How to Write SOP for Mechanical Engineering with Sample SOP

“Manufacturing is more than just putting parts together. It’s coming up with ideas, testing principles, and perfecting the engineering as well as the final assembly.” - James Dyson

Growing up I had always been fascinated by the world of mechanics; to me, it was the concept of how things stand still and operate in the real world which filled me with curiosity. As a kid, I was very fond of dismantling and then assembling my toys; it was the mechanics of the toys that interested me rather than playing with them. This curiosity led me to design and take on several projects as part of my school’s science club. One such project of assembling a Van De Graaff generator that bagged me first position during my elementary school made me realize that I wanted to be a mechanical engineer. I believe that by pursuing a career in mechanical engineering, I can incorporate the knowledge of the latest technologies to develop new and innovative products. With mechanical engineering entering its innovative sphere, I see a purposeful career and look forward to embarking on an entrepreneurial journey, which I believe can be achieved with my proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD and my programming knowledge of Python, owing to my academic background.

The first step towards materializing my dream of becoming a mechanical engineer was when I started my undergraduate degree in B.E. Mechanical Engineering from Stella Mary's College of Engineering, Nagercoil.My undergraduate studies paved the way for me to get placed as a CAD intern in Valeo, Chennai. During my internship, I worked with 2D and 3D models on CAD, adhering to quality tools and checklists. My internship experience made me skilled in CAD data management and quality control while enhancing my project management skills. In my 9-month work experience, I realized that in order to get a job at a senior position as a mechanical engineer, I lack some of the skills that I can learn by earning a masters degree in my field.

To act upon my decision, I decided to study mechanical engineering in Germany owing to the exposure to German mechanical firms. I decided to pursue an MS in mechanical engineering in Germany from the Technical University of Munich, for which I have submitted all the required documents. I believe that joining the Technical University of Munich will further provide me with the budding environment required to grow more in the field of mechanical engineering, with its research internship opportunities within the course module. One of the cornerstones of the Technical University of Munich’s is the Munich Student Union Job Portal which provides placements to its students with partnership with a private placement agency called Die Job-Börse for full-time as well as part-time jobs. For a student like me who aspires to work for the world's largest companies, such as Bosch, the Technical University of Munich will help me move a step closer to accomplishing my goal and nurture my skills due to its placements across the world.Moreover, I believe that my knowledge of science and robotics will make me a valuable addition to the university’s science club, and I look forward to actively participating in and contributing to the same along with my studies.

I am convinced that the academic knowledge I acquired during my master's degree will help me achieve my long-term and short-term goals. My short-term goal is to work at a reputable multinational giant where I can put my skills to the test by engaging in design, development, and maintenance of diverse mechanical devices. Working at an MNC will not only challenge me in a professional workfront, but also provide me with the opportunity to work with teams and clients from all over the world, broadening my perspective and enhancing my intercultural communication skills.Besides this, my longer goal, inspired by my idol James Dyson, is to start my own company and come up with a line of products that are innovative and laden with the latest features. I aim to embody the entrepreneurial spirit in me and build a workplace that gives wings to innovative engineers throughout the world.On a larger note, I hope that I put in cumulative efforts to design and develop a line of products that combat climate change contributing to a sustainable and greener future for our upcoming generations.I believe that pursuing an M.Sc. in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Munich will become the foundation to drive me towards my aspirations and future success.

"Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work." - Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

In Dr. Kalam’s “Wings of Fire”, his perseverance to work towards his mission despite all the hardships inspired me to write an essay on ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) that won the school science essay prize. While researching for my essay, for the first time, I found a career prospect where I could incorporate my love for physics and keep doing the same for the rest of my life. To the younger me, ISRO was the only place that I had ever imagined being at. And to work towards the same, I pursued a B.Sc. in Physics to engage in the field of applied physics and work ahead as a scientist in ISRO. However, during my time as an undergraduate student, I realized the diverse disciplines that come under a scientist’s work at ISRO. Consequently, while narrowing down job opportunities at ISRO, I found the position of mechanical engineer to be the perfect match for me. I felt so because working as a mechanical engineer would allow me to get involved in the design, development, and testing of spacecraft components.This aligns with my interest and expertise in analysis, and research in physics that I have developed over the years.I believe that getting a masters degree in mechanical engineering would help me realize my dream of working as a mechanical engineer at ISRO.

From an early age, my initial passion lay in physics. That is why, as a school student, I always viewed physics more as a subject that provided me with theoretical knowledge and as a tool that helped me understand the world in a better way. On the academic front, I excelled in my studies and went on to study science in junior college. Likewise, I studied a Bachelor of Science from Fergusson College, Pune, with a major in physics.While exploring other subfields in physics, I attended a workshop on mechanical engineering during the summer semester at my college. Over there, I learned to use AutoCAD software and design projects with its help. This, in turn, allowed me to participate in several science competitions and exhibitions, helping me find a creative side within me. With enhanced design skills, I managed to secure a position in the top 10 projects at the India Science Festival 2021. This achievement of mine solidified my interest in mechanical engineering,owing to which I gained 6-months of work experience at Gurutvaa Systems Private Limited as a CAD intern after the completion of my graduate degree. The hands-on experience over there provided me with the opportunity to brush off my mechanical designing skills, which, in turn, made me confident in my decision to transition to mechanical engineering from science.

This shift led me to apply for a masters degree in mechanical engineering from The Hamburg University of Technology to get specialized knowledge to become a mechanical engineer. My decision to choose The Hamburg University of Technology for my masters programs was due to its emphasis on integrated industrial training in all the courses.I believe that a masters program with integrated industrial training will give me an opportunity to network with people in my field and sharpen my skills before entering the workforce. Moreover, I am highly impressed with The Hamburg University of Technology’s option to choose from a vast amount of elective courses. This will allow me to study elective courses of Engineering Materials and Biomechanics besides the program-related subjects. While studying over there, I wish to contribute to the university by working as a part-time research assistant in my department and contributing to the field of physics.

I believe that earning a masters degree from The Hamburg University of Technology will serve as a crucial step in achieving my short and long-term goals on my journey to become a mechanical engineer. My short-term goal after the completion of my degree will be to get placed in a German firm as a mechanical engineer, where I will get the opportunity to apply and enhance my learnings from the degree to actual projects. Looking ahead, my long-term vision involves getting sufficient experience to secure a job position as a mechanical engineer in ISRO. While my job position at ISRO in a way would fulfill my career goals, but on a larger note, I believe that working at my home country’s national space related development agency would make my work more rewarding and fulfilling.In addition, my career at ISRO will help me work towards the advancement of science and space technology and contribute to the development of my country.I, therefore, plan to further change my course and create a worthwhile career as a mechanical engineer by applying my knowledge of physics from my masters degree at The Hamburg University of Technology.