My Statement of Purpose for MSc Finance in UK: Please Comment

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The unprecedented explosion of corporations and financial services industry has brought about immense opportunities to utilize newer principles, methodologies, tools and practices in the field of finance. It is this challenging field in which I would like to gain expertise.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Since school days, I have always been regarded as an academically brilliant, having been awarded scholar badge and merit certificate throughout my school and university education. I was always among the top 5% students. My passion of mathematics and computers led me to choose Computer Engineering as the undergraduate program. I obtained a GPA of 3.75 on the scale of 4.

AREA OF INTEREST

Finance, as a field, had always fascinated me right from my undergraduate college days. I believe that my penchant for this field stems from the fact that finance runs in my family. My father and brother have finance degrees. I have always enjoyed and been strong in areas that require problem solving, analytical and mathematical skills, and I am anxious to combine the knowledge of, and aptitude for, these skills with my interest in finance. I really want to explore finance while intend to gain specialized knowledge in the field of corporate or managerial finance.

PREPARATION FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDY

I have been planning a career in finance for several years, but as an engineering undergraduate I primarily concentrated on getting a solid background in mathematics and computers. The four years of engineering program also equipped me with the problem solving and analytical skills required to excel in the demanding profession of finance. My mathematical skills come from courses such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics. The computer skills include Spreadsheets software like Lotus 1-2-3, MS Excel; Analytical Software like MATLAB, Mathematica, Maple; Financial software include QuickBooks, MS Accounting, MS Money; and Programming languages include C, C++, Java.
E-Banking Solution, a software project for the local commercial bank in 2nd year, in Java first exposed me to the financial services industry. I followed it up with internship in the same bank. Engineering Economics and Management, a 3rd year undergraduate course, also provided me the opportunity to look more closely to finance field. I took short courses of Accounting, Finance and Business Management and plan to take refresher courses in Mathematics in order to prepare for a rigorous and challenging postgraduate level studies in Finance field.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Apart from academic interests, I also have a diverse experience in extra-curricular activities. I served as a Community Mobilizer and Polling Staff in the Afghanistan Presidential and Parliamentary elections in 2004 and 2005 respectively. As a volunteer worker from my university, I took part in fund raising efforts for the earthquake victims in Northern Pakistan. I also have performed voluntary work in the Afghan Geodesy and Cartography Head Office (AGCHO), a government department that provides maps related to Construction Infrastructure of Afghanistan, by networking their computers and installing software such as Windows operating system, Office tools, and GIS software. Besides, I have trained the staff in AGCHO in those software applications and English language. I have also assisted the Afghanistan Information Management Services (AIMS) in various capacities. In addition, the teaching of students in English, Mathematics and Science subjects for a local NGO was also among my volunteer works. I actively participate in recreational activities including debate and sports competitions as well. 

CAREER PLANS
I wish to understand the broad theoretical foundation of finance and more specifically the in-depth knowledge of the latest techniques of corporate finance. I want to leverage my existing skills with the knowledge of corporate finance to obtain a rigorous, demanding and rewarding position in this profession. The knowledge and skills in turn will help me to achieve my short-term career goals to manage capital, generate funds, perform mergers and acquisitions, and ensure future economic stability for corporation, or help financial services industry make the right financial decisions that will result in economic stability and high returns. In the long-term, such knowledge, skills and experience will help me assist Government of Afghanistan in designing, implementing and monitoring financial policies, planning and executing the financing initiatives, and interfacing with the financial community and investors. To this end, I would also like to gain knowledge in the fields of investment analysis, financial planning, strategic finance, international finance and global financial markets during graduate studies in the UK.

WHY UK FOR POSTGRADUATION
Imagination is everything. If we can imagine a future we can create it, if we can create the future, others will live in it. This is the essence of success.
I was apprehensive thinking of my career prospects in Pakistan but the kind of opportunities, challenges rewards and satisfaction that the studies in UK offers are very reassuring. This inspired me to think and dream about higher studies in your university. I realized that this is just beginning of a bigger dream. This wouldn’t be not only interesting but also satisfying as it is in line with my career aspirations, more than anything else this inspires me to dream bigger. The studies at UK provides me the rare combination of accelerated growth and the flexibility to get on challenging career paths, be it through continuous learning or larger responsibilities.

REASONS FOR CHOOSING YOUR UNIVERSITY
Aristotle brought out the best in young Alexander. We too will be known by the university we come from.
Finance department in your University epitomizes a vibrant academic community, rich and diverse in its field of study and dynamic in its freedom for explanation. Especially there my area of specialization is flourishing under the guidance of pioneering stalwarts in an outstanding environment. This is why I look forward to the selection and admission committees to turn my passion into concrete abilities – not just acquire a foundation of knowledge about how the finance works but also what is its pragmatic aspect.

Thanking you for giving me an opportunity to express myself.

Best Regards,
Saddique Ahmed