Motivation letter for Radboud University Artificial Intelligence

Admissions Committee
Master's in Artificial Intelligence: Cognitive Computing
Radboud University
Nijmegen, Netherlands

Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,

I am writing to convey my profound interest in the Master's program in Artificial Intelligence: Cognitive Computing at Radboud University. My intrigue with artificial intelligence was ignited during my undergraduate studies in Computer Science, which I completed under the auspices of the Indian Embassy Scholarship Program (COMPEX 2018-19). Throughout my academic journey, I have been deeply engaged with the transformative potential of AI to actualize concepts and augment human creativity and capabilities.
A significant milestone in my educational experience was my engagement with the seminal paper "Attention Is All You Need," which introduced me to the principles of Transformers and parallel processing. This exposure broadened my understanding of the extensive possibilities within the field of AI and motivated me to investigate its practical applications. I applied this theoretical knowledge in my project titled "Detection of Rice Disease Using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN)," where I developed a system aimed at assisting farmers with the early detection of rice diseases. This endeavor not only refined my technical competencies but also reinforced my aspiration to utilize AI for the betterment of society.
My dedication to addressing real-world challenges through AI was further solidified when I presented my research paper "SustainAI: Enhancing Sustainable Energy Forecasting" at the CSEAi 2023 Conference at California University. In this work, I examined the role of AI in advancing sustainability initiatives by enhancing energy forecasting models. This experience underscored the substantial impact that AI can exert on global challenges and crystallized my ambition to contribute meaningfully to this domain.
The Master's program in Artificial Intelligence: Cognitive Computing at Radboud University is particularly appealing to me due to its focus on the neuro-cognitive underpinnings of human cognition and the application of this knowledge to the development of intuitive AI systems. I am especially interested in courses such as Probabilistic Deep Learning and Applied Machine Learning, which align with my objective of creating AI solutions that closely emulate human cognitive processes.
The prospect of collaborating with experts at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour is highly attractive. I am convinced that the integration of insights from cognitive neuroscience with AI can facilitate the creation of more sophisticated and user-centric technologies. The interdisciplinary framework at Radboud University offers an ideal setting for me to enhance my knowledge and skills in this area.
I am confident that my academic background, coupled with my enthusiasm for harnessing AI to tackle real-world issues, positions me as a strong candidate for your program. I am eager to contribute to the Radboud University community and to engage with faculty and peers who share my passion for artificial intelligence and cognitive computing.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to join your program and to advance my studies at Radboud University.

Sincerely,
Diwakar Adhikari

I am afraid this is more of a personal statement than it is a motivational letter. Yes, you are motivated to study the course and you have the relevant background to prove that you can excel in this field of study. However, the actual application of the masters course, in relation to your current profession is missing. The motivational letter must always highlight the work you are doing the field and how this course can help you advance either through helping you move your research forward or, helping you to upskill in relation to your career advancement. The essay is lacking in relevant substance when it comes to motivation. You are merely reiterating your academic accomplishments of the past, there is nothing that can prove that you will have an actual professional application for this study after you have completed the course.

I am guessing that your motivation, which should be built upon is the following statement: That is the theme around which the motivational letter should be developed.

@thunderk3g
To help your letter of motivation, I suggest being a little more specific in the begining on what problem you want to solve and why you want to solve it. This will help you structure why you are fit for the course and will allow you to select the relevant experiences that you may show your preparedness.

Nice write up. Just a little suggestion.

Your introductory paragraph should capture more of statistical problem, probably a gap which might have fuel your interests towards the program.

From there you can come up with the rest write up. Best wishes

Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
Growing up in Nepal, my curiosity about the intricate workings of the human mind often felt like a journey without a clear path. With limited resources, I turned to whatever materials I could find, nurturing a passion that eventually led me to computer science and, more specifically, artificial intelligence. My goal has always been to understand how we can emulate human cognitive processes through technology, and I believe that Radboud University's Master's program in Artificial Intelligence: Cognitive Computing is the ideal place to continue this journey.
During my undergraduate studies at SRM University, I was particularly fascinated by a project where I developed a rice disease detection system using convolutional neural networks. Witnessing how technology could provide tangible solutions to challenges faced by farmers in my community was a pivotal moment for me. It wasn't just about coding or algorithms; it was about creating tools that could make a real difference in people's lives.
One of the most transformative experiences was attending a workshop on neural networks, where I delved into the mechanics of how machines learn and adapt. This hands-on experience reinforced my desire to explore the cognitive aspects of AI. I started to see parallels between machine learning models and human cognition, which intrigued me further.
Currently, as a Senior Software Engineer at Bajaj Finserv, I work on large-scale applications that require efficient algorithms and robust programming skills. One project I'm proud of involved developing a sentiment analysis tool to assist users in making informed investment decisions. This project reignited my interest in how AI can mimic human decision-making processes and highlighted the importance of cognitive computing in creating more intuitive systems.
What draws me to Radboud University is the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with experts at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour. The courses offered, such as Probabilistic Deep Learning and Applied Machine Learning, align perfectly with my ambition to develop AI systems that not only are intelligent but also intuitively understand human thought processes.
My long-term aspiration is to develop AI solutions that are accessible and beneficial to people from all backgrounds. I want to create technology that empowers individuals, much like how I sought knowledge despite limitations in my early environment. I believe that by understanding the cognitive aspects of AI, we can build systems that are more empathetic and effective.
I am confident that my background and passion make me a strong candidate for your program. I am eager to contribute my experiences and learn from the diverse community at Radboud University. Together, I hope we can push the boundaries of what AI can achieve in emulating human cognition.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining Radboud University's AI community and contributing to its vibrant academic environment.
Sincerely,
Diwakar Adhikari