SOP - STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
I, Kanwaljit Singh, am currently working as a Senior DevSecOps Engineer at Basware Pvt. Ltd. in Chandigarh. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun. With a strong interest in systems administration and hands-on experience with cloud platforms, I am now eager to pursue higher education and enroll in a Master’s program at a reputed university. In the following paragraphs, I have outlined my academic background, motivation for graduate studies, and key areas of interest.
From a very young age, during my secondary school years, computers were initially just a source of entertainment. I enjoyed playing games and experimenting with scientific patterns using BASIC programming. I was amazed to discover that games themselves were just programs—this sparked my curiosity about how software is created and led to a genuine interest in computers. This passion for mathematics, coupled with a strong inclination towards technology, inspired me to pursue engineering with Computer Science as my major.
I completed my schooling at Vasant Valley Public School, where my natural interest in logical and analytical subjects led me to choose Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. The school environment helped nurture my scientific thinking through tech fests and science expos. In 12th grade, I developed simple logic gate applications as part of a Physics project and graduated as the school topper with a score of 92.2%.
During my first year of undergraduate studies, I was introduced to core programming languages such as C, C++, and Java. I quickly grasped their core principles and appreciated how each language built upon the other. Java, in particular, intrigued me the most due to its robustness and versatility. I had the opportunity to contribute to the web development and design of the WRHP Conference at UPES under the guidance of Mr. Gagan Anand, Associate Professor. I also presented a paper titled “DDOS Attacks – IDS as a Solution” during my third semester in the Design and Algorithms lab.
In my second year, I had the chance to visit an IT company owned by a friend of my uncle. There, I saw firsthand how multiple systems worked together in a network environment. Motivated by curiosity, I purchased a Virtual Private Server (VPS) from the Netherlands and, with guidance from my uncle, studied several books on Windows Networking. I became particularly fascinated by concepts such as Domains, Active Directory, Group Policy, and DNS.
Around the same time, I was introduced to the subject of Computer Networks. Already having a solid understanding of practical networking, I was very comfortable with the course. In lab sessions, I developed software-side networking projects such as connection-oriented and connectionless Echo Servers, multithreaded File Transfer Servers, and Chat Servers.
As a freelancer, I developed several projects. My first was a website for S.Cafe Boys Hostel, which included online transaction features similar to those at my university. Later, I developed an online ordering system for Grind Café, a new startup near Nanda Ki Chowki, complete with Android app integration. I am currently managing UPES’ Online Tech Community, where students can access semester-wise question papers and study materials—a valuable peer resource platform.
Being an active member of various online tech communities has earned me recognition and rewards. One notable example is Desidime—India’s largest online deals community—where I earned the rank of “Deal Lieutenant” and later became a moderator after creating a smiley script for the platform. I've also hyperlinked my portfolio and projects for easy reference.
My academic courses in Data Structures and Computer Programming have had a significant impact on my mindset. Whether it's watching Pranav Mistry present his Sixth Sense technology, exploring platforms like Google Wave, or simply noticing new features on Facebook, I experience a sense of awe and inspiration. These innovations reflect endless possibilities for logic and creativity—feelings I also experience when I see my own code execute successfully. This sense of accomplishment continues to motivate me to take on challenges and persist through complex problems. My love for programming, coupled with a desire to explore the inner workings of systems and applications, drives me to seek opportunities where I can grow and refine my technical skills.
To summarize, I believe my academic dedication, project experience, and diverse skills in Computer Science will support my success in graduate-level study and research. Attending a prestigious institution would provide the ideal environment to receive high-quality education and mentorship from accomplished professors. I am highly determined, hardworking, and consistently focused on achieving my goals. My positive outlook and habit of pursuing new ideas help me to tackle problems independently and creatively.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warm regards