately 200 radios a day that were outsourced to military and national aviation services. Radio programming furthered my interest in understanding software testing and analysis which ensured smooth and harmonious operation of many computing systems by interfacing the hardware and software.

During my second internship stint, I was sent to train and attend workshops on GSM with Ericsson Telephone services to understand the communication aspects of my degree. The theory on the evolution of mobile communication and setting up of radio base stations and cellular networks, of the transition from 2G to 3G to Long Term Evolution inspired me to research network security using cryptanalysis. Upon returning back to university to enter my last year of engineering, I researched extensively on steganography techniques following an elective on Cipher systems and presented a seminar on ancient to modern methods of cryptography using Caesar, Vizener and Block ciphers, explaining in detail the issue of modern day encryption and decryption techniques used by data scientists and cryptographers to protect data networks and web content over the Internet. Although my field of interest was in programming and software testing, I chose to present my research thesis on Direct sequence spread spectrum systems using MATLAB Simulink in order to a gain a complete understanding of communication programming and the role it plays in the integration of digital communication systems.

The twenty week project put to test my methods of research, creativity and decision making abilities as tasks were divided into chunks which were used to create a virtual environment that produces a real time dynamic block model system. Using the online library in addition to IEEE journals authored on "Sensitivity of S-CCDMA systems with long PN sequences to Synchronization errors" by Dr.Peter J.Mclane and reading Roger Peterson's Introduction to gain and spread spectrum communication, helped me overcome the difficulties of tackling and understanding Spread spectrum communication and how it could be implemented to enhance the performance of digital communication rendering it superior to multipath interference, jamming and hacking by unscrupulous receivers. Upon presenting the successful simulations to the academic panel, my mentor and senior professors lauded my efforts , which contributed to developing my interpersonal and communication skills.

Despite my rigorous academic schedule, I found many opportunities to explore my leadership skills, which helped me perform my duties as the student committee representative for the last three consecutive years of my undergraduate studies and while gainfully employed as the import/export sales coordinator at LOGISTICA Kuwait. Observing the office network administrator perform mail configuration and set up of accounts inspired me to take the plunge and look for graduate studies that would develop my career in the IT industry. I was an active member of the college dramatics club and student union, having participated in health awareness campaigns against smoking to promote routine lung cancer testing . In my spare time, I took up courses on building websites and R-programming as an introduction to the Data Scientist's Toolbox. The subsequent creation of a Github account and earning a verified certificate based on an end of course examination served to further my interest in software development.

After a thorough perusal of your website, I have found that your graduate program in Information Technology is in consonance with my interest. The certifications offered by the IT Academy would enhance my career prospects and equip me with the information and skills set required to contribute positively to the IT industry. The modules covered in the course of study would allow me to acquire and enhance my computing skills in the areas of programming, content generation and database design and implementation. Nearly all businesses employ e-commerce and it is essential to understand the structure of business processes from front end development to the end of the lifecycle. With this in mind, I am interested in the research led by Dr.Jankung Feng and Dr.Abel Usoro, focusing on database theory to tap into the use of semantic information for the successful creation and integration of business information systems.

I strongly believe that my interpersonal skills acquired professionally, coupled with steely resolve to excel and perform academically would hold me in good stead for succeeding in a Master's program. I hope that my zeal and determination to realize my professional and personal goals will provide me the privilege of joining your esteemed university. I am confident that the knowledge gained will enable me to utilize my skills set to match the constantly developing industry and introduce me to diversity, global peer groups and effective computing.

PS- PLEASE REFRAIN FROM COPYING ANY AND ALL PARTS OF THIS ESSAY. I spent quite a bit of time in improvising it and I don't want my efforts to go down the drain. Constructive comments and suggestions are always welcome and I would appreciate people who do point out my mistakes.

