A traditional chemical engineering MS degree typically leads to process engineer roles in the chemical or consumer products industries. However, the Product Development Program’s specialized training and customizable electives open doors to non-traditional industries like semiconductors, batteries, food tech, consulting, and more.
Our alumni work for semiconductor companies like Applied Materials, Intel, Micron Technologies; for pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Genentech, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca; for food-tech companies like Impossible Foods and New Culture; for consulting companies like McKinsey, Kearney, and PWC, and many of our alumni have even started their own companies.
Here’s how a few of our alumni describe how the Product Development Program (PDP) prepared them for their careers:
Abdulrahman bin Omar (PDP Class of 2020) is a co-founder of a startup called Gridware, which aims to make the electrical grid more reliable and reduce the risk of wildfires. Here’s what he says about how the PDP prepared him for entrepreneurship,
“The uniqueness and flexibility of PDP enabled me to expand my skills in entrepreneurship, business, and product development—areas that are often not covered in traditional advanced degrees in chemical engineering. Through PDP, I received the mentorship necessary to design a program aligned with my professional interests, ultimately leading to the founding of my current company, Gridware. I would recommend PDP to anyone who wants to position themselves uniquely in the industry, setting themselves apart from peers with conventional educational backgrounds”
Sydnee Ruff (PDP Class of 2021) is a Scientist at Procter & Gamble, where she has focused on product formulation and process development of topical forms like serums, lotions, creams, and gels across 3 brands. She spoke to why she chose the Product Development Program over other options,
“I chose PDP because following my two rotations at JNJ Consumer (now Kenvue), I was highly interested in working in the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) industry. I felt like my undergraduate education did not fully bridge the gap between traditional chemical engineering principles and skills needed to work in non-classical ChemE industries. I was looking for a program that could not only teach me how to practically approach and solve problems in the industry, but also cross over into the business/commercial side. Being able to make those connections and relay business impacts to a non-technical colleague is truly an invaluable skill that I would not have if it were not for PDP. Other programs I looked into did not have as rich of a course catalog, nor faculty with significant industry experience like PDP.”
Vivek Narayanan (PDP Class of 2010) is a partner at the consulting company Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC). Here’s what he had to say about how the PDP prepared him for his career path,
“The flexible curriculum, experiencing the real world in a safe environment where it is okay to fail, and access to world-class faculty were my main attractions to the PDP program in Berkeley. The short duration of the program constantly keeps you on your toes but provides you with a well-rounded experience. The skill set you develop is easily transferable across industries. PDP opened my eyes to new career paths and opportunities, helping me learn the business side of things while also allowing me to leverage my technical skills. When I think about the work I do now, PDP gave me the necessary business and technical framework to think through complex problems.”
After working for a few years in high-tech, Tawni Koutchesfahani (PDP Class of 2009) wanted a career change and got into biotechnology. The PDP allowed her to make that career change, and she is now head of manufacturing at an exciting biopharmaceutical company. She elaborated on how PDP prepared her for a career change,
“The Product Development Program was instrumental in shaping my career as a chemical engineer, providing me with the skills and knowledge to excel in bio manufacturing. The hands-on experience and industry insights I gained were invaluable, allowing me to become a driven professional in this field. This program was truly amazing, as it not only honed my technical abilities but also propelled my success, opening doors to numerous opportunities in biomanufacturing.”
