After 26 years in the software industry, Keshav Raju, second-year Craft Brewery and Beverage Operations diploma student at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, made a bold decision: leave his career in India and start over as an international student in Canada.
As a mature student, Keshav brought with him years of global experience and a passion sparked during earlier travels to California’s Napa Valley, where he explored winemaking and completed a program at the University of California, Davis.
That early interest evolved over time. Although he purchased land in India to build a winery, the country’s market leaned more heavily toward beer. In 2022, while researching the global beer industry, Keshav discovered Canada’s leadership in brewing and Alberta’s top-tier barley production — a key ingredient in beer.
“Coming to Canada was a big decision, but I had a clear goal,” said Keshav. “Olds College gave me a calm and supportive place to learn. The instructors here are incredibly knowledgeable with real-world experience, and the campus itself is just beautiful — from the wetlands to the botanical gardens and so much more — it’s a great place to study and grow.”
As an international student, he made the most of his time in and out of the classroom, developing four student beers and embracing opportunities to volunteer, network and connect with others in the industry.
“It’s not just about studying,” added Keshav. “I always tell other students: take every opportunity you can. Talk to people, get involved and keep learning — that’s how doors open. You never know what path your journey will take, but if you stay focused and think creatively, you’ll find your way.”
Originally planning to return to India after graduation, Keshav shifted gears after conversations with friends encouraged him to launch his business in Canada instead. With startup costs for a full-scale brewery running up to $2 million and taking time to build facilities, he explored an alternative interim option — and made history in the process.
This year, he signed a contract brewing agreement with Olds College Brewery, allowing his new company, ARKe Brewing Co., to produce its first commercial beer using the College’s facilities and some of the recipes he developed as a student. Brewing is expected to begin in summer 2025.
Keshav hopes his story inspires other international students to dream big, stay committed and embrace the full experience of studying in Canada.