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Table of Contents
Overview
With every industry relying on data these days, data analytics has become a growing field with high-paying jobs. Pursuing a master's degree in data analytics is the first step towards building a career in the field. When it comes to applying to a number of colleges, you must have come across a statement of purpose that you need to submit with your application. A statement of purpose is a very important document that could be the only pillar standing in your way towards getting admission to your dream university abroad. To make sure that you craft the perfect SOP for data analytics, we have a holistic 4-step guide along with 2 sample SOPs to help you write an SOP that will secure admission to your desired university.
Toolkit for SOP for data analytics
Here, we have compiled a comprehensive toolkit for writing a university SOP which is sectioned into 4 paragraphs. Make sure that you go through the examples to write a compelling SOP for data analytics to secure an admission in uk universities.
| Action Item | Points to be considered | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction (motivation and goals) | What stemmed your interest in data analytics? | Mother’s successful career as a software engineer acted as motivation OR To build a career in a world where every field is technology-driven, data analytics will help to me work with statistics and computer science |
| What are the skills that set you apart from others? | Technical knowledge of Python programming language OR Critical thinking skills | |
| What do you wish to accomplish by studying data analytics? | To become an entrepreneur and start my own data analytics consulting service OR To become a data analyst | |
| Body paragraph I (learning, execution, and impact) | Establish your academic background | Completed Bachelor of Computer Applications student from Presidency College, Bengaluru OR Graduated from Hindu College with a B.Sc. (Hons.) Statistics |
| Establish your professional background | Got placed as a software engineer in the Cloud Software Group OR Did a research internship in statistics at Delhi University | |
| Establish your academic and professional accomplishments | Efficiently developed software solutions by studying information needs, conferred with users, and maintained existing systems OR Work experience in academia strengthened the ability to analyse and compute large amounts of data | |
| Body paragraph II (why course, why university) | Why have you chosen to pursue this course in data analytics? | To get the global exposure in the field of data analytics OR To get the global exposure in data analytics and enhancing the skills required to become a professional data analyst |
| Why have you chosen this particular course? | The programme is focused on a learning approach that equally prioritises theory and industrial engagement OR The course combines academic thinking with practical solutions using the mathematical principles of data analysis | |
| Why have you chosen this particular university? | The university provides the students with client-based dissertation projects, which will not only enhance their confidence but also provide them with global exposure to industry leaders from all over the world OR Greatly interested to work with Professor Alex Shestopaloff because of his impressive research on statistical computing focused on Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods for performing Bayesian inference for complex stochastic models | |
| Why will you be a valuable addition to the university? | By contributing to incorporating volunteer work alongside my studies OR By contributing to research work as well as extracurricular activities | |
| Conclusion (closing statement) | List your short-term goals | To get an initial job as a data analyst at a renowned firm OR To get placed in an entry-level position in the data analytics field |
| List your long-term goals | To set off on an entrepreneurial journey and work as a data analytics consultant for various firms OR To move into a higher position and become a team leader | |
| In what ways do you wish to contribute to society with data analytics? | To set up a system that is transparent, fair, and secure, helping to preserve the boundaries of people’s privacy OR By incorporating and supporting ethical practices while utilising data for companies devoid of any biases or social inequalities |
Sample SOP for a student with a background in data analytics
“The goal is to turn data into information and information into insight.” - Carly Fiorina
Keeping this quote by Carly Fiona in mind, I was able to prepare myself to build a career in data analytics and make the decision of pursuing a postgraduate degree. My mother’s successful career as a software engineer played a pivotal role in inspiring me to work in a computer-related field. With the changing job demands and scope, I made the decision to transition into learning data analytics and upskilling my technical knowledge to open more job opportunities for my future. I feel that my industry-hardened skills in the Python programming language, coupled with my ability to understand and work on complex projects, will ease my journey to work ahead in the field of data analytics. This, in turn, will fulfil my career aspirations to become an entrepreneur and start my own data analytics consulting service.
In my college years, I have continually pushed myself towards academic excellence as a Bachelor of Computer Applications student. After graduating from Presidency College, Bengaluru,I got placed as a software engineer in the Cloud Software Group. Throughout my placement as a software engineer, I was able to efficiently develop software solutions by studying information needs, conferring with users, and maintaining existing systems. However, after working for 1.5 years, I felt stagnant at work. In order to open up better job opportunities, I realised that getting a masters degree would serve as a career booster for me. Upon further research, I found data analytics to be the apt course where I could apply my learnings as a software engineer, combining them with my computational ability to handle large amounts of data.
