Making the Most of My Time at Purdue

When I started my undergraduate journey in Chemical Engineering at Purdue, I had a good number of AP (advanced placement)  credits from high school that counted toward my undergraduate degree. That gave me the flexibility to finish my core curriculum earlier than expected. But instead of graduating early, I wanted to make the most of my time at Purdue—academically, professionally, and personally. I started looking into opportunities for certificates, graduate programs, and learned about Purdue’s Chemical Engineering Professional Master’s Program (PMP).

I was excited by the way the PMP program goes beyond traditional engineering coursework by incorporating business and analytics-focused learning, all within a timeline that still allowed me to stay on track professionally. For me, it felt like a perfect extension of my undergraduate education, but with a sharper, more career-oriented focus.

Diving into New Interests and Skillsets

I officially joined the PMP program in Spring 2025, and the experience so far has been enriching. I’m currently focusing on the Data Science concentration, which combines my chemical engineering background with emerging technologies in really exciting ways. At the same time, the electives have been a great way to explore areas I hadn’t considered. It’s been amazing to see how these fields intersect.

A New Direction

Recently, I accepted a position at Capital One as a Business Analyst. This role feels like a natural next step, where I can leverage the analytical thinking from my engineering training along with the data-driven skills I’ve developed in the PMP program. My interests shifted a bit over the course of college, and I’ve found that I really enjoy analyzing data and providing recommendations, something I’ll get to do more of in this role.

Applying to the PMP Program: My Experience

The application process for the PMP program was straightforward, though getting letters of recommendation did feel a bit challenging at first. I think what helped was making sure I had a well-rounded mix—I had one professor and one former internship supervisor write my recommendations. I believe this variety gave my application a broader perspective.

Working with the program manager’s office throughout the process was also a huge plus. They have been incredibly helpful—from answering questions during the application to supporting students once they're admitted. Knowing there’s someone like that in your corner makes the whole experience less stressful and more approachable.

Looking back, I’m really glad I chose to stay at Purdue and pursue the PMP program. It’s opened up new opportunities, broadened my skills, and helped me discover a new direction for my career.