1. Statement of interest: Describe your interest in pursuing a career in national security or defense. Include a description of your long-term goals as they relate to that career.
My interest in becoming an architect has been expressed long before in my native country, Iran. I was amazed at how architectural objects were able to change the society and build the character of the city long before I got determined in my future professional path. Then I realized that depending on the architectural performance some cities can either promote a green way of life, sustainable development and progress or deteriorate social standards of society. Prior to pursuing a career in architecture, I have witnessed a heartbreaking earthquake, which occurred in Bam, Iran. This ancient city is renowned for its mud-brick buildings. That event left a footprint in my memory and gave me an understanding of the necessity of modern infrastructure, which surrounds us. Needless to say, this has shaped my mind for my future aspirations and dedications to my future career since quite a young age.
In my opinion, architecture is a sphere in our life, which shapes our cities and, thus, our civilization. Nowadays people rely more upon infrastructure and a growing number of energy efficient buildings has been constructed. A choice of ‘’green’’ materials, design techniques and sources of energy is of great importance in a modern construction business. Thus, being an architect implies me not only to master design skills, but also to have deep knowledge in building structures, materials, methods of building, construction and environmental engineering. Although my chosen profession seems challenging, I am highly motivated to acquire all the needed skills and knowledge, as well as to implement them into a field of innovative architecture in the future. Moreover, I realized that architecture is responsible for tolerating different social, economic and cultural backgrounds of various people living in the cities. To my mind, an emerge of new buildings and construction objects should not only be aimed at improving a esthetic view of cities, but also improving a quality of life of people while tolerating all the unique features of multicultural society and different economical backgrounds. Provided that nowadays a modern big city is almost certainly multicultural, an architect is becoming responsible for creating comfort zones for all kinds of city dwellers.
Since my father introduced me to his construction and development business as an intern, my wish to pursue a career of architect has been inspired even more. My personal ambitions in architecture are to expand my knowledge in history, technology, professional practice and theory. Having had an intern experience and finished a Bachelor’s degree at University of Southern California (USC) encouraged me to pursue a Master’s degree. I believe this opportunity will strengthen my knowledge and introduce me into innovative approaches.
My future career aspirations are to graduate from USC, first. For this reason I am presenting a statement of interest in order to receive a scholarship for a Master’s program in Construction Management. Later on, I am intended to get experienced in working at architectural and construction company in order to run my own business in the future. My long-term goal is to implement sustainable construction innovations into my future career and make real difference in the society’s life. Therefore, I express my hope that USC will give me a support in the field of architecture. I have also committed to develop myself into a real professional in the chosen field.
2. Statement of prior accomplishments: Describe what you believe have been the principal accomplishments in your life that relate to your professional goals, including academic, professional, or community activities.
I am expressing a statement of my previous accomplishments in order to apply for a scholarship, which is essential for completing a Master’s program in Construction Management at USC. Therefore, I am providing a brief overview of my study, working experience and community activities, as well as related skills.
Before being enrolled into a Master’s program, I have graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Tehran University in Iran and acquired a Certificate of Photography in 1999 and a Certification of Graphic Design in 2004. Later on, I entered a School of Architecture at University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) and graduated as a Bachelor of Architecture in May, 2016. I am intended to graduate as a Master of Construction Management at Viterbi School of Engineering University of Southern California in 2018.
My working experience has introduced me to real challenges in construction business, so as I am willing to strengthen my skills through Master’s program. From March, 2000 to June, 2010 I was working as an intern at Sadeghi Construction in Tehran, Iran. This internship gave me knowledge in Site Development, Construction Management and Interior Design. Among the main tasks, I was responsible for Site Development and Construction Management of Multiple Residential and Construction and Commercial Real Estate Projects, playing a lead role in the interior design of new construction, consulting and collaborating with developers and architects concerning landscapes.
Since October, 2012 I have been working at Office of Mr. Siavash Khajavi (Licensed Architect) as a Junior Architect. During this internship my primary task was to develop schematic design presentation materials (diagrams, 3D modeling, rendering, interior design, code research), site visit and measurement.
