Introduction of SOP: 1st Paragraph
This paragraph is often confused with self-introduction. It should not introduce you but
should discuss what you are about to discuss in your SOP. There are multiple
approaches you may adopt to go about this paragraph:
● Discuss your long-term goal and connect it with your idea of pursuing the
course you are applying to
● Present your understanding of the chosen field and write how you want to
contribute to that field
● Explain your background in 2-3 lines and connect it with your future goals
● Write about an anecdote that helped you realise your professional interest in
the chosen field
Students often make the mistake of introducing themselves or their childhood in the first
paragraph. In some cases, students tend to forget about the purpose behind writing an
SOP.
SOP 2nd and 3rd Paragraphs: Academic Background and Professional
Experience
This comprises of your academic background: what you have done so far, what you are
currently pursuing, your academic strengths and projects, industrial exposure you have
attained, etc. If you have any professional experience it should be discussed in the
upcoming paragraphs
SOP 4th Paragraph: Why This Course?
In this paragraph, you should discuss why you want to join a course and what modules
would you tap during this course. It should also cover the skills you would acquire in this
duration along with the exposure that would help in developing the skills desired to
realise your goals.
SOP 5th Paragraph: Career Goals
This is the most important paragraph, where you should discuss your short and long-
term goals. Your immediate goal would be where you would want to work right after
completing this course. You should be able to name some companies within India along
with the designation you see yourself working at. This should explain the kind of job
profile you would be working on.
Then comes your long-term goal, wherein you should mention where you see yourself
from 10-12 or 15 years down the line. This may include your desire of working at the
CEO/CFO/CTO level or maybe establish a firm that you own. It may also include your
dream of expanding your existing family business overseas. You may also be interested
in further studies like a PhD which can be included here.
More in this section may include your desire of becoming a professor or researcher. In
any case, it is suggested that you discuss your business aim, principles, and core
values or how you would influence the young aspirants of this industry. You should be
able to portray 'how you wish to make a difference in the industry keeping in mind the
current industrial scenarios and emerging trends'.
SOP 6th Paragraph: Why This University?
This is a specific paragraph wherein you can convince a university as in how they are
suitable for your profile, and you are an ideal candidate for their university. You should
discuss the course curriculum, research work, faculty names, as well as the university-
specific activities that would help you in enhancing your profile.
Closing Paragraph of SOP
In this paragraph should conclude your desire and readiness towards joining the chosen
course. Since this is the closing paragraph, you should sound focused and prepared for
all the challenges that came your way. It should also show that you have the zest in you
to succeed and with the help of the chosen course and university you will definitely
make a difference in the industry on a global perspective.