Which master's program(s) did you pursue? and how did you experience it in terms of content and level?

My master’s degree was in supply chain management. The content was challenging, but interesting. I appreciated the mix of qualitative and quantitative skills. I think it is essential to use data and analytics to solve problems nowadays, but qualitative justification is equally important. This aspect was reflected in the program, and it clearly comes back in my current job. For example, in the assignment of Supply Chain Network Design our advice was based on a mathematical model in Excel, but also on current developments regarding external factors, like sustainability. Furthermore, I enjoyed the balance between theory and practice. Generally, the university is very theoretical, but the practical aspect was well represented by real life company assignments in several courses.

What was your field of study prior to pursuing this master's degree?

Bachelor of Business Administration (Dutch: Bedrijfskunde Technology Management) 

What is your current profession, and to what extent does your education align with the requirements of the job market?

Last summer I started as Management Analyst at BearingPoint in Amsterdam. BearingPoint is a management and technology consulting firm. We provide a wide range of consulting services and software solutions. At BearingPoint you start quite generically with a three-year rotation program between different teams. This also comes together with training in core consultancy skills and self-development. In my opinion, you have a lot of career opportunities with master supply chain management. It is possible to start in a specific line job, like planner or supply chain analyst, but you are also well prepared for a more general consulting job, like me.  

Why did you opt for this master's degree, specifically in Groningen, and to what extent did your expectations align with your actual experience, regarding the relevance of the courses to your academic program?

I did my bachelor's degree in Groningen, so I decided to stay there. This was because the program had a good reputation, and the professors were involved and inspiring. Besides, I really enjoyed Groningen and I was involved in the faculty through TeMa. I already learned about SCM and Operations in my Bachelor Technology Management and I found the field interesting. I think the courses in the SCM program are interesting and relevant for real life situations. For instance, the Excel skills I acquired in the program are handy and useful in my current job. Also, you gain a broad range of knowledge about various aspects and functions of the supply chain, which can be applied in various jobs.