Additionally, I have also worked as a Mathematical Teaching Assistant in Pierce College in Los Angeles, CA.
Since March, 2013 I have been holding a membership in USC CMAA (Construction Management Association of America, USC Chapter). A membership in this organization enabled me to learn construction and develop a networking with industry professionals through various job site tours, information sessions and other events.
Furthermore, I would like to present several community activities and related accomplishments. In February, 2015 temporal, architecture documents and the latest architectural works for temporary use were published by eVolo as a result of the group project at University of Southern California. In April, 2014 I was awarded the second place in Student Masonry Unit Design Competition at National Concrete Masonry Association School of Architecture at USC. On November, 2012 my work the Glass Pavilion was published at the Toledo Museum of Art.
Back to my study in Iran, I was ranked at the top in Construction Management and Course of Education of Experimental Sciences at Tehran University. Besides my achievement in the disciplines, I was also an active participator of various activities, like the sketch contest among students, graphic design Iran contemporary arts museum and took part in illustrating Iranian children’s book (2000).
3. Proposed program/course emphasis: Describe the objectives of your educational program and list your course of study for the semester, relating them back to your national security or defense career plans.
Taking into account that construction business creates 8% of the US Gross National Product, it is believed that Construction Management consists of professional activities and requires from future architects a set of unique knowledge, skills and personal characteristics. A Master’s program in Construction Management presents a variety of opportunities for students in the construction business, aimed to prepare future alumni for further challenges.
Hereby, I am describing a proposed program with a list of the courses for the semester, which corresponds to the objectives of the educational program. Generally, a scope of the program includes various subjects in order to enhance my knowledge and practical skills not only in pure technical and construction sciences, but also give me an insight of the law in architecture, necessary project management skills and regulation in public policy. I am highly motivated to acquire new knowledge in a vibrant environment of Viterbi School of Engineering and take from my study the most appropriate skills.
Furthermore, during the program I am intended to receive a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, which is the most widely used third-party verification for green buildings (USGBC, ‘’Better buildings are our legacy’’). Being certified by US Green Building Council is a great step in my future career, which could possibly give me a way for operating ‘’green’’ buildings and use innovative approaches in construction field. The certification covers the areas of materials and their effects on human health and environment, performance of different categories of buildings, efficiency of water consumption and utilization of smart grid. I believe this certification could make me more competitive, as well as creative, and will be associated with my educational program.
My proposed program meets general requirements of Master’s program in Construction Management, which includes 33 units with elective subjects. Therefore, compulsory subjects involved a list of the compulsory subjects, as suggested by ‘’MCM - Master of Construction Management’’:
Building Systems;
Functions of the Constructor;
Construction Accounting and Finance - Concepts of Financial and Management Accounting - Financial Accounting Analysis for Engineers;
Budgeting and Estimating;
Planning and Scheduling.
Educational program is divided into several sections, where several subsections have been elected.
Track 1: Finance Track
Introduction to Real Estate Finance and Development
Real Estate Capital Markets
Track 2: Real Estate Development Track
Management of Real Estate Development: Feasibility Studies
Advanced Real Estate Analysis
Track 3: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Technology Track
Building Information Modeling and Integrated Practice
Sustainability Building Information Modeling for Collaborative Construction
The following units are elective and should be further approved by advisor.
Institutional/Professional Electives
Economics of Urban Land Use: Feasibility Studies
Advanced Real Estate Law
Development Processes
The Approval Process
Legal Issues in Real Estate Development. (University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering. ‘’MCM - Master of Construction Management’’).
Finally, I am expressing my hope that a selection board will review my previous education and working experience, as well as consider my strong motivation and ambitious long-term objectives for issuing a scholarship. I am looking forward to being interviewed. Thank you for your time!
Works Sited
U.S. Green Building Council, USGBC. BETTER BUILDINGS ARE OUR LEGACY, 2016.
