Why I Want to Get an Ms in Computer Science

“Ultimately, it's not going to be about man versus machine. It is going to be about man with machines”

- Satya Nadella

There has always been this thought in my mind what if a machine that could think and take decisions on its own could ever come into existence. The very thought is now the emerging technology and the future. AlphaZero, the game-playing AI created by Google sibling DeepMind, has beaten the world’s best chess-playing computer program Stochfish 8, having taught itself how to play in under four hours . This intriguing facts and zeal to tackle real world problems drives me to pursue a career in Computer Science. The following provides an insight of my dream, research interest, choosing this institution and finally being a potential candidate.

What initially got me interested was my fascination with taking complex things apart, such as toys and old clocks, and ultimately an old CRT computer monitor. My first memorable Electronics experience was when I took that monitor apart and was completely fascinated by the green shiny circuit boards with all the intricate parts. This eagerness made me choose majors in Electronics and Communication Engineering in undergraduate course at SASTRA University, Thanjavur. This curriculum has taught me basics of microprocessors, microcontrollers which form the basic part of computers. Wireless Communication and Computer Networks helped us appreciate the evolution in this field and it also helped us understand the various protocols and methods of networks available. In the last 2 years of this course, I was exposed to subjects like Virtual Instrumentation (LabView Coding), Advanced C++, Unix Operating System, Information Management in Oracle where I developed a passion for programming.

I was amongst the core members of Maths Club@Sastra (MCS) and Robotics Club@Sastra (RCS). In MCS, we worked on interesting problems, explored pockets of math that were ignored in class, and just had fun. It was a special place where math was unapologetically cool, and the problem solving strategies. Being in RCS gave me exposure to technological happenings around the world. We share ideas, come up with innovative solutions and problem solve. I've had the privilege of working on a number of projects that ranged from simple line followers

to something far more complex such as a 'Glove-controlled Car'. I organized events like “Know the MATLAB”, which deals with basics of MATLAB and “Robo Combact” in the DAKSH fest (second largest techno-management fest in south India). These activities helped me work as a team. My final year project was on “Object detection and tracking using raspberry pi”, where I got exposed to this minicomputer raspberry pi. It’s really amazing how this tiny computer helps in vast applications. The challenges I faced here was to learn OpenCV (Open Source Computer Vision Library), Python and finding suitable image processing technique to detect and track the object.

In final year of my undergraduate course I got placed in TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) and was super excited to be a part of TATA Group. Currently, I have been working in TCS for the past 2 years. I am enjoying every moment working here. Working with experienced people here helped me grow my knowledge. Organizing meetings and having direct contact with client helped me in my managing skills. The projects we are working on is ADAS technologies (Advanced driver assistance System). Basically we have to code the ECU’s (Electronic Control Unit) in a car for different purposes like Automatic parking, Blind Spot detection etc. We code in advanced C++ and Python, I came to learn different STL libraries, Data structures and most importantly skill to solve a complex problem. From my TCS experience I can see that the future is Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Every client is aiming for the future automated world. Pursuing my MS would give required knowledge and the experience to cope up with futuristic technologies. The most important quality which I would need is the ability to learn to achieve

Apart from academics and corporate life, I have been a very active social worker. Always been an active member of TCS-Maitree program, where we work with differently-abled people, aiding under-privileged children and helping rural communities. We believe in combining entertainment and innovation to empower people and bring change in the society. The opportunity to work in international level fests technical and cultural in My SASTRA University has been a memorable experience. Being part of such activities and working towards my passion has helped me develop as an individual. They have made me more confident, helped me handle situations; have always given me the reason to think positively. A major part of me today is because of these works.

Approximately working for 2-3 years after my MS, I would want to start my own venture probably in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Industry. After around 3-5 years in the field of business, I would want initiate a program where it serves as a platform for the young aspiring minds to connect to the established pioneers in various fields which would help in the development of the society. It is mandatory that every individual is provided with at least one opportunity to prove his/her worth. My dream is to be a social entrepreneur who makes a change in the society.

I believe that pursuing my MS in Computer Science at your prestigious University would give me the required skills and experience to live my dream. With a determined attitude and focused research work, I wish to assist in providing optimum solutions to challenges that we face today. I hope to be admitted to this excellent program, and I would like to thank the Admissions Committee for spending their valuable time in considering my application.