Motivation letter sample for a PhD position in ICT

Dear Professor [Last name],

My name is [Name Surname], and I’m a master’s student in applied computer science at [University Name]. I’m writing this letter to express my strong motivation for the PhD position in ICT and Machine learning at the Carnegie Mellon University.

My particular interests in computer science, statistics and machine learning originates from the period when I worked as a programmer of mobile applications in India from [YYYY to YYYY]. During my tenure, I developed several iOS applications and put them up on the App Store. While working on these apps, I noticed that many successful apps, integrated the abilities of computer vision, such as face recognition, object tracking and edge detection. In the spirit of my inquisitive personality, I was curios how those apps were made and which algorithms were used to create such outstanding utilities. In response to this inquisitiveness, I started making an app for myself which was intended to serve as a scanner for documents and pictures, with special feature of conversion of photo to text. While building this application, I used computer-vision libraries without understanding what happens inside. With an intention to familiarize with libraries and algorithms used, I tried to study computer vision from published papers and online tutorials, from which I learned two things. Firstly, I could understand some algorithms used in my iOS apps. Secondly, I found computer vision is a huge area with plenty of research and applications in face recognition, which is very common in mobile phones, object tracking, traffic cameras, and in other specialized uses such as in medical imaging. This particular momentum driven my desire to master computer vision, and develop my career in this area of expertise.

Probably in the same time, I got interested in machine learning, after I did the course “Techniques of Artificial Intelligence” at University of [Name of the University]. For the benefit of this particular course, I had to learn many machine-learning algorithms and later on to implement a small project with integration of face recognition features. The project has required me to make a neural network in Java using dataset from an online source – CMU2.  As the project has been a success I was incented to learn further and therefore I have took an online course in “Machine learning” with Coursera. Newly gained knowledge and skills on this course have sharpen my focus, and I have decided therefore to peruse career in machine learning.  Therefore, my master’s thesis also utilizes different methods of machine learning including the emerging “convolutional neural network.”

In my resume you can see that I possess vast experience in programing. As an engineering graduate I have already developed skills in control methods of industrial machinery systems.  However, for career in machine learning I would need to sustain my ICT skills and therefore I would like to start PhD course in ICT and machine learning. I already have background in ICT, however, since this is continuously evolving area, I feel there is need for ongoing upgrade of skills and knowledge,

I firmly believe that a PhD position at your University is an excellent choice for myself, and I think this is a great chance for me to deepen my knowledge, pursue my passion and give contributions to the scientific community. With my experience and solid theoretical knowledge, I believe that this PhD position is ideal for me. Therefore, it will be a great honor if I can work under the supervision of prominent teachers and scientists, within a well-equipped research facilities and in a hectic academic atmosphere of your University.

In the enclosure of this motivation letter I am sending all documents required by the Call. If you need further information or documents feel free to contact.

I appreciate the time and efforts you invested in assessing my application, and I am hoping to your prompt response.

Kind regards,

[Name Surname]