Graduate / SOP for Masters in Data Science program in Northeastern University [2]

Please upload a personal statement of no more than one page, describing your goals and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in computer science. If you feel that the application materials submitted do not adequately reflect your abilities, feel free to explain here.

background: i have a very low GPA, around 5 on a scale of 10

great opportunity for me

My interest in data science began when I first watched the film Moneyball, a sports-based film on a true story where the Manager of a baseball team uses statistics to form a team on a very low budget and performs surprisingly well. This technique called sabermetrics, changed the way managers view sports. Being a sports enthusiast, I discussed a lot about sports like soccer and cricket since my childhood and most of us used to support our statements with stats to some extent. The possibility of applying the same in everyday life excited me. Application of data in fields like healthcare will not only improve the business but also improve the quality of life. To me, the possibilities of Data are limitless; hence I commit myself to the innovative application of it.

During my undergraduate studies, I've seen many ups and downs that helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses. I performed very poorly in my first two years. I was young, amateur and foolish.There was a time when people around me thought I would drop out. I believe, Life is similar to a game of chess, bad moves can't be undone but, the damage can be minimized by good moves. I started fighting back, I had to retake classes all my summers. I lacked prerequisites and hence scored very less in the internal tests that carried 40% of the overall weight which resulted in poor grades. Though my grades were bad, it gave me sufficient motivation and character that I will carry with me the rest of my life. I believe my grades don't reflect my intellectual ability.

After my undergraduate studies, I made a transition to become a data analyst. I'm currently working at zealeers technologies private limited a start-up where initially I worked on SQL and MS Excel. Later, I started using python. I deal with data in fields like healthcare and e-commerce mostly. I'm using python on a daily basis to deal with data. I use packages like pandas, numpy, matplotlib to analyze and visualize data. The company grew with time along with which my responsibilities also increased rapidly. I realized the need to widen my knowledge so as to deal with complex data in this data-driven world.

I believe, the MS in Data Science program in Northeastern University, would not only help me gain skills in algorithms, machine learning, python, R but also help me gain domain knowledge in business analytics and healthcare. One of the reasons why I would like to be a part of your university is the co-op opportunities that are available.

It would be my privilege to study at Northeastern University which is held in high esteem in the world. I'm positive that the course structure, curriculum and the real- world approach offered by the Northeastern University will play a huge role in my life as both a student and a professional.

Graduate / Formal training in MIS from the Northern Illinois - a personal statement in less than 500 words [4]

the right path toward realizing career goals

The present world is surrounded by the data and information field. On one hand, these data present the potential for us to discover useful information and knowledge not seen before. On the other hand, we are limited in our ability to manually process large amounts of data to discover useful information and knowledge. So, the need of better tools and application, as well as reliable methods of utilizing the data and information, is the eminent necessity of not only today's world but the future also.

My interest in logical and computational thinking led me to take up Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry as my major subjects at the Pre-University level after completing my Schooling. I scored cent in mathematics in my pre-university level and was placed in the top 5% in my state, after which I joined one of the most reputed institutions in my state for engineering.

During my undergraduate at kl university, Although my focus has been mainly Electrical and Electronics Engineering, involvement in areas like circuit design and digital signal processing and elective courses like fundamentals of information technology, Dataware housing and mining gave me valuable knowledge of computer science.

I have been actively engaged in extra-curricular activities in order to achieve an all-round personality development. I have been good in chess from my childhood and won various prizes at the school level. I won the first prize in the intramural chess competition in the third year in my university. i also represented my university in the south India inter-university chess tournament in my final year.

My innate strength has been my quantitative and analytical abilities.After my under graduation, my goal was clear. I wanted to make a career in a field that uses my analytical thinking coupled with technology. I learned statistics and python using online resources. Prior knowledge helped me.

Currently, I am working with zealeers technology Pvt. ltd in the role of a data analyst where I am responsible for analyzing, visualizing and interpreting data. Using packages in python like scipy, numpy and matplotlib, I analyze and visualize data. I also use SQL to manage databases. I wish to expand my knowledge and work as a Business Analyst , where I hope to enable clients to increase productivity by leveraging technology and their data repository. Getting to know how business systems work and acquire the necessary techno-managerial expertise in areas of IT and analytics, I seek to pursue formal training in MIS from the Northern Illinois University.

At this stage, I believe undergoing a formal training in MIS from your institution would set me on the right path towards realizing my career goals. The multi-faceted curriculum with courses that help me understand the business systems of organizations coupled with specialization in business analytics with courses in big data analytics and social media analytics will provide me the opportunity to nurture my techno-managerial skills. I believe, the multi-cultured, diverse campus will provide me overall personal growth.