What Andrei says about the Master's in Service Management, Supply Chain Management

Andrei from Moldova, alumnus of the programme, now working as a Master Planner for Lantmännen Cerealia

What did you do before you started studying the Master's programme in Service Management?

"I completed a Bachelor's degree in economics sciences with a specialisation in procurement in Moldova. After my studies, I worked in the field of sourcing and logistics at a local wholesaler and system integrator located in Moldova for over a year. Having had an initial exposure to supply chain management, and being curious about what goes on behind the scenes, I had a strong desire to take the next step in the form of an international Master's degree."
 
What was the best thing about the programme?

"What I enjoyed the most was working on various project assignments that challenged us to research a specific topic, contact companies and provide an analysis. Such research projects keep the learning process very exciting, as you try, and fail, several times until you succeed. Team work assignments, which are challenging, helped me develop the skills I need to collaborate on various areas in the organisations I work with."
 
What was it like to study in Sweden?

"Some parts of the study experience, such as the international student life, meeting new people and the outdoor environment were what I had expected and I enjoyed them a lot! What is special about the studies here is the approach to studies: there is a great emphasis on critical thinking, analytical skills and freedom to choose your own path. You might feel a bit lost at first, but this is just the beginning of a long journey where you are responsible for the decisions you make."
 
What do you currently work with?

"Currently, I work as a Master Planner within a supply planning team. The purpose of my job is to collaborate across the supply planning team, which is in charge of various supply chain processes at manufacturing and distribution sites. Additionally, I am going to coordinate sales and operations planning activities with cross-functional stakeholders. One of my goals is to optimise distribution, manufacturing and inventory levels, while ensuring a good service level towards our customers. I will also engage in the improvement of the supply planning processes and assimilation of IT tools."
 
What is the biggest challenge in your current job?

"As I am new in the job, I am currently learning about the organisation's supply chain, which is spread across various regions. The organisation has a dynamic work environment and various external constraints in the physical network. That is why I am learning, on the go, about new areas of responsibility, in order to support my colleagues in the best possible way. I enjoy new challenges since they help me develop."
 
How do you use the knowledge you gained during your studies in your working life?

"The programme has the goal to help students develop both technical and leadership skills, and I could gradually see the impact of this education during the last few years. Some of the skills I trained, such as data processing, information structuring and identification of the improvement areas in the company's processes, could be implemented straight away. Some other skills related to leadership, service management, larger supply chain management etc., on the other hand, are probably used unconsciously and are the actual building blocks for future growth."
 
What advice would you give to new students?

"I would suggest to come with an open mind and see what the programme has to offer. However, it is good to have some possible areas you would like to study closer in mind. Master's studies entail a lot of independent activities. I therefore suggest that you take ownership of what you would like your experience to look like, both in regards to the studies, student activities that the campus offers, student projects and other extracurricular activities."