Graduate of CPS: Purvish Thakkar
Master of Science in Project Management, ’25
Please provide 3 words that encapsulate your Northeastern University experience:
Resilience, Discovery, Community
Where are you from or where do you consider home?
I hail from India and I consider myself a global citizen.
“By stepping beyond comfort zones and redefining what success meant to me, I discovered a deeper sense of purpose and the confidence to navigate uncertainty.”
What has your journey at Northeastern University revealed to you about yourself?
My journey at Northeastern revealed to me that embracing change isn’t merely adapting; it’s thriving. I learned that true resilience isn’t about enduring hardships passively, but about actively transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. By stepping beyond comfort zones and redefining what success meant to me, I discovered a deeper sense of purpose and the confidence to navigate uncertainty. Above all, my time here showed me the importance of staying authentic to my values, trusting my abilities, and continually seeking ways to contribute meaningfully to the community around me.
What motivated you to continue through challenging times in obtaining your degree?
What motivated me most during challenging times was reminding myself of the sacrifices my family made to support my journey and the global community that believed in my potential. I consistently thought about the future impact I could make through my education, knowing every hurdle I overcame was a step toward becoming a meaningful contributor to the world around me. Additionally, the close; knit, supportive environment at Northeastern; friends, mentors, and faculty who continuously encouraged me; reinforced my resilience and pushed me forward, inspiring me to persist until my goals became realities.
Experiential learning is a core component of a Northeastern education. Describe some of the highlights for you.
One highlight of experiential learning for me was coordinating the “Remarkable Women in AI” event at PARC. This experience placed me directly at the intersection of academia and industry, allowing me to connect with global tech leaders and actively contribute to discussions shaping the future of AI and education. Additionally, managing strategic projects and fostering partnerships through my work at MadeInCubator exposed me to real; world project management challenges, deepened my leadership skills, and taught me how impactful collaboration can truly be; reinforcing Northeastern’s ethos that education extends far beyond classroom walls.
Where do you imagine yourself five years from now?
Five years from now, I envision myself leading innovative projects that creatively bridge technology, design, and human; centered strategies to address global challenges. I hope to work at the intersection of creativity and strategic management, ideally in a role that allows me to shape projects that positively impact diverse communities worldwide. Additionally, I see myself mentoring and inspiring future professionals, sharing the resilience and purpose; driven mindset I’ve cultivated at Northeastern to empower others to embrace their unique journeys and make meaningful contributions to society.
Is there anything else you wanted to say that we didn’t cover?
Yes; I’d like to express my deep gratitude for the global community at Northeastern that made this journey transformative. Coming here from a different cultural background was initially daunting, but the warmth, acceptance, and genuine camaraderie I experienced made Northeastern truly feel like home. I encourage future students to fully embrace the diversity and openness this community offers; it is in those interactions and shared experiences where the greatest personal and professional growth occurs. Northeastern isn’t just a place to study; it’s a place to belong, to grow, and to thrive.
Connect with Purvish on LinkedIn.
