After three and half years of undergraduate study in Civil Engineering, I feel

completely satisfied with my decision to choose engineering as my career option as it

has revealed most pragmatic and down-to-earth approach to tackling human problems
to me. My enthusiasm coupled with scope for innovations and opportunities available
in the civil engineering has motivated me to opt for higher studies and contribute to
the field through meaningful research. I sincerely believe that graduation
at Carleton University will be an ideal step in this direction.

My decision to major in Civil Engineering was result of my desire to

contribute something beautiful to the society, direct impact of Civil Engineering on
every individual’s life and importance of infrastructure for development of a country.
Foundation of this lay in my childhood admiration of my friends’ father who was a
civil engineer and I used to be excited and inquisitive whenever I used to visit him.

I am optimistic and hardworking and strongly believe in maintaining ethical

integrity in all my endeavours. My family maintains a highly motivated ambience
conducive to academic pursuit. This has ingrained the desire of competition and
achievement and temperament of scientific inquiry in my character. Consequently I
topped every class I attended in school and high school. My hard work and
perseverance paid off when I scored in top 1% of students in Joint Entrance
Examination for admission in India’s premier technology colleges, the National
Institute of Technology (NIT - warangal).

I had first formal exposure to structural engineering in course “Mechanics of

Materials”. This course inculcated in me the fundamental tenets of structural
behaviour which ignited my interest in this field. To strengthen my concepts I pursued
courses on basic and “Advanced” “Structural Analysis” which enabled me to do
elastic analysis of structures using flexibility and stiffness approaches. Design courses
like basic and “Advanced” “Design of Concrete Structures”, “Design of Steel
Structures” and “Analysis and Design for Wind and Earthquake Effects” equipped me
with adequate tools to carryout Load Resistant Factor Design and introduced me
to codal provisions. Laboratory courses helped me consolidate my fundamentals and
reinforce theoretical background.

I armed myself with the knowledge of basic geotechnical engineering in

“Geotechnical Engineering I” & “II”. These courses have given me sound grasp of
fundamentals. Numerous visits to construction sites enhanced my practical
understanding. Elective course “Foundation Engineering” gave vital insight into
design of shallow and deep foundation in clayey and sandy soil.
 I also credited courses like “Materials of Construction”, “Building
Construction and Equipments” and “Functional Design of Buildings” which
inculcated latest construction technology and management methods in me.
“Construction Management” highlighted importance of effective team coordination
for project execution in quality construction practice and exposed me to plethora of
applications of Operations Research in project management.To keep myself abreast
with latest information, I am regularly referring to ASCE Journal of Structural
Engineering, Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, Indian Construction:
Journal of Builders Association of India and Magazine of Concrete Research.

In the previous years I have paved a way to shape my career but I realised that
undergraduate education has given me only glimpse of knowledge in this field. My
decision for Master of Science in structural engineering or construction mangement is
an effort to quench my thirst of knowledge and contribute to field by positive
research. From consultants of my professors, guidance of my seniors and careful
perusal of web-pages of university, I am convinced that my career will be in best
hands at your University. Not only was I attracted by its distinguished faculty,
excellent laboratory facilities and high reputation but also by quality of research going
on. My choice of this specialisation is motivated by its multidisciplinary nature which
will broaden my horizons and give me flexibility in professional practice.

The practical knowledge I received in my summer Training was really inspiring, when
I was a part of a team of trainees working for National Authority of Highways India
(NHAI) and Hindustan Shipyard Limited. Here I took the task of performing a
study of testing of materials procured for Roads, mix design, design of reinforced
concrete structures.Also I had the opportunity to visit and learn about the surveying. I
was exposed to the various aspects of structural and Transportation Engineering and I
got the opportunity to interact with the Engineers involved with futuristic activities
that inspired me.

The knowledge gained through academics and experience in trainings came to lime
light when I proceeded to work for M/s AARVEE associates where I took up railways
as my field research for two years designing bridges, retaining walls etc.,.

My academic pursuits have not however, prevented me from participating with

interest in various extracurricular activities. As coordinator of the Civil Engineering
Association, Technical Festival and Cultural Festival of NIT WARANGAL, I have
enjoyed working in a team while planning for the organization's activities. Apart from
these I have represented my college as captain of cricket team winning the Inter NIT
sports meet for our college.
The undergraduate curriculum enabled me to clear my fundamentals; so I feel the
need to complete my Masters. The fast emerging global scenario in the field of Civil
Engineering, and moreover the quality of education and exposure to plethora of
research work in USA supplemented by my own interest, has helped me to fortify my
decision to pursue graduate studies in U.S.A.

I am applying to your university because of the excellent reputation of your school. In

addition, your splendid facilities are also a major attraction to me. In my experience as
a student I know for certain that good facilities can make a difference in a student's
life and learning experience. I hope you will grant me the privilege of pursuing my
Masters Degree in your prestigious university

I look forward to a long and fruitful association with University of West

Virginia at Morgantown