Phd In Information Technology Management example essay topic

Statement of Purpose Program: PhD in Information Technology & Management Semester: Fall 2003 "Innovation, Positive Thinking, Persistence and Integrity" are the pillars on which I have built the foundations of my life. My ultimate goal is to pursue an academic career devoted to research and help shape the outlook of the world. Pursuing a PhD in Information Technology & Management at Harvard University is a logical step in that direction. A passion for knowledge was instilled in me by my parents, both graduates, early in my childhood. My determination and will to succeed in every endeavor ensured that I remained at the top of the class throughout high school.

I was awarded the CASE award by the Indian government for students in the top 0.1%. I then took the Joint Entrance Examination for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology, which are the premier academic institutions of my country. I was among the top 0.5% of over 200,000 candidates who took the exam. During my undergraduate studies at, I was trained in basic sciences and mathematics. I studied courses in theoretical computer science, networks and computational techniques. My education in engineering has equipped me with a set of skills but has also enabled me to understand my fields of interest and my strengths and weaknesses.

This made me realize that my real strengths were in abstractions of reality and my analytical skills. In particular, I am interested in the technical and managerial aspects of information systems. My interest in this field led me to undertake courses in Operations Research, Operations Management and Statistical theories. During the course of my study, I also undertook courses in Economics and Finance. My personal drive and determination to succeed motivated me to start a company with a few of my fellow students, while I was still in college. The company, called, specialized in web design and software management.

Among our other innovations were a new web based email product and new software for web conferencing. The technology used by us provided reliability and extensibility. With seamless information exchange and object oriented design the web pages could be extended with ease. The confidence clients had in us was apparent when (one of our clients) offered us a 200,000 Rs / month project. It was then that I was able to develop my managerial and leadership skills.

I also learned the art of negotiation and how to sell my product. My involvement in both the technical and managerial side fuel led an interest in the management of information systems. This enabled me to appreciate the interaction between these two fields. My experience at the company and the reading of several books like Robbins and Coulter's "Management", Martin's "Managing Information Technology" and Brea ley and Myers's "Principles of Corporate Finance" convinced me that my future was in an academic career devoted to research. As a first step towards achieving my goals I joined in order to improve my mathematical and analytical skills. During the course of my stay at, I have completed a minor in High Performance Computing Applications.

I am also the systems administrator for my department at, taking care of the various UNIX and Windows based machines. I am currently involved in developing an Object Oriented code for performing Molecular Dynamics simulations. To my knowledge, there is no available Object Oriented Design for the code and so, the whole package is being developed from scratch. My experience at the company and at Penn state has given me valuable insights into how information technology is affecting businesses and vice versa. It has enabled me to observe some of the better and worse ways of running a business. I realize that in order to pursue research in this area I need a better understanding of the interlink ages between the two and the different facets of each discipline.

Equally important, I need further training in research methodology. I strongly feel that the PhD program in Information Technology & Management at Harvard University is a highly structured program providing the right balance between theory and practice. It addresses both the technical and the business aspects equally. I would be able to develop my quantitative and analytical skills as well as my business skills through the DEAS and HBS respectively. The faculty's reputation for excellent teaching, challenging coursework and the excellent facilities are added incentives. After completing a PhD in Information Technology & Management, I would be ready to pursue my ultimate goal of becoming a successful professor.

My real world experience at the company and as a graduate assistant and systems administrator at has taught me invaluable managerial and leadership skills. I learned to think outside the norm and develop innovative solutions to problems. It has given me the confidence required to face new challenges. A degree in engineering has equipped me with strong mathematical and analytical skills.

I also posses the flexibility required to adapt to new situations. I hope you will take a favorable decision regarding my admission to the PhD program in Information Technology & Management and I look forward to joining Harvard University.