From Engineering to Management

Anushaa Nukala

Purdue marked the commencement of numerous fresh prospects for me, and upon reminiscing about my stint there, I can affirm that the institution equipped me with the necessary tools to navigate my professional voyage. I wouldn't have wanted it any differently. At Davidson School of Engineering, I embarked on my journey as a Professional MS Chemical Engineering student, having obtained my undergraduate

degree in chemical engineering from India. The coursework that I undertook stimulated my intellectual curiosity, encouraging me to tackle new challenges, learn, and most importantly, expand my knowledge in the field. In particular, the lectures specialising in pharmaceutical engineering allowed me to develop a deep and thorough understanding, which has proved to be beneficial in my current job as well. During my time in the program, I was offered the opportunity to become a double boilermaker, and I eagerly embraced it, deciding to pursue an MBA after completing my chemical engineering degree. This decision enabled me not only to gain a comprehensive understanding of scientific studies, but also to familiarize myself with the intricacies of business and management.

At my current role as a Supply chain analyst at Catalent, I serve as bridge between both engineering and management staff. I am able to act as an enabler and visualize the business problem from a bigger perspective. As a Supply Chain Analyst, my primary responsibilities include conducting asset capacity management, analyzing labor capacity, and working closely with the production team to optimize all logistical processes. Working in the pharmaceutical industry has allowed me to bring together my engineering background and my business acumen to help overcome complex challenges and provide innovative solutions. It gives me great satisfaction to be able to contribute to the smooth functioning of an industry that directly impacts the health and wellbeing of people worldwide.

On the whole, my experience at Purdue has provided me with much more than just theoretical knowledge. Through the incorporation of the capstone project, I was able to gain real-world industry exposure, which has proven to be invaluable in my professional journey. I was proud to be recognized as one of the few graduate students to receive the Boilermaker Changemaker award for driving positive impact within the Purdue

community. Looking back, I can see how far I have come, from feeling nervous about presenting to anchoring events with thousands of attendees. My journey at Purdue has been all-encompassing, providing me with a well-rounded set of skills that I continue to utilize in my career.

To the future Boilermakers, my advice to you is do not limit yourself. By pursuing a master's degree, you have already taken a giant leap, but it is essential to continue building on that momentum. It is crucial to leverage all the resources available at Purdue as they can help you grow both personally and professionally. Don't hesitate to approach your career coaches, academic advisors, and faculty members for assistance. They are always willing to lend a helping hand, answer your queries, and engage in meaningful conversations.