Kartikeya Ulhas Rahate

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

In a world which is hooked on to its mobile phone, almost addictively what could be a better career
option than being right in the middle of innovations and developments related to the chipset
manufacturing of the mobile phones. Mobile phones today have advanced so much that they almost
have all the capabilities of a computer. It is one of the fastest growing industries with projections of 3
million users by 2020. As a member of the Generation Y, I was born into this technology and so, it has
been an integral part of my life and I have always been enamoured by the progress in this field which
in leaps and bounds. Consequently, I desire to gain immense knowledge about the processing
mechanism of a smartphone, to build an efficacious career in this field.

I am by nature an inquisitive person and find joy in constant discovery and learning. I was a bright
student during my school days and hence, secured high percentage in my Secondary School
Certificate (S.S.C.) and Higher Secondary School (H.S.C) examinations which enabled me to enter one
of the reputed engineering colleges under the University of Mumbai. My real passions were sparked
once in the field of networks once I took admission in Electronics and Telecommunication
engineering. The four years of graduation has exposed me to the fundamental subjects like Electronic
Devices & Networks, Digital Signal Processing, Micro-processors & Micro-controllers, Elements of
Micro-electronics which included VLSI Designs, Antenna & Wave Propagations, Digital
Communication, Satellite Communication, Optical Fiber Communication, Computer Communication
Network, Data Voice Communication and Radar Engineering. These subjects provoked my research
instincts particularly in the field of communication.

Along with building a firm theoretical knowledge, the college introduced us to the practical
application of our knowledge through mini projects and the final projects. For my third-year mini
project, I began with a portable mini power supply for smartphones and then built a hand-held metal
detector to be used in highly secure areas. In our final year, my team imitated the idea of smart cars as
showcased on Channel Discovery and developed a "Driver Drowsiness Detection System with GSM
Alert Using a Piezoelectric Sensor." This project was based on the implementation of IR sensor
(Transmitter & Receiver) which does the work of continually monitoring eyes of a driver and issues
an alarm and turns on the parking lights slowing down the car if he/she is feeling drowsy. We also
made use of GSM and piezoelectric sensors such that if ever an accident occurs, these sensors, which
act as an active transducer will send electric signals to GSM system via microcontroller interface and
SIM900 which will alert the nearby hospitals and aid centres. I presented my final year project paper
with my group at an international conference hosted by our college and it was appreciated by all
present.

Besides academics, I have always been an enthusiastic participant in extra-curricular activities right
from high school to college. I took part in cultural events, sports and worked as the Sponsorship Team
head in the Entrepreneurship Week hosted annually by EMBER committee of our college. To
constantly update my knowledge of computers and the advances in various technologies, I attended a
training session on "Basics of Mac OS & iOS app development" hosted by our college's iMac lab and a
one-day seminar on "Idea Generations" by Ember in Entrepreneurship-week. I have learned various

1
 Kartikeya Ulhas Rahate

programming languages like C++, Matlab and Pspice. Besides this, I have also done six months course
on Oracle certified professional JAVA SE programmer (OCPJP). My other areas of interests are sports
like table tennis, cricket, badminton and swimming.

I am a self-learner and curiosity plays a major part in my working style. It is my dedication and effort
that have made me an engineer. Now I am at a decisive point in my academic career and looking to
pursue an MSc program in Electrical Engineering / Telecommunications which will be the foundation
for my future career. I wish to apply my logical and analytical abilities and problem-solving skills,
with the help of an advanced education, for developing modern technologies and concurrently
strengthening my knowledge in these fields.

A Master's degree would provide a broader understanding of the functioning of different components
in a unit, enabling me to study at close quarters how the changing environment is altering the existing
synergies. It would provide an opportunity to consolidate my in-depth knowledge, which otherwise
would take years of trial and error. I would like to make innovations that would reduce production
cost, latency and improve efficiency. I desire to be in research and development of the product
designing and contribute to the betterment of the society and I believe your university would enable
me to learn aspects crucial to evolving and excelling in today's fast-changing and fiercely competitive
arena. A global perspective acquired by association with people of diverse cultures could give me the
competitive edge I need. On my part, I will dedicate myself to give my best to contribute to the
classroom participation, teamwork and discussions required in the course. I place my candidature
before the selection committee.