SOP - Northeastern University

Statement of Intent
-Vanshika Jain
I, Vanshika Jain, seek to pursue a master’s degree in project management from Northeastern
University, Toronto, Canada.
I am a licensed architect from India. Five years of academic study in the Amity School of
Architecture and Planning, Noida transformed my instinctive excitement and imagination
about architecture into systematic knowledge and comprehensive understanding. This
course of study gave me a thorough foundation of knowledge about architecture,
construction, and design. The study of basic courses over the 5-year duration of my
bachelor’s in architecture (B.Arch.) such as architectural structures, mechanics, material
sciences, structural analysis, costing and estimation has made me realise that architecture
is not only about designing and aesthetics, but it is a combination of art and technology that
requires a lot of planning and execution. In addition to my academic activities, I have also
participated in several workshops, exhibitions, competitions, seminars, and taken
supplementary courses to attain certification for many software applications. I have
successfully managed and volunteered for many university events. In my free time, I have
taken several supplementary personality development courses that have enhanced my soft
skills - like time management, leadership, public speaking etc.
In the university, the course work focused more on theoretical aspects rather than practical
aspects. Therefore, to gain practical experience I have done 2 summer internships and,
worked part time as a junior architect. From a young age, I have been focused on my future
goals and have taken my professional and academic duties sincerely. Also, as an architecture
professional, I have worked on a plethora of group projects with small teams and even a team
of 300 members, hence, providing me the communication and teamwork skills required for
the industry.
Being a dedicated learner, I am always on the lookout for new opportunities to learn and
collect more knowledge about my field of specialisation. While gaining 1.5 years of
experience in the architecture and construction industry, and working on different project
typologies, I began to realise that architecture, beyond designing also requires management
and execution to convert designs from paper to reality. Contrasted to earlier years, where
architects only dealt in design and creative aspects of a building project, the industry now
realises the importance of architects being involved in the delivery, cost control and quality
management of a project as well. Hence, the field of architecture is closely related to the field
of construction and project management. In my belief, project management has now
become an important add-on to the architectural repertoire. As a project manager, the
expertise would lie in not just the architectural projects of different typologies, but projects
of all kinds in different fields, as the generics of management, remain the same. The
construction field, as we know, is the field of teamwork and a team needs a good leader to
give better and timely results.
I feel that I am now prepared to begin the next step of my professional development, which
is the pursuit of a master’s degree in project management. Learning the skills of a project
manager will enable me to diversify my architecture career. As an architect, with the skills of
a project manager, I would be able to balance the creative element (design), the human
element (clients and employees), and the financial element of a construction project.
I believe that it is important to have a stimulating atmosphere full of diverse viewpoints and
ideas, to build upon my previous training and education. Thus, Northeastern University is the
ideal institution for meeting my education and professional goals. I chose this university
because of its unique combination of a diverse and international student body, modern
facilities, and reputed faculty members. After carefully studying the course curriculum, I
realised that this program is an ideal fit for me, with concentration in CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT - which covers courses like safety, project risk, quality management and
construction law. The overall learning modules cover various aspects like project leadership,
presentation, project scheduling, quality management etc., all of which are essential to
succeed as a project manager.
This opportunity, to study at Northeastern University will give me a more-in depth
understanding of project management and provide international exposure as well.
Eventually, I plan to return to my native country with skills, expertise, and experience to
make a meaningful contribution to my field.
The Master of Science in Project Management program at Northeastern University is integral
to my goals, and I highly appreciate your consideration of my application.

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Statement of Intent

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