In order to work in the field of data analytics, I looked for colleges and universities that offered me global exposure in the same field. For an aspirational student like me, I consider the University of Strathclyde to be the perfect place to pursue a masters degree in data analytics. The University of Strathclyde’s MSc Data Analytics programme follows a learning approach that equally prioritises theory and industrial engagement, which is important for me to become skilled on the professional front. Moreover, the university’s approach to providing students with client-based dissertation projects is impressive, as it will provide them with global exposure to industry leaders. I look forward to committing to the university’s academic excellence and contributing by incorporating volunteer work alongside my studies.
The masters programme at the University of Strathclyde would act as a catalyst in my journey to achieve my career goals. After getting my degree, my short-term goal is to get an initial job as a data analyst at a renowned firm.Over the years, I hope to gain enough experience to set off on an entrepreneurial journey and work as a data analytics consultant. I feel that working as an independent consultant will help me contribute to society by setting up a system that is transparent, fair, and secure, preserving the boundaries of people’s privacy. I believe that the University of Strathclyde will provide me with the ideal platform to hone my expertise and move me one step closer to living my dreams.
Sample SOP for a student with a different background
“Without big data, you are blind and deaf in the middle of a freeway.” - Geoffrey Moore
I consider mathematics to be a very pivotal subject, as I’ve always been amused by its abstractness, which helps to solve large and complex problems. What interested me about studying mathematics was the freedom to assume numbers and reach a conclusive answer upon solvation. My love for mathematics deepened over the years, which led me to get a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in statistics. I chose statistics as my major as it supports quantitative reasoning and gives rise to analytical thinking. With technology driving all the fields in the present-day scenario, I realised the need to enhance my skills and transition into the field of data analytics. Hence, a degree that combines statistical data with computer science for my further education will power my journey on my roadmap to become a data analyst. I have developed the skill of critical thinking, which I believe will aid me in continuing my higher education.
I have graduated from Hindu College with a B.Sc. (Hons.) Statistics. My graduate studies provided me with a strong foundation in theoretical and practical knowledge of statistics, probability, and the mathematical concepts of algebra and calculus. Besides having a strong interest in mathematics, my interest in computer science grew as a college student.Through my research internship in statistics at Delhi University,I developed and revisited my knowledge of applied statistics, which grew my confidence and strengthened my ability to analyse and compute large amounts of data. Though my experience in academia was insightful, the lack of job opportunities for research in statistics compelled me to explore new options. Upon extensive research, I happened to stumble upon the job profile of a data analyst, which highly appealed to me. Given my academic and professional background in statistics, data analytics is the perfect fit for me, feeding my passion for data by being able to solve complex problems that drive business for various companies.
I wish to get global exposure in data analytics and enhance my skills in order to become a professional data analyst, for which I have chosen to pursue a Data Analytics MSc degree from Queen Mary University of London. The practical nature of this course appeals to me as it combines academic thinking with practical solutions using the mathematical principles of data analysis. During my time at Queen Mary University of London, I also hope to engage with the works of leading professors like Dr. Matteo Iacopini, Alex Shestopaloff, Dr. Melania Nica, and Pedro Vergel. In particular, Professor Alex Shestopaloff‘s research on statistical computing and his focus on Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods for performing Bayesian inference for complex stochastic models greatly interest me. I believe that I would be a valuable asset to your university because I will make sure to equally contribute to research work as well as extracurricular activities, taking advantage of every opportunity that is available to me.
My masters degree will enable me to get placed in an entry-level position in the data analytics field, allowing me to utilise and develop my skill sets. After accomplishing my short-term goal of getting a good placement, I look forward to moving into a higher position and becoming a team leader within the next few years as my long-term goal. I am confident that my career aspirations will not only power my future but also give me the authority to incorporate and support ethical practices while utilising data for companies devoid of any biases or social inequalities.I believe that pursuing a Data Analytics MSc degree from Queen Mary University of London will enable me to pursue a rewarding career as a data analyst.
How to write an SOP for MS in data analytics
Here, we have provided you with an in-depth explanation of how to write an SOP for data analytics to write a compelling statement of purpose.
