Statement of Purpose Narrative Essay

Statement of Purpose My interest in applied science dates back to my school days. I had a strong fascination and admiration towards how electronic gadgets work. Building science models & electronic circuits which initially began as a hobby to me during my schooling days, soon became a passion over the years. One of my model, named “Proto-Computer”, a working model of a binary to digital converter was exhibited at “National Science Day Competition” conducted by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). It was well appreciated for its simplicity and innovation
My appetite to learn & understand the principles behind the working of electronics devices & in particular communication systems grew stronger through the years. Going forward, Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in ECE was a natural choice for me. I chose to do it from Y. D. Institute of Technology, Bangalore affiliated to Visveswaraiah Technological University, Belgaum. Courses like Digital Communication, Microprocessors, Signals & Systems, Computer Communication Networks and Mobile Communication were my firm favorites.
I did my pre-final year project-work at Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a premier R&D institute under the Ministry of Defense. Here I was exposed to some of the highly sophisticated communication & surveillance systems. The experience of working in such world-class research environment with some of the best minds dedicated to engineering research, not only helped me hone my analytical & reasoning skills, but also emphasized on going deeper beyond the fundamentals so as to achieve greater intellectual satisfaction.

Going further, I did an internship at Encore Software Ltd, Bangalore. It was on the “Implementation of MEdia GAteway COntroller (MEGACO) / H. 248 protocol. ” I attempted to develop a parser application for this protocol. My implementation was based on the thorough analysis of Protocol Standards, Request for Comments (RFCs), white-papers and other such technical literature. I encountered several challenges during the project tenure. But with constant hard work, guidance from my mentors, self belief, focus and faith in my efforts, I could accomplish the project with desired results.
This tangible achievement motivated me to explore and enhance my understanding about various other technologies & trends that are prevailing in the industry. Hence, after my BE, I made this conscious decision to work before I continued my studies further. As I had a strong academic record all through, finding the right job in my area of interest was not too much of a problem. From all the options that I had, I decided to start my career at Tech Mahindra R&D Services Ltd, Bangalore, which is one of the Top 5 telecom software exporters in India.
Tech Mahindra is primarily involved in providing solutions & services to Telecom Equipment Manufacturers (TEM) and to Telecom Service Provider (TSP). Here, I got an opportunity to work on live network elements, one being the Mobile Switching Centre (MSC), which forms an integral part of a mobile core network. I was involved in the feature development of “Customized Ring Back Tones” popularly called as caller tunes for one of the leading TSPs in USA.
After having worked in a service-oriented organization for more than 2 years, I switched on to Nokia-Siemens Networks (NSN). NSN is ranked among the top 3 telecom players globally & offers a complete portfolio of mobile and fixed network solutions. Here, I am currently involved in the prototyping of a next generation Radio Network Controller (RNC). An RNC is based on Universal Mobile Telecommunication Services (UMTS) 3G Architecture and is a vital mobile access network component.
This RNC is capable of controlling a staggering 2800 base stations, 4800 cells & more than 100,000 subscribers. Now, with over 3 years of work experience, I have grown to admire the role of communication systems, mobile networks in particular, in empowering end-users. Though I was not directly involved in the design of such high-end mobile network elements, through avid reading & discussions with some of the architects & designers of these products, I cannot help, but feel excited about the immense potential for new research in this area.
I possess industry-hardened skills in communication networks on which I must build to achieve my goal of undertaking cutting-edge research in communication networks. I therefore believe that I must return to the academic world for further growth. I am a firm believer that, a graduate study is an invaluable asset that enables one to carve a niche for himself in his/her domain of interest. The Department of Electrical at University of xxxx not only provides one of the best academic programs, but offers a specialization in communication engineering, which I look forward to pursue.
I am sure that the stimulating academic environment and interaction with the distinguished faculty will prove immensely fruitful and facilitate my development as a thorough professional in my area of specialization. This has strengthened my resolve to study at University of xxxx The essence of university education lies in the success of the symbiotic relationship between the student and his department. I bring along a strong grasp of fundamentals in Electronics and Communication, an aptitude for team work, a zest for challenges and an enthusiastic desire to learn all that I can.
I feel that University of xxxx has a lot to offer me, and at the same time, I am confident that I would be able to make my bit of meaningful contribution to the on-going research work at University of xxxxx. I would like to take with me, in addition to the knowledge I acquire, a network of strong and lasting relationships with my teachers and fellow-students. I hope that my background and qualifications are found suitable for the M. S program at University of xxxxx Student Name