Courage To Know: Personal Statement

I can trace back my inspiration for becoming a "Data Ninja" from my school, the tagline is "Courage to Know". Due to my thirst for knowledge and ability to crunch data in a meaningful way, I took up engineering where I learned the basics of data management mostly in the realm of electrical / electronic world of machines and semiconductors. I also opted for a number of numerical methods and computing classes as well programming classes during my college. I still remember those college days when I was enthralled to learn the usage of regression analysis in fields of power system stability. The data driven decision-making thought process, developed throughout my four years of engineering has been instrumental in my success and career progression.
It also taught me to use the power of information to uncover previously unknown insights, think out of the box and create competitive advantages.
I have worked in four continents around the world and have played several data related roles. Based on my experience, I can infer that data analytics is the enabler for leadership to take business-critical decisions. For past few years, as part of my job, I have to create and analyze reports that conveys key performance measures in Oil & Gas industry. I have led a couple of implementation on "Industrial Internet of Things" projects; the most notable was the global execution of the pipeline fault monitoring system. The solution encompassed around GE's Predix technology to forecast future faults and to prevent costly maintenance. My education and experience have so far introduced me to the various possibilities, tools, and methods but to be at the top job, I must master the same.
In future, I wish to transition into the role of a Chief Data Officer. To achieve this goal, I must further incorporate into my training the effective understanding of analytics associated with Computing, Business, and Statistics.
My employer's 2025 strategy is to focus on developing industry-specific data solutions by leveraging disruptive technologies, which is in-line with my objective to pursue this course and my vision to become a "Data Ninja Clan Leader".
Moreover, to maintain a work-life balance along with the urge to pursue higher education in the field that I aspire to grow, online is my only option.
On the top of that, the course cost is within my reach and I can complete masters without increasing financial burden. Additionally, I relish online courses as they provide the flexibility to complete education based on my schedule. The plethora of engaging videos, online collaboration, and targeted coursework is enticing. I always recall how the online data community helped me to solve a data issue to extract information from remote oil rigs. This course is a rigorous but flexible program that matches the way I like to
study.
I have reviewed a number of course programs on analytics as I was applying for my masters.
In this regard, when I looked into the OMSA course curriculum, it was apparent that the program is a good blend of the strengths from three colleges: College of Computing, College of Engineering and Scheller College of Business. This is a commendable initiative, which will provide me with the best of these worlds. With my background, I always advocate the need to evolve cross-disciplinary skills to solve real-life problems, which can be accomplished with OMSA. With this learning, I can immediately identify, analyze, and solve analytics problems for better business intelligence and decision support at my current workplace.
To conclude, I am applying to OMSA because of the program's solid foundation in data analytics course work; also because I enjoy online learning and interested in pursuing an industry focused practicum to marry theoretical learnings with practical solution. I want to thank all Georgia Tech's staff and faculty involved in this course for providing an opportunity to working professional like me to satisfy our thirst for
knowledge.