Dear sir/madam,

First, let me introduce myself, I am Khalifa Nikzad and currently I am working in Norwegian Refugee Council
International NGO as a Consortia Data Management Officer. I have attended my bachelor’s degree in
computer science (Information & Database Management) from Herat University.

The undergraduate curriculum in Computer Science at Herat University introduces me to a wide variety of
subjects. Various courses like Computer Engineering I & II, Programming I & II, Mathematics I, II, and III,
Algorithm, Operating System, Fundamentals of Database System, Computer Network, Data Structure,
System Programming, Advanced Aspects of Databases System I, Web Engineering I, IT Project
Management, Advanced Aspects of Databases System II, Web Engineering II, Introduction to Human
Computer Interaction, Mobile Application, Web Engineering III, Data Warehousing and Data Mining,
Modern Special Purpose Database System, and Modern Programming Paradigms in Web Development
provided me with a strong footing in the theoretical concept of Computer Science.

I have more than 6 years of professional experience in software development and data analysis.
Throughout my 6 years of work experience with national and international organizations (for, e.g.,
Norwegian Refugee Council International NGO, Cordaid International NGO, Oxfam International NGO,
MEDAIR International NGO, Pomtech ICT Solutions, and Alfa Plus ICT Solutions), I have acquired a
multitude of hard and soft skills including software development, data and requirements collection, data
analysis, data visualization, data-driven decision making, team working, communication, reporting and
many more.

My passion for data analysis led me to attain the following professional certificates in data science and
analytics in addition to my full-time employment:

1. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.

2. Data manipulation in Python (NumPy & Pandas).
3. IBM Data Science Professional Certificate. In-progress

Having all the experience listed, I am seeking to raise my career to the next level. The subjects offered in
this program, specifically data analysis topics are in line with my professional goals. Additionally, the
mandatory study abroad semester provides a solid foundation in which to further experience divergent
cultures and exchange knowledge. I am certain that the knowledge and skills learned from my professional
experience, university, and activities would make me a valuable addition to the Master of Computer Science
program offered at Vienna University. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours faithfully,

Khalifa Nikzad.