10-13-2026
When the NCAA granted an additional year of eligibility, Purdue student and athlete Kathryn Ackerman took an unexpected pivot: a one-year MBA at the Daniels School of Business, a master's degree from the College of Engineering, and another year in the pool. This was an opportunity to continue pursuing both her academic and personal interests.
"Because of my dual-degree program, I have more clarity in seeing how engineering decisions tie into business outcomes."
-Kathryn Ackerman
My freshman year coincided with the peak of COVID-19 in 2020, and the NCAA granted all student-athletes an additional year of eligibility. As a varsity swimmer during my undergraduate years at the University of Michigan, the opportunity for an additional year of athletics prompted me to start thinking more intentionally about grad school.
When my younger sister committed to attending Purdue, I realized I had the unique opportunity to spend my fifth year competing alongside her while also pursuing a graduate degree. The combination of personal and academic alignment made Purdue an easy decision.
Coming from a technical background, I had developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills, but I wanted to focus on real-world impact — especially within a business context. I was immediately drawn to the dual-degree option at the Daniels School that would help me bridge that gap.
It helped me build on my engineering foundation while gaining exposure to strategy, operations, and decision-making. I saw this as a way to position myself not just as an engineer, but as someone who can connect technical innovation with business value.
Before starting my MBA, I worked on a medical device testing project during an internship. At the time, I was focused on the technical side. I was analyzing pressure data to define what qualified as a "leak." Looking back, I can see the broader impact of that work. Those decisions directly affect product quality, regulatory approval, and overall success in the market.
Because of my dual-degree program, I have more clarity in seeing how engineering decisions tie into business outcomes.
Kathryn Ackerman graduated from Purdue University in May 2026 with an MBA and a master's in biomedical engineering. She is now working as a mechanical design engineer in surgical technologies at Stryker.
If you would like to receive more information about pursuing a business master’s at the Mitch Daniels School of Business, please connect with us and a program specialist will be in touch!
