I am a Spring 2025 graduate of Purdue’s Chemical Engineering Professional Master’s Program (PMP),and I earned my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu.  I joined Purdue in Fall 2023 after completing a few academic internships. From the start, I knew I wanted a master’s program that would be short, focused, and practical—ideally a year long. The PMP program at Purdue checked all those boxes, and more.

Why I Chose Purdue’s PMP Program

Toward the end of my undergraduate program, I was torn between pursuing a PhD or taking an industry-oriented path. I saw the PMP program as a way to assess myself and my readiness for the professional world, while still keeping the door open for future academic pursuits. I chose Purdue because of its excellent reputation in both industrial collaborations as well as academic research. I particularly appreciated the ability to take relevant electives outside of the chemical engineering department, especially mechanical engineering courses. This helped me create a well-balanced and enriching academic experience.

Building a Career Through Strategic Coursework

One of the best decisions I made in the program was taking courses that pushed me outside my comfort zone. I deliberately chose electives that challenged me, even if it meant being the least experienced person in the room. I wanted to stay on my toes and make the most of this fast-paced academic window. Two courses stood out to me in particular: Statistical Tools in Chemical Engineering and a Business Analytics course from the Mitch Daniels School of Business. Together, they gave me a unique blend of mathematical theories and practical business insights, helping me connect complex engineering principles with unique applications in data analysis and business strategy.

Interestingly, one of these courses ended up playing a key role in my job search. During an interview for a role in manufacturing technology development, the recruiter noticed the Business Analytics course on my resume and asked follow-up questions about it. I believe that conversation eventually led to an internship, and later, a full-time offer in the food manufacturing and specialty chemicals industry. Sometimes, it’s those unexpected decisions that open the biggest doors.

Advice on the Job Application Process

The job application process was one of the most challenging parts of my journey. In the beginning, I hesitated to apply out of fear of rejection. But eventually, I committed to a more consistent effort. I sent five applications per day, refining my resume for every role, and tailoring it with specific keywords and action verbs from job descriptions. This approach made a difference. I ended up submitting over 250 applications before things started moving. Remaining  persistent is key. Your skills matter, but so does strategic preparation and perseverance.

One practical piece of advice I would give is to build your resume with both the hiring manager and the recruiter in mind. Many recruiters might not have technical expertise, so highlighting the right keywords and action verbs can help your application pass initial screenings.

Final Thoughts for Future PMP Students

Be intentional about the courses you take, and don’t shy away from challenging yourself. Explore electives, build a network, and make use of the resources around youThe program leadership makes administrative processes work smoothly, I would recommend staying connected with the program management to receive advice and guidance whenever necessary, as it can be very helpful.