Electrical engineering personal statement

Reading time: 3 minutes
Price: Free download
Published: 5th July 2019
Word count: 813 words
File format: Text

On a warm summer morning, I stumbled upon the following quote:

‘There comes a time when one must risk everything or sit forever with ones dreams’
– Mary Oliver

I am the embodiment of the preceding quote. This was the exact juncture that I was in, the dilemma about whether I should live a risk free life by taking up employment after my graduation or pursuing a dream that I had clearly panned out, unsure of its consequences. I chose the latter and I decided that I did not want to live a linear life like the common man moving from point A to point B, instead I wanted to catapult to point W by pursuing my dream, a vision that I have developed during the course of my Undergraduate degree.

My interest in Technology dates back to my childhood, right from my first remote controlled car to the latest smart phone I possess. A keen interest to understand the underlying functioning of a gadget was the keen reason for my undertaking a Computer based course as part of my High school curriculum. The relentless hard work coupled with self-confidence rewarded me with a distinction of 89.6% in my Higher Secondary examinations. This laid the platform for me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree that involved Innovation and Technology. Bachelors in Electronics and Instrumentation from Gitam University, which has excellent infrastructure and outstanding staff seemed to be the best fit to meet my interests and to kill my curiosity.

During the course of my Undergraduate program, I was exposed to several core subjects such as Microprocessors and interfacing, micro controllers and applications, computer architecture and organization, virtual instrumentation. To interpret my theoretical knowledge in a real time scenario, I undertook a project in Zetatek Industries Limited in Hyderabad, titled ‘Single Axis Motion Simulator’. Zetak industries are manufacturers of motion stimulators, environmental test chambers used in various industries like DRDO, GE, Bharat electronics, Tata, Su-Kam, Lanco, and Department of atomic energy (Govt. of India). During our project we developed software for a single axis motion simulator using LabVIEW, a highly productive development environment for creating custom applications that interact with real world data or signals in fields such as Science and Engineering. This experience provided me an opportunity to gain exposure to advance concepts in C programming that I learnt as part of my undergraduate curriculum. In addition, I also worked on a project titled ‘Automatic Room Lighting Control System’ in which we designed a circuit with motion sensors, on sensing movement ‘ the lights are automatically switched on.

Although conceptual knowledge has played a significant role in developing my interests in the field, it is practical creation and innovation involved that has truly captivated me. As part of my final year project, a team of four members worked on the project ‘ ‘Remote Override of Traffic Signal in Emergency’. We developed an RF remote control that can be used during an emergency by ambulances and fire brigades to automatically change the traffic signal from a distance and ease the traffic flow. Having carefully chosen my final year project, I wanted to get a strong fundamental understanding in areas such as microcontrollers, code development for Microcontrollers, working of a Radiofrequency transmitter and receiver, IR sensors and the functioning of a photodiode.

Adding to my list of academic achievements, I have been involved in various activities. An active NSS cadet, I was involved in a cause to remove a mobile tower that was located in the midst of a housing colony causing health hazard due to its harmful radiowaves and we also conducted an awareness campaign regarding the importance of education. Our team developed a solution to support a cause for Women empowerment for a national level competition ‘Manthan’. The grand finale was held in the presence of Shri Narendra Modi, honourable Prime Minister of India and Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, India. In addition, we as a team we secured first place for best innovation at a gesture based robotics competition held during the winter training and internship at Chennai.

Identifying the right University to pursue a Master’s degree was not easy choice. After long hours of extensive research and clarifications with my seniors, I have decided to apply for the MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering in your esteemed University. I am very confident that my aptitude coupled with my resolve to succeed will see me through the challenges and live to the expectations of the University. The renowned faculty and research facilities at your university showcase great promise and I look forward to benefit both academically and professionally in the chosen fields of my interest. I strongly feel that the University of Houston is the right place to embark on an academic journey into the depths of Electrical Engineering and I would be thrilled to secure an admission in your University.

Why this example works — strengths and ways to improve

This postgraduate statement for an MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Houston has genuine technical substance in its projects, but it describes far more than it reflects. A quotation-led opening, generic claims, factual slips and a vague university paragraph weaken credibility. The strongest material is the traffic-signal and LabVIEW work, which needs more about your own role and learning.

Subject motivation

right from my first remote controlled car to the latest smart phone

This childhood-gadget link is a familiar motivation and does not explain why electrical and computer engineering specifically, rather than technology generally, draws you. The Mary Oliver opening and the point W metaphor describe risk-taking but never name the dream or the problems you want to work on.

Academic preparation

Microprocessors and interfacing, micro controllers and applications, computer architecture and organization

Listing modules shows a relevant foundation for an ECE master's, but a list alone shows coverage, not ability. Choose one or two modules and show how a concept from them shaped a design decision or deepened a question. The 89.6% school result matters less at postgraduate level than your degree performance.

Evidence and reflection

I wanted to get a strong fundamental understanding in areas such as microcontrollers

The traffic-override project is promising evidence, but the reflection describes intentions rather than outcomes. Explain what you personally built, what failed or surprised you, and how you resolved it. Likewise, gaining exposure to advanced C concepts is asserted rather than demonstrated through a concrete example.

Relevant experience

we developed software for a single axis motion simulator using LabVIEW

Industry project work is directly relevant. However, much of this space goes to the company's client list and a textbook definition of LabVIEW rather than your contribution. The 'we' throughout hides your role. NSS, Manthan and robotics activities are listed without explaining what you did or learned.

Credibility and voice

I am the embodiment of the preceding quote.

Grand claims like this undercut credibility, as do 'kill my curiosity' and Manthan details framed around dignitaries rather than your solution. Errors such as 'Zetak', 'stimulators', 'ones dreams' and the stray quotation marks suggest the draft was not carefully proofread. The claim about tower radiowaves being a health hazard also states a contested point as fact.

Structure and format

Identifying the right University to pursue a Master’s degree was not easy choice.

The chronological structure is clear, but the closing paragraph offers no specific reason for choosing Houston, such as faculty, labs or a research area. The opening paragraph is long, repeats 'dream', and delays the subject. Future goals are missing entirely, which leaves the conclusion generic.

What you’ve done well

The traffic-signal override project is a concrete, purposeful application combining RF transmission, IR sensing and microcontroller code.
The LabVIEW motion-simulator work and the robotics innovation prize give tangible evidence of hands-on engineering in team settings.

How this draft could improve

Replace the quotation and childhood opening with a concise statement of the specific ECE area you want to pursue and why your projects led you there.
For each project, state your own role, one technical challenge and what you learned. Cut the company client lists and the LabVIEW definition.
Name the concrete features of the Houston programme that fit your goals, state your career aims, and proofread for spelling and punctuation errors.

Write your electrical, electronic and computer engineering personal statement · £4.99 →

Electrical engineering personal statement example