Student Talk / UK universities- Are Overseas candidates interviewed by universities? [4]

Hi,
I was wondering if Candidates applying for Master's programs in the UK are interviewed by the universities they apply to (by phone or skype) after applying for a place? If so, what kind of questions are usually asked ? Please share your experiences!!! Thanks

Scholarship / Father from India - Evaluate personal statement for scholarship [3]

My father's humble background began in a nondescript, tiny village in South India, attending a non-English medium school where the dropout rate was high due to lack of finances to see through most children's education. Determined to not forego his schooling, my father worked hard to excel academically thereby fulfilling his dream of attending college and later, University. His personal story struck a deep chord in me and impressed upon me the importance of attaining education as a means to remain competent in the corporate bubble. Unlike most Indian fathers who raise daughters, mine has always prioritized equal opportunities through education, after experiencing his youthful setbacks and trials.

...

Is there something more to work on? any and all suggestions welcome!

Scholarship / Scholarship and studying at a UK Higher Education Institution [4]

hi, this is what I' am supposed to write on- Please suggest any areas for improvement?

Please state in the space provided below or on a separate sheet of paper, in your own words, the reasons for this application. Some indication of your financial situation would be helpful. We would also like to know about any achievements you are proud of (academic and/or otherwise) and how you expect your studies to influence your future career. You can also mention how you feel the scholarship and studying at a UK Higher Education Institution will benefit you (and /or your community) when you return home.

As an Indian citizen, It has been my ambition to augment the positive contributions made in the ever growing software industry, with the aim to use the knowledge gained into building applications that benefit rural India, where many reside unaware of their rights to quality education which could lead to subsequent employment and sustained growth. Having been raised in the Middle East,I considered my upbringing more fortunate by comparison,with access to material comfort,but even then,something essential was missing.

Massive online course offerings are now the watch word of the digital platform,with many from underdeveloped backgrounds getting to sit in an online classroom and adding certifications that aid in finding suitable careers. The concept ,however,is yet to take a strong hold in my native in Kerala, where many continue to labor in harsh conditions ,leading burdened lives with debt hanging over their heads.This was the missing piece of the puzzle which became apparent to me when I pursued my undergraduate studies in communication engineering from X. There was a gap between awareness and access to opportunities,particularly for young girls.When I enrolled with the Volunteer Service Organization, my first assignment was as a clinical volunteer for the pediatrics ward.I got to interact with children aged between 5-12, many of whom were suffering from childhood leukemia,cerebral palsy and accidental paralysis.One particular story of a young girl with leukemia,who wished to become an engineer herself touched my heart.Her family belonged to the below poverty line class, and as such lacked the ability to fund her medical and educational expenses.I took it upon myself to help her by contacting the Regional Cancer Centre,300 kilometres away,where subsidized medical care could be availed.It was not easy working through the bureaucratic red tape and speaking continuously with consulting oncologists and the medical director, but I was on a determined path.It became my proudest moment when this girl's mother contacted me weeks later,joyously informing me that not only was she receiving treatment,but the Teach for India movement had contacted them,guaranteeing sponsored education for the locality,having heard the story. The incident taught me the importance of shouldering and seeing through delegated responsibilities, learning to become self reliant and diligent and above all, compassion for those less fortunate.

What made me decide to pursue my postgraduate study in the field of information systems was the lack of a strong female presence in the field of information technology project management. Technical roles for women are limited to strictly software coding, conferencing and technical administration under human resources, but without equipping them with the necessary knowledge of managing business projects. The encouragement to begin, develop and lead new projects and even start technology training is very weak in India and the Middle East, because the concept of coming up with something beneficial in the digital platform is yet to take a strong hold, especially with a woman at the helm, and I intend to use the academic study undertaken to encourage more Asian and Arab women to actively participate and work in STEM firms instead of being regaled to the shadows of limited work sectors. It is a daunting and fledgling task, no doubt, but I am not one to shy away from responsibilities that I am tasked with. I envision massive improvement for Asia through mutual cooperation,establishing a diverse online presence, for any place without technology and is a place without hopes for advancement and development. I intend to underline the importance of project management certifications with plans to introduce a new corporate structure enabling all employees to receive technical and managerial training with enhanced field opportunities. With the establishment of a technical hub in my native town in Kerala, I am confident of presenting a greater net of opportunities that allow young people a chance to learn, to teach and to gain significant experience without compromising on the quality of content.

