Graduation from College of Engineering, Pune (COEP), with a First Class in Mechanical Engineering. Among the many firsts in Lila Poonawalla's career, this is one of the most significant, as she is the first woman engineer to graduate from the college. Starts work as a trainee engineer on the shop floor at Ruston &Hornsby, Pune.

Quits Ruston & Hornsby after a ten-month stint and joins Vulcan Laval, Pune, as trainee engineer.

Meets Firoz Poonawalla, during training at Ruston & Hornsby and they get married.

She is transferred to design and drawing office. Subsequently, she holds the portfolio for central co-ordination between works and all-India sales. Does a course in PERT (project management) at the Delhi Management Institute at Mussourie, Uttar Pradesh.

Attends a 3-week orientation course at the Alfa Laval Headquarters, coupled with an intensive technical training course in Separation Technology.

As the Executive Assistant to the Managing Director, she gains knowledge of overall company affairs, with a focus on financial management.

Does a TIER III general management course organized by IIM, Ahmedabad.

A major step up the ladder - Promotion to the Export Department. She is designated as Manager – Export Services. Sales increased from 0.5 to 5.0 million in the first year, with principal operations in Sri Lanka.