Emmanuel Rop, '24 MS in Supply Chain Management: Global Aid to Medical Devices
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Program
'24 Master of Science in Supply Chain Management
Hometown
In Kenya
Undergraduate Major
Information Science
Current Job Title and Employer
Supply Chain Management Contract at Eli Lilly and Company
Fun Fact
I am a Professional Rugby Player.
Meet the Carlson School community and learn about the experiences and career connections we offer.
What was your initial reason or motivation for pursuing a master's in Supply Chain Management?
My journey to pursue an MS in Supply Chain Management (MS SCM) was shaped by my experiences coordinating humanitarian responses in crisis-affected regions. Working with international aid organizations, I witnessed how effective supply chain management could mean the difference between life and death—whether delivering essential medicines to remote communities or ensuring rapid deployment of emergency supplies during natural disasters. These experiences highlighted the critical need for sophisticated supply chain expertise in humanitarian operations. I chose this program to enhance my analytical capabilities and learn cutting-edge approaches that could help optimize resource allocation and improve response times in humanitarian logistics, ultimately making a more significant impact in saving lives.
Why did you choose the Carlson School?
I chose the Carlson School of Management, which consistently ranks among the top 25 graduate business schools in the United States, for its exceptional reputation in supply chain management education. The MS SCM program's standing as one of the best graduate supply chain programs nationally reflects its academic excellence and industry relevance. Beyond rankings, the Carlson School's unique position at the intersection of academia and industry in the Twin Cities, home to multiple Fortune 500 companies and a central logistics hub, was compelling. The program's emphasis on experiential learning, combined with Minnesota's rich ecosystem of healthcare, retail, and manufacturing companies, offered unparalleled opportunities for real-world application. The Carlson School's focus on analytics and digital transformation in supply chain management, strong connections to humanitarian logistics initiatives, and location in a medical device innovation center made it the ideal choice for advancing my expertise in crisis response and healthcare supply chains.
How has your Carlson School experience helped you change your career path and get to where you are?
The Carlson School experience has been instrumental in launching my career at Boston Scientific, one of the world's leading medical device companies. My journey was shaped by two pivotal experiences: my internship and my capstone project at Boston Scientific. I gained hands-on experience in medical device supply chain operations during my internship. At the same time, my capstone project focused on improving service levels for capital equipment spare parts—a critical aspect of healthcare delivery. This project allowed me to apply advanced analytics and supply chain optimization techniques to real-world challenges, significantly improving equipment uptime and customer satisfaction. The rigorous academic training through the MS SCM program and these practical experiences at Boston Scientific provided me with the technical expertise and industry knowledge needed to transition into this field. The program's strong industry connections in the Twin Cities, particularly with medical device companies, proved invaluable in building my healthcare supply chain management career path.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Carlson’s MS in Supply Chain Management program?
I recommend focusing on three critical elements for potential applicants to the Carlson School's MS in Supply Chain Management program. First, showcase your problem-solving capabilities through examples of data-driven projects or strategic decisions from your professional experience. Second, clearly articulate your career vision—whether it's transitioning industries like my shift into medical devices or advancing within your current field, show how the Carlson School's program precisely aligns with your goals. Finally, emphasize your practical supply chain experience, even if it's from different industries. Though distinct from healthcare, my background in humanitarian logistics demonstrated transferable skills in managing complex supply chains. Additionally, consider reaching out to current students or alums through LinkedIn to understand their experiences—this shows initiative and helps you gain valuable insights about the program's unique opportunities and culture.
