Building a Career with Purpose: Lessons from an Unconventional Path
By: Dheeksha Reddy
When I began my undergraduate studies in Neuroscience and Mental Health, I never imagined that my career would eventually lead me into public health, social work, nonprofit leadership, and community advocacy. Like many professionals entering the workforce, I believed careers followed a linear path: choose a field, gain experience, and move steadily upward. What I have learned instead is that meaningful careers are often built through curiosity, courage, and a willingness to follow purpose rather than a predetermined plan.
My journey has been anything but conventional. After completing my degree in Neuroscience and Mental Health, I pursued a Master's degree in Experimental Surgery, where I explored the role of artificial intelligence in surgical education. While the work was fascinating, I found myself increasingly drawn to the broader social and systemic factors that influence health and well-being. This led me to pursue a Master of Public Health, where I developed a deeper understanding of health equity, policy, and community-based approaches to improving outcomes.
As my career evolved, I continued to ask myself an important question: How can I create meaningful change in people's lives? The answer led me toward social work. Through my Bachelor of Social Work and ongoing doctoral research in rural and northern health, I have explored how trauma, culture, relationships, and systems shape individual and community well-being. Rather than viewing health solely through a medical lens, I began to understand the importance of holistic, person-centered care.
Alongside my academic journey, I became increasingly involved in the nonprofit sector. Through community organizations, advocacy initiatives, and eventually co-founding Touch Foundation, I discovered the power of nonprofit leadership to address issues that often fall through the cracks of traditional systems. Whether supporting survivors, advocating for mental health, or promoting education and prevention, nonprofit work allowed me to combine research, lived experience, and community action in meaningful ways.
Looking back, each transition in my career may have appeared disconnected. In reality, every step built upon the last. Neuroscience taught me about the brain and behavior. Public health taught me about populations and systems. Social work taught me about relationships, empowerment, and social justice. Nonprofit leadership taught me how to transform ideas into action.
For emerging professionals, especially women navigating their careers, there can be pressure to have everything figured out. We often feel that changing directions signals uncertainty or failure. I have learned the opposite. Some of the most valuable opportunities arise when we are willing to pivot, explore new interests, and embrace unexpected paths.
A few lessons have guided me throughout my journey:
First, allow your purpose to evolve. The goals you have at 20 may not be the same goals you have at 30, and that's okay. Growth often requires change.
Second, don't be afraid to bridge disciplines. Many of today's most pressing challenges require interdisciplinary solutions. The ability to connect knowledge across fields is a strength, not a weakness.
Third, embrace non-linear growth. Careers are rarely straight lines. Some opportunities will seem unrelated at the time but will later become essential pieces of your story.
Finally, remember that impact comes in many forms. Leadership is not defined by a title. It can be found in research, community service, advocacy, mentorship, and everyday acts of compassion.
Today, my work spans health, social services, education, and nonprofit leadership. While my path may not have followed a traditional roadmap, it has been guided by a consistent commitment to improving the lives of others. If there is one lesson I hope to share, it is this: you do not need to choose between your passions. Sometimes the most meaningful careers are built by bringing them together.
Purpose is not a destination. It is something we discover, refine, and strengthen through every experience that shapes us along the way.
About the Author
Dheeksha Reddy is a researcher, social worker, public health professional, and nonprofit leader dedicated to advancing health equity, mental health, and community well-being. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Touch Foundation, a survivor-led nonprofit organization that promotes consent education, healthy relationships, digital safety, and violence prevention through culturally responsive programs and community engagement.
Dheeksha holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Mental Health and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology from Carleton University, a Master of Science in Experimental Surgery from McGill University, a Master of Public Health from the University of Ottawa, and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Rural and Northern Health at Laurentian University, where her research focuses on trauma-informed care and health equity in northern and Indigenous communities.
Through her work, Dheeksha strives to bridge research, lived experience, and community action to create meaningful social change. Connect with Dheeksha on Instagram here.