Introduction (motivation and goal)
Before you get started with writing your SOP, take some time to find an engaging hook line that grabs the reader’s attention. Once, you’ve got a hook line talk about the unique skill sets that you possess to show that you can work in the field of data analytics. In other words, write a short and concise introduction, as you will discuss these topics in a detailed manner in the next paragraphs.
Checklist for writing introduction:
- Hook (quote related to data analytics)
- Source of motivation
- Long-term goal
- Reason to pursue the course
- Unique aspects about your personality
- Future goals
Body paragraph I (learning, execution, and impact)
Start the first body paragraph by talking about your academics, give concrete details about the projects that you have worked on that have ignited your interest in data science. Include relevant details and name all the terminologies and techniques that you used while working on the project. Next, talk about the skills that you developed while working on the project. It is advisable to mention all the related details to your academic qualifications, as most SOPs are rejected due to the lack of concrete details related to a student’s academic background.
Checklist for writing body paragraph I:
- Academic accomplishments
- Professional accomplishments
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Impact of all the cumulative experiences
- In case of a fresher, talk about internships and volunteerships
Body paragraph II (why course, why university)
Going further to the second body paragraph, state your reason for choosing your course in data analytics. Next, list all the factors that you considered while selecting your university and how your chosen university meets all your requirements. Note that a lot of students make the mistake of singing praises about the university instead of focusing on the standout features of the university. Just make sure that your reasoning isn’t too ambiguous and irrelevant. While closing the paragraph, do not forget to give the SOP reader a reason to show how you will be a valuable addition to their university.
Checklist for writing body paragraph II:
- The skills and knowledge you know related to data analytics
- Why this particular college/university?
- What do you like about the college/university?
- How can you be a valuable addition to the college/university?
Conclusion (closing statement)
Coming towards the end of your statement of purpose is your chance to bring together all your achievements given above and show the SOP reader how they align with your future goals. Approach this paragraph with an ambitious yet practical tone, where you will explain your career trajectory as a data analyst with respect to your short and long-term goals that you wish to achieve after the completion of your degree. Before ending the paragraph, mention how your career will be meaningful to the society and help in its betterment.
Checklist for writing conclusion:
- Path to achieve your career goals (short-term and long-term goals)
- What after the course (long-term goals)
- Contribution towards the society
Wrap Up
Before you write a statement of purpose for data analytics, make sure that you are thorough with our 4-step guide to write a university SOP. Our guide will help you add all the elements that should be included in a good statement of purpose. To start, write an introductory paragraph that keeps the reader hooked with minimal details. Moving on, delve deeper into your academic and professional background with specific examples of your accomplishments in the first body paragraph. Adding on, give apt reasoning that backs up your choice of data analytics course and university. Bringing it all together in the last paragraph, describe your career aspirations with respect to your short and long-term goals.
FAQs
Why should you choose data analytics as a career?
One of the main reasons to choose data analytics as a profession is due to the vast number of opportunities to work for startups, agencies, corporations and as a freelancer. With a market worth of over $307.53 billion, data analytics offers lucrative job opportunities. By becoming a data analyst, you can work in almost any field, given the fact that all corporations, large or small, are heavily data-driven in today’s times. If you have the foundational knowledge of mathematics, computer science, business administration, or equivalent, you can pursue a career in data analytics to build a prosperous career.
Why is SOP important?
In simple terms, your SOP is your chance to give your dream university’s admissions committee a chance to consider your application, given that there are thousands of similar applicants who, just like you, match the criteria to enrol for admissions. Your SOP provides the university with a brief description of how your academic and professional background and their learnings helped you choose your career path. It is with the help of an SOP that you can portray your personality with your skills, strengths, and accomplishments over time, which make you different from the other applicants.
Is 900 words good for an SOP?
The word limit for a university SOP is stated by the university itself; if not, refer to the word limit of 600–1000 words. Coming back to your question, writing an SOP for 900 words is also good enough if you can include all the details. It's advisable to stick to the word limit and write an SOP that leaves a lasting impression on the SOP reader.
What is the writing style for SOP?
An SOP should ideally be an honest written statement by you that shows why you wish to pursue a particular course at a particular university. While writing an SOP for the university, be mindful of the fact that your SOP will be read by the admissions committee, so keep a formal tone. Try to avoid any words that sound informal or colloquial; however, maintain a conversational tone throughout your SOP.
Recommended Readings
How to Write an SOP for Data Science with Sample SOP
SOP for Australia - How to Write an Effective SOP for Australia
