Tips to Write an SOP for Course Change

One of the most common queries we come across is how to draft an SOP while applying to a course that is different from the academic or professional background of the applicant. For instance, some candidates aspire to switch from engineering to business or finance; there is an endless list of possibilities. Let us be honest and understand that course change is absolutely possible and it is not at all difficult to prepare an SOP for the same.

While preparing an SOP for course switch:

All you need to keep in mind is to give instances when you started to develop your inclination towards the other field. This needs to be supported by describing the actions you then took to explore the field and learn about it more and then associating them with your future plans. Let us understand it step-by-step.

1) Initial Attack in SOP

The best way to begin your SOP when you are influenced by a certain field or domain is to discuss the possibilities in that field that excite you to pursue the same. This does not include the scope of the field in terms of emerging job opportunities; it has to be some industry trends or innovations of that field that attract you. You should talk about the emerging prospects that the industry has to offer and how you wish to utilise the knowledge of the same in realising the ultimate goal. Write what all skills you want to develop and enhance through the course you are applying to and then relate the same with your future plans of contributing to that field.

2) Describing your Encounters and Drive in SOP

You should mention how and when you encountered the field of your interest. This would include:

• Workshops or seminars you attended that helped you identify your interest in that field
• Books or articles you read that captivated your interest

These need to be mentioned precisely as you have to justify how while pursuing a certain field, you got interested in something absolutely different. Avoid using phrases about your interest in that field since childhood or your hobby that you could not pursue due to family pressure. Such phrases portray a weakness in your character that you cannot take decisions or initiative. Always give strong reasoning of why and how you feel that you are capable of pursuing the chosen field.

3) Discussing your Efforts and Initiatives in SOP

In this paragraph, you should write all the initiatives you took to learn about the field of your interest. This will include the workshops and seminars you would have attended to enhance your knowledge about the field, the books you would have read to explore more on the same, and also some training you might have undergone to gain some experience in the domain. Discussing such efforts you have made ensures that you are keen on the chosen field and that you are doing everything you can to gain an in-depth understanding of the scope and applications of that field. And also, by applying to this course now, you are taking another big step toward the entire chosen field.

4) Explaining Background in SOP

While preparing an SOP for a completely different field, you cannot ignore your background. Also, do not wait for too long to mention your background. You need to mention your academic and professional endeavours as the admission committee needs to understand your profile in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Try mentioning what you have done so far: why you pursued a certain course and why did you join a certain job. Always discuss what you learned in that period and what strengths you are capable of bringing to your classroom if selected. Your background includes your academic and professional projects, along with the internships you have pursued; including them in your SOP helps in portraying your social skills, such as your ability to settle down in an unknown environment or work in groups to achieve a common goal.

5) Writing Extracurricular Activities in SOP

Your participation and active contribution to the extracurricular activities support a lot of your social skills, such as organisations skills, managerial abilities, presentation and communication skills, team and leadership qualities, etc. These help in considering your candidature over others irrespective of the kind, of course, you aspire to pursue. If you include some volunteer work in your profile, the admission committee can figure out your desire of giving back to society and it always adds to your points. Most importantly, if your extracurricular work is directly or indirectly related to the course you are applying to then the chances of your selection automatically increases to an extent.

Bottom line is that irrespective of your background, you can always prepare an SOP justifying your inclination towards a field while you were pursuing the other. For professional assistance regarding applying to a different course or preparing your SOP for the same, you can always connect with our experts.

Check Out:

Country-wise SOPs: