Letter of Intent. Pratik Soni.

I have been in awe of ‘Megafactories’ on the National Geographic Channel every time I see it. Seeing the
manner in which the cars are built and the various processes involved instilled a desire in me to be part
of the whole process. This coupled with a natural flair for science and mathematics motivated me to
take up engineering in college. The reason I took up mechanical engineering was that I had a passion for
cars, planes, trains, trucks and all devices for transportation. Studying subjects like manufacturing
processes, transmission system design, theory of machines and mechanisms gave me a clearer view of
what I wanted to do. I seek to design, build and engineer cars and trucks. During my undergraduate
course I had the opportunity to gain knowledge about basic machining processes like facing, turning,
drilling by hands-on experience in a college workshop. During my final year, I completed a project in
which I designed and fabricated a Piston type paste filling machine. During this phase I got the
opportunity to gain a lot of insight into the processes of casting and welding. I have also worked with
software like AutoCad and Pro-E.

I took up automobile engineering as my final year elective so that I could get initiated into the field. But
what I realized was that it provided a very limited view of what I wanted to study. I got to know the basic
functioning of the various mechanical systems of the automobile like the I.C. engine, clutches, brakes,
transmission, powertrain and differentials. Mechanical engineering by itself has a vast number of
subjects and if I wanted an in depth understanding of a particular subject, Masters became an obvious
necessity. A Masters degree would allow me to delve deeper into individual aspects of automotive
engineering by studying them in greater detail and also to gain practical experience by way of relevant
internships. Hence, I took up the decision to pursue an NAME OF DEGREE in automobile engineering.

I have been a sincere and consistent student throughout my academic career as is evident from my
academic records. Apart from that I have an interest in trekking and volleyball. I also love reading fiction
and playing computer games in my spare time. My interest in cars is best evident through my
participation in various events involving building a miniature radio controlled car. During my third year
of undergraduate studies, I made a presentation on the Bose suspension system, one of the most
innovative suspension systems of the current times.

I have been passionate about cars since I was a child. Germany is the Mecca of mechanical engineering.
It is the birthplace of car companies like Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, which represent
the pinnacle of development in the automotive industry.

I keep reading a lot of car magazines as well like Autocar, Overdrive, Car and Bike. Apart from that I
often surf the internet for updates on the auto industry. I also like to surf websites like carbibles.com
which provide a lot of technical information on cars.

I have worked for a year as a graduate engineer trainee with Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd. where I had an
exposure to various departments like marketing, production, engineering design and quality control. I
have had a hands-on experience on the shop-floor for the manufacture of journal bearings. I also got an
orientation to planning of manufacturing activities in a large scale industry. Working in a professional
environment has honed my communication skills as well.

An MS in automotive engineering from a reputed institute like yours would help me further my passion
for cars and prepare me for my next goal which is a Ph.D in Automotive engineering. I intend to maintain
a consistent record as in the past years in the NAME OF DEGREE degree as well. My experiences in a
developing country with its own rich cultural traditions and practices should enable me to contribute
productively to the classrooms and student community. I seek an opportunity to work in the stimulating
environment at PLACE OF DEGREE. Further, I wish to bolster research initiatives in my hometown, India
on returning, having completed my degree and gained some practical work experience. Armed with my
new knowledge I believe I would be able to make a difference here. I conclude that the NAME OF
UNIVERSITY affords to me, the right environment to cultivate and hone my skills as a well-rounded
automotive engineer.