For me, the interest in Product Management solidified while working at Bank of America for three years as a Software Engineer. Having built a strong technical background, I intended to enhance my techno-managerial skills through a master’s in the U.S., including learning that generated in-depth understanding of customer needs, market behavior, and the entire product lifecycle. In my quest for the ideal program, I stumbled upon Purdue University's Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program. It aligned perfectly with my goals, offering a blend of management and technical courses that would help me transition into Product Management.

I moved to the U.S. in 2022 and quickly realized that everything here runs like clockwork. Purdue’s MEM program required me to be proactive and make the most of every opportunity. Transitioning to Product Management wasn't easy; I needed the right resources and connections. Courses like the Social Impact Startup Academy (sponsored by Bayer) and the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) in Corporate Consulting were instrumental in shaping my journey. As an aspirant Product Manager at the time, these industry-connected courses underscored the importance of engaging with customers to thoroughly understand their pain points before jumping into strategic solutions.

Purdue's flexible curriculum allows us to participate in a one-year industry co-op/internship. After countless applications, I was able to secure internships in Product Management at Pratt & Whitney and Honeywell. Working as a PM intern at both companies for a total of 10 months gave me invaluable real-world learning, honing my leadership skills and deepening my understanding of user experience and market research. These internships solidified my confidence in pursuing a career in Product Management.

When my co-op concluded, I shifted my focus to making the most of my remaining time while landing a full-time role. That's when I discovered the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) conference, a game-changer that offered networking opportunities with companies from all over the U.S. I researched the companies attending, explored GHC resources, and reached out to recruiters. GHC helped me secure four job interviews and one full-time offer with Barclays. I owe much of my success to Purdue's MEM program for helping me grow and providing me with the tools to achieve my goals.

The day I received my acceptance letter from Purdue University’s College of Engineering, it felt like a dream come true. I couldn't believe I had made it into a top university, which ranks #4 in the U.S. For me, this was more than just a personal achievement—it was the culmination of a journey that began with my father's decision to move to the United States, leaving everything behind in India for us to have a better future while my mother, sister, and I stayed back in India.