From Beverage Production to Environmental Engineering: Turning Curiosity into a Career

Following her graduation from Carleton University’s Master of Engineering Practice (EP) program this spring, Disha Purohit looks to continue pursuing a future connecting environmental engineering, sustainability and the food and beverage industry. As a multiple-time recipient of the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) Master’s Scholarship, Disha embraced opportunities both inside and outside the classroom — balancing her graduate studies with professional development programs, industry-focused experiences and on-campus work as a Proctor and Administrative Technician along the way.

We sat down with Disha to talk about her path to Carleton, her experience in Engineering Practice, and how curiosity first sparked her interest in engineering.

Your path to Carleton began with food processing technology in India. What inspired you to pursue that field and continue your education in Canada

It all started back in Grade 10, when I began wondering how packaged food products were made. That curiosity led me to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering in Food Processing Technology at A.D. Patel Institute of Technology in India. After graduating, I worked as a Sales & Service Engineer with Tara Group of Business, supporting U.S.-based food and dairy processing equipment. The experience gave me a firsthand look at the industry and deepened my interest in how products are developed, processed and packaged.

Wanting to build on that experience, I decided to continue my education in Canada. After completing a postgraduate diploma in food and nutrition management at Algonquin College, I knew I wanted to move into engineering and pursue a more specialized career. That’s what ultimately led me to Carleton.

What led you to Carleton’s EP program specifically?

I originally applied for the Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering, and Carleton recommended the Engineering Practice program as a better fit for my background. It turned out to be a great decision. Rather than focusing only on technical engineering courses, the program’s coursework also emphasized the development of professional skills, communication and career preparation. That combination ended up being very important for me.

What aspects of EP did you find most valuable?

One of the biggest things was the flexibility. Back home, course structures are usually very fixed, but here I had choices between different core and complementary courses. That allowed me to explore areas that matched both my technical interests and my long-term career goals.

For example, my background in food and beverage production naturally sparked an interest in sustainability and wastewater treatment. Through EP, I had the opportunity to take courses focused on physical, chemical and biological treatment methods, which brought me closer to my goal of pursuing a leadership role connecting production and environmental management.

I also really appreciated the balance. At times, I felt like I wanted more core technical courses, but looking back, the complementary courses were some of the most valuable parts of the program. Courses such as Engineering Communications, Project Management, Research Methods for Engineering Practitioners, Data Analytics, and Entrepreneurship helped me better understand communication, leadership, collaboration and the professional side of engineering. Those lessons have been incredibly valuable, especially now that I’m applying for jobs.

The support from the EP team was another highlight. They were always approachable and quick to help whenever students had questions, which made a real difference while adjusting to a new country and academic environment.

You received the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) Master’s Scholarship multiple times during your studies. What did that recognition mean to you?

Receiving the GSA Master’s Scholarship was incredibly meaningful to me because it validated the hard work, dedication and perseverance I put into my studies. As an international student adapting to a new academic environment and culture, receiving that recognition gave me confidence and motivation to continue striving for excellence throughout my master’s journey. It reminded me that the effort I was putting into my studies was making a difference and encouraged me to keep pushing myself academically and professionally.

How did your experiences outside the classroom contribute to your personal and professional growth?

When I first arrived in Canada, I was naturally reserved and hesitant to step outside my comfort zone. Moving to a new country, adapting to a different educational system and building a life away from home came with many challenges. However, getting involved in campus life helped me grow in ways I never expected.

Through networking events, interactions with classmates and faculty, and experiences beyond my coursework, I became more confident in expressing my ideas, taking initiative and embracing new opportunities. I completed several FUSION Skill Development Program courses offered through Teaching and Learning Services, which focused on areas like interviews, professional communication and how to use AI effectively.

I also participated in Women in Engineering and IT Program events, which introduced me to a supportive community of students and industry professionals. One experience that really stood out was a visit to CAE in Montreal, where I met engineers and recruiters and gained firsthand insight into the engineering profession.

How would you describe your experience living and studying in Ottawa?

Before coming here, people told me Ottawa was boring — but honestly, I completely disagree. What I like most is that it offers both city life and peaceful spaces. You can go downtown and experience the energy of the city, but you can also find quiet places to focus and study. I especially enjoyed spending time near the Rideau River by campus during the summer. It became one of my favourite places to relax, clear my mind and take a break between classes while still feeling connected to campus.

What advice would you give to future international students considering Carleton and EP?

For me, coming to Carleton was the right decision, and I would definitely recommend EP to others looking to advance their career. I especially appreciated the program’s emphasis on complementary courses — at first, they may not seem as important as the technical engineering courses, but they really help prepare you for professional life.

I’d also recommend getting involved outside the classroom whenever possible — whether that’s networking events, workshops or campus activities. Those experiences gave me valuable exposure, helped me grow professionally and made my overall experience at Carleton much more meaningful.