MS Computer Science Personal Purpose Statement
- Robert Edinger
- May 7, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 3

The comprehensive undergraduate program at my university provided me with a solid foundation in programming fundamentals. While working as a project engineer at XXXX Technologies, I was introduced to these languages, but I seldom had the opportunity to delve into the complexities of language design. I am convinced that pursuing a master's degree focusing on various language aspects will equip me with the expertise needed for a career as a programming language researcher.
During my five-year tenure at XXXX, I managed numerous projects, each more challenging than the previous, such as Email Client applications for the Nokia 770/810 and Linux-based PDA series, pioneers on the Maemo platform. Developing the interface required me to analyze and customize the GTK library APIs to achieve desired results, which was a formidable task. My contributions to the project—stand-alone editors in UI, and processing of images and document attachments—were well-received.
Currently, I am associated with Client SUN Microsystems. Collaborating with this global team has significantly enhanced my interpersonal and technical skills. My latest project involves creating a design prototype to emulate the SUN cluster architecture for a Solaris zoned application called Supportfiles. The security and infrastructure constraints imposed by our clients have been quite demanding. I emulate them using a third-party tool "Spread," which employs virtual communication over a wide area network. I had to select languages for optimal interaction with the Spread module, reinforcing my belief that the field of languages is ripe for customization and innovation. With the success of this proposal, I was promoted to Senior Engineer and tasked with mentoring and overseeing my subordinates.
One of my primary responsibilities is selecting languages that best suit project requirements and architecture. My proposals often involve two or more languages, helping me realize that to draft a proposal without sacrificing efficiency, concurrency, and usability, no single language is universally optimal. This also underscores the field's dynamic needs for customization and innovation.
XXU is my top choice for graduate school, primarily due to its balanced curriculum with a specialization in languages. I am particularly interested in the 'Languages and Tools' cluster. My decision was also influenced by the ‘design and implementation’ research of Professor XXXX, and I am eager to work in areas similar to his investigations. This program was also recommended by a peer who graduated from XXU, highlighting your highly qualified professors and career-focused curriculum. I am confident that the knowledge and experience gained from your program will help me achieve my goal of increased involvement in programming language research and development within a corporate setting.
MS Computer Science Personal Purpose Statement Examples






Your statement is a strong and persuasive account of both your academic preparation and professional achievements, tied together with a clear vision for your future. It begins by establishing the solid foundation you gained through your undergraduate curriculum, which gave you mastery of programming basics and sparked your interest in deeper aspects of language design. This sets the stage for your motivation to pursue graduate study, not simply as a continuation of your education but as a deliberate step toward becoming a programming language researcher.
The description of your five-year tenure at XXXX adds credibility and depth, showing how you have consistently taken on increasingly complex projects. Your work on email client applications for Nokia and Linux-based PDAs demonstrates technical…