School of Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering

Statement of Purpose Form

Please write a one-page essay describing your academic and career goals. Address the following in your essay:

 In which specific area do you wish to study?

 Why should you be admitted into the program?

I have been planning a career in Electrical Power Engineering for several years. Highly motivated to contribute
my efforts towards addressing the issue of frequent power cuts in Ghana, I pursued BSc. Electrical/Electronic
Engineering with great focus on Power Systems, Power Electronics and Electrical Machines. I also developed an
aptitude for the field through several internships I undertook in the course of my undergraduate studies. I had
practical exposure in thermal power generation and carried out various maintenance activities on various
electrical machines. I was very particular about coming up with innovations on the various electrical systems I
came across during these internships.
Being in the top 2% of the graduating class of 2012, I was selected to serve as Teaching/Research Assistant in
the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. During the past year, I have been assisting the Head of
Department in research, tutoring and delivering the core power courses such as Transformers, Asynchronous
and DC Machines, Power Electronics and Electric Drives when he is not available. I have also been responsible
for organizing various electrical laboratory sessions for students ensuring that all laboratory experiments were
successfully accomplished. In this capacity, I participated in the Smart Grid seminar series which equipped me
with Power system in Ghana elaborating on the challenges in its various sectors and the plans ahead for
improvement. As a member of the IEEE Power Society, Ghana Section, I also took part in the Power Seminar
series where various practical topics in the Power Sector were presented by accomplished Power Professionals.
I will like to explore the field of Power Electronics at the graduate level. I plan to focus on the areas of power
electronic control of power systems and electrical machines. The power grid in Ghana needs to be upgraded to
a smart grid as emphasized in the Smart Grid seminar series. I realized how important my work in the area of
power electronic control of power systems could help in the integration of renewable energy sources onto the
smart grid and facilitate intelligent control in the smart grid.
My ultimate academic goal is to earn a PhD but enrolling first in a master’s program will enable me to explore
my various interests and make a more informed decision about which specific discipline I will want to study in
depth. My career goals are concentrated in getting a position in an electrical engineering faculty at a university
or other institution where I can continually engage in research as well as teaching. I will like to contribute my
research towards the development of the smart grid in Ghana.
My work experience as a Teaching Assistant has equipped me with good communication skills, ability to work
for long hours, ability to work well under minimal supervision, good analytical skills and above all made me a
solution oriented individual who is willing to go the extra mile to obtain good results. In addition, I have also
gained a good background in the field of power engineering through my undergraduate studies as well as my
work experience as a Teaching Assistant.