The University of X has a history of awarding scholarships to promising young students from the developing world in order to bring knowledge, skills and leadership abilities to their home communities. Previous graduates of the XYZ have gone onto represent their worth globally at mainframe computing challenges, which bears testimony to the success of the academic faculty, facilities and encouragement bestowed to students to realize their fullest potential. By becoming one such recipient of the ABC Scholarship, I wish to realize the ambition outlined in my Statement and continue the great work of volunteering alongside charting my professional goals,to meet the growing needs of a great nation. I thank you for your time and consideration for this prestigious award and pay it forward through my work, academically and professionally.

Scholarship / Scholarship essay for Postgraduate study in UK [2]

Hi all, this is for scholarship essay review. the essay prompt is as follows-

Please state in the space provided below or on a separate sheet of paper, in your own words, the reasons for this application. Some indication of your financial situation would be helpful. We would also like to know about any achievements you are proud of (academic and/or otherwise) and how you expect your studies to influence your future career. You can also mention how you feel the scholarship and studying at a UK Higher Education Institution will benefit you (and /or your community) when you return home.

In order to assist the selection, it is essential that this section is completed.

Having been raised in the Middle East with annual summers spent in India, it was always hard adjusting to the fact that material comforts such as high speed internet connectivity, continuous power supply and good technical support ceased to exist in most parts, particularly in rural areas. Advancement is painfully slow, if at all existent and it was then that I realized how my interest in acquiring a breath of coding skills could actually benefit my native town in Kerala constructively, beginning with the establishment of a larger number of technical training centers. I chanced a glance at the information systems course offered at X and was taken in by the description of the course modules on X's page. The blend of technical and business subjects which included programming and application building was the motivating factor in deciding to apply. A strong conviction gripped me that this highly sought after course offering would not only equip me with the requisite sound technical skills but would also help me acquire leadership and communication skills which are absolutely necessary to remain an asset to any business organization.

During my undergraduate studies, I was an active member of the Volunteer Service Organization in ABC,India. My first assignment was to work in the pediatric ward, whereupon I encountered a 12 year old girl who was hospitalized following a car accident. We formed a close bond over discussions of my engineering classroom experiences. When she once expressed the wish to someday join my university as a student, I felt inspired to help her and contacted Teach for India, a national education movement that provides free schooling to financially disadvantaged families. It gave me immense satisfaction when the movement contacted her shortly afterwards, to inform that they would be sponsoring free classes to all from her locality and that she too could avail this facility upon her return home, thus giving her a chance for better educational schemes. Though it was a small role, the spontaneous decision to help her realize her academic goals made me realize the importance of compassion and how that one phone call could have influenced a girls' future positively.

I am applying for this scholarship with the intention of introducing a minor technology revolution back in my home town. Though this will be a long and challenging task, I am prepared to undertake the responsibility and use the practical knowledge and academic learning positively to contribute to the overall development and remain active in building a self-sufficient community.

The University of X has a history of awarding scholarships to promising young talents from the developing world in order to bring knowledge, skills and leadership abilities back to their home communities. The multidisciplinary focus of the program I am applying to will provide me with the necessary skills to creatively address the social development challenges. With your assistance, I will be able to accomplish the objective of working to establish a technology hub and hone my interpersonal skills to become an ethical and professional individual. My parents have always stood behind me in my decisions, regardless of the financial repercussions and I look forward to repaying them tenfold through my academic and professional achievements.

I thank the committee for letting me tell my story and sincerely appreciate the time and consideration taken to review my application.

I have to submit this by 29 may so would be really grateful for immediate and constructive feedback.