When a career booster pays dividends

“In terms of studies, I came from the field of Engineering, Transport and Logistics, so in a sense my choice of MSc at emlyon was a natural progression from there. Work-wise, I had already carried out internships in procurement within a leading testing, inspection and certification company and in client relations and management for a major distribution company, both in my native Ivory Coast. Following those two initial placements, I then worked full time as an assistant trader, vendor manager and then category manager still in my native country. These were all very rewarding experiences, but I still needed that something extra for the next stage in my career.”

“The school caught my eye as I had homed in on France’s top five business schools. As regards the MSc itself, it was the logical next step vis-à-vis the career I had already embarked upon but what attracted me the most was the intensive nature of the curriculum. I was actively seeking a fairly short duration but totally immersive and international learning experience that would boost my career upon graduation. I was fully prepared to put work on temporary stand-by but wanted to take in as many skills and as much knowledge as possible in a relatively short space of time to then resume my career as soon as possible and better equipped. Basically, I felt I had a very good but partial view on the operational and strategic side of things but needed to top up my expertise in supply chain and purchasing management.”

“Soft skills should never be underestimated, whatever your profession and line of work. I definitely progressed in this sense during my time at emlyon. I now work in an industry where the challenge is to keep costs down whilst maintaining or even improving revenues, a position which often calls upon your ability to deal with other people. Stock management is a big part of this role as well and one I certainly progressed in during the programme and have continued to do so since. Knowing how to identify the right levers for improved company performance is also critical to what I do now, and the MSc definitely helped prepare me for that reality of my current job. I also raised my game on the decision-making side of operations while studying at emlyon and that is something I need to apply on a pretty much daily basis since I resumed my career.”

“I have been working as a Demand and Supply Planner in France for IZIPIZI since August 2023. The company produces ready-to-wear glasses on the fashionable end of the market. The role comprises a considerable amount of sales forecasting, stock management, and supply planning. Needless to say, my 18 months at emlyon have stood me in very good stead for such a challenge.”

“As I said before, the return on the investment you’ll make in taking a programme like the MSc in Supply Chain & Purchasing Management is not to be overlooked. I went in not just looking to top up my existing skills but also to add to them. Better still, you’ll gain genuinely practical knowledge that you can then apply directly in the field. There’s also the careers support from the school, be it in the form of internships that can lead to full-time recruitment contracts, access to vacancies via an exclusive job board, and plenty of professional contacts along the way. Above all, I’d say that taking such a programme in a school of such repute makes you stand out from the ground. The ultimate career booster, if you like!”