My question is regard to the essay. I have a
B.S. in Applied Physics and I am trying to get my masters in engineering. The problem for me is that I have no applicable research experience nor do I actually care to pursue any. I
just want to get my masters (course work track not thesis/research track) and get a better job. I understand graduate school in general
is a research institution but theres no way everyone applying is trying to cure cancer or invent the new energy source.
There are many, many master’s degrees - in all fields, but especially engineering - that are focused on preparing students for professional work who have no interest in research. In fact, I’d say most MS programs probably don’t require a thesis.
So for my essay would it be wise to focus more on my work experience ( I’m going for EE and I currently work now in computer manufacturing/programming) and my overall well roundedness? When it comes down to it, I just want my masters so I can get a better job and retire one day.
You need to apply for a professional Masters or a Master of Engineering. For those programs, since there is no research involved, it is pretty much irrelevant what kind of research experience you have. in fact, work experience is probably more important.
I will take a stab at it. Even though instruction for writing a thesis MS SOP may tell you to address research interests and you will not because you are planning a professional or course only program you still can make a professional statement free of any talk about making more money and retiring (ala your prev post.) It is not really a personal statement so much as an application and professional/academic statement.
Goal: why do you want to do the engineering degree. State what is your professional goal. ie to work as a professional engineer designing doohickeys. Is there any area of emphasis that you are particularly interested in? What might a starting position lead to in your career?
Why: what draws you to the field and what influences have you had that convince you to feel that this is the right field and you have the right aptitude. This is where you can show what you are all about and what your strengths are.
Preparation: what coursework and professional experiences have you had that prepare you. What undergrad related classes stimulated you? What projects did you do? What work experiences stimulated you? Show what motivates you.
This uni: why are you choosing this uni and what do you hope to get out of the program and experience there. Why it is a good fit for you and you for them? What is special about it? How will you represent them well as a grad?
Finally I am sure there are online resources you can google.
Also while I doubt many EE talk about curing cancer they may talk about the other topic and if you can’t even summon the enthusiasm to see that something could be done better, faster, cheaper more elegantly which are all things that do some good and you want to be an engineer, then ugg. Sorry but your sticking to that story is so bothersome. Sure just tell them you want a better paycheck so you can get the next 30 years over with and retire.