Engineering Practice Graduates Celebrate Growth, Community and New Beginnings
By Adam Landry
On June 9, 65 students crossed the convocation stage as graduates of Carleton University’s Engineering Practice (EP) program, celebrating not only the completion of their graduate degrees, but the culmination of years of personal and professional transformation.
For many within this year’s graduating cohort, the journey to Carleton began long before they arrived in Ottawa.
They came from around the world carrying engineering degrees, professional experience and diverse goals. Many had already established careers in their home countries, while others arrived seeking new opportunities, new perspectives and the chance to apply their skills in a new environment.
What followed was a transformative experience marked by adaptation, perseverance and growth.
Designed for internationally trained engineers, the EP program combines advanced technical engineering education with professional development, helping students strengthen the communication, collaboration, leadership, and career-readiness skills needed to succeed in today’s engineering environment.
“The Engineering Practice program occupies a unique place within the Faculty of Engineering and Design because it recognizes that engineering success requires more than engineering expertise alone,” said Prashant Waghmare, Director of Engineering Practice.
“Our students arrive with tremendous knowledge, experience, and potential. Throughout the program, we help them build the professional skills, confidence, and connections needed to succeed in a new engineering environment.”
Building Skills Beyond the Classroom
Over the course of their studies, students learn to navigate Canadian engineering standards and workplace expectations while developing the communication and leadership skills needed to thrive in increasingly collaborative and interdisciplinary workplaces. Along the way, they build friendships, professional networks, and a strong sense of community that often extends well beyond graduation.
“Many of our students arrive having already accomplished a great deal in their personal and professional lives,” said Ron Miller, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design. “What is inspiring is watching them embrace new challenges, adapt to unfamiliar environments, and continue growing as engineers and individuals. The resilience and determination demonstrated by this cohort is something we are incredibly proud of.”
While every student’s path is unique, many share common experiences: adjusting to a new country, adapting to a different educational system, building professional networks, and learning how engineering is practiced within a Canadian context.
For civil stream EP graduate Darshan Dharmendra Jariwala, the journey to convocation involved rebuilding a professional path he had already begun.
Before arriving in Canada, Jariwala had established himself as a highway design engineer in India and completed a master’s degree in transportation engineering. Through the EP program, he connected that experience with Canadian engineering standards, workplace expectations, and transportation-focused projects that helped prepare him for the next stage of his career. Today, he works as an Engineering Associate with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario.
“One of the hardest parts of starting over was learning how to become a beginner again after already being experienced,” said Jariwala. “That shift was not easy, but it changed how I think as an engineer. I came to understand that experience does not automatically transfer across borders — it has to be adapted, strengthened, and applied in a new context.”
Environmental stream EP graduate Disha Purohit followed a different path. After studying food processing technology and working in the dairy industry, she came to Canada looking to expand her opportunities and deepen her expertise. Through EP, she complemented her technical studies with professional development opportunities, industry engagement, and involvement in the broader Carleton community.
“During my time here, Carleton transformed me, helping me grow both personally and professionally in ways I never expected,” said Purohit.
“The experiences, mentorship, and opportunities I received through EP helped me develop not only as an engineer, but also as a professional and as a person.”
Their experiences reflect the diversity of backgrounds represented within this year’s graduating cohort, as well as the many different paths students take after arriving at Carleton.
A Community of Support
Beyond academics, students also played an active role in shaping the EP community itself.
Throughout the year, EP students participated in networking events, workshops, volunteer initiatives, professional development opportunities, and social activities that helped foster a welcoming and supportive environment. Many graduates contributed their time and energy beyond the classroom, helping strengthen the community for current and future students alike.
“What stands out most about this cohort is the way students supported one another,” said Olena Sivachenko, Program Manager for Engineering Practice. “Many were navigating significant personal and professional transitions at the same time. Over the course of the program, we saw them build friendships, mentor one another, contribute to the community, and develop a real sense of belonging. Watching them reach this milestone has been incredibly rewarding.”
Earlier in the day, EP graduates, family members, faculty, staff, and guests gathered in Carleton’s Engineering Design Centre for a special convocation reception—an opportunity to celebrate together and reflect on the accomplishments, experiences, and friendships that shaped their time in the program.
Recognizing Student Contributions
One of the highlights of the reception was the presentation of awards recognizing students whose contributions helped strengthen and enrich the EP community.
The EP Dedication and Community Spirit Award, presented in recognition of outstanding contributions and commitment to the EP community, was awarded to:
- Bhakti Thakor (Electrical Engineering Stream)
- Darshan Dharmendra Jariwala (Civil Engineering Stream)
- Dharmik Harshadbhai Lavingia (Environmental Engineering Stream)
- Pavanteja Gajula (Software Engineering Stream)
- Akhila Mohanan Nair Sreekala Devi (Electrical Engineering Stream)
- Deepti Venkatesan (Electrical Engineering Stream)
- Kishan Patel (Electrical Engineering Stream)
The EP Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, presented in recognition of exceptional volunteer contributions and engagement within the EP program, was awarded to Darshan Dharmendra Jariwala (Civil Engineering Stream) and Disha Purohit (Environmental Engineering Stream).
Lastly, Alireza Mirzaei (Civil Engineering Stream) received the EP Outstanding Academic Achievement Award in recognition of achieving the highest academic standing within the graduating cohort.
Looking ahead, Engineering Practice recently introduced a new co-op pathway, further strengthening the connection between academic studies and professional engineering experience in Canada.
For many graduates, however, the next chapter is already underway.
Some are beginning careers in engineering organizations across Canada. Others are pursuing their professional engineering license (P.Eng), exploring entrepreneurial ventures, or continuing into advanced studies. While their paths may differ, they leave Carleton with a shared foundation built through their experiences in the program.
As graduates gathered with family, friends, classmates, faculty, and staff to celebrate their achievements, convocation marked both the culmination of their time at Carleton and the beginning of new opportunities, challenges, and possibilities ahead.
For the graduates of Carleton’s EP program, it was also a celebration of the qualities that helped bring them to this moment: resilience, adaptability, curiosity, and the willingness to embrace something new.