Emma Soto, '23 MS in Supply Chain Management: Deepening Knowledge and Leadership Skills
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Program
’23 Master of Science in Supply Chain Management
Current Employer and Job Title
Medtronic, Program Manager - Cardiac Surgery Global Service and Repair
Defining Carlson Experience
Leading a capstone project with an additive manufacturing company
Meet the Carlson School community and learn about the experiences and career connections we offer.
What was your initial reason or motivation for pursuing an MS in Supply Chain Management?
I was eager to advance both my breadth of knowledge in supply chain and leadership skills. Although I was enjoying my job, I started to feel that my approach to work and my professional toolkit needed a refresh. I decided to pursue a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (MS SCM) degree to bolster analytical and program management skills in supply chain and build momentum in my career.
Why did you choose the Carlson School?
I was looking for a program I could complete while working full-time to start applying learnings right away. I researched programs out of state, but the Carlson School of Management became the obvious choice for me because of the cohort structure and capstone learning experience. I also appreciated the ongoing leadership development program that runs from the beginning to the end of the program to elevate your career thoughtfully and holistically.
The program timeline also appealed to me in a big way. I preferred to do one ambitious, busy year over a multi-year commitment. I love my career, but my time is best spent between a sauna and a lake.
As the program progressed, I started to show up more as the kind of leader I envisioned myself to be.
How has your Carlson School experience helped you change your career path or get to where you are?
As the program progressed, I started to show up more as the kind of leader I envisioned myself to be and gained clarity about the kind of work I was most interested in. Supply chain management is a vast and changing landscape where that clarity can be difficult to come by. I had the opportunity to dig into practical challenges in industries and areas of supply chain I haven’t worked in.
I gained direct experience on a Service and Repair capstone project that showcased kitting operations design, materials planning, and consulting expertise. This was the perfect setup for my recent job change– I already had substantial work experience and background to draw from and stand out.
What would you tell prospective students considering the Carlson School?
I would recommend writing down your goals and questions and bouncing them off of current students at the Carlson School. Stay focused on what’s most important to you, and the right program will follow.
You’d be surprised what you can achieve in one year. This program is intense, but the cohort is your shoulder to lean on and the network you take with you.
