Sarah Buck, ’23 MS in Supply Chain Management: From Execution to Strategy
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Program
’23 MS in Supply Chain Management
Hometown
Fridley, MN
Fun Fact:
Automotive Enthusiast
Undergraduate School and Major:
University of Minnesota, Crookston - Healthcare Management
Current Job Title and Employer
Best Buy - Senior Director, Supply Chain Enablement
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 have been immersed in the supply chain via my career for the last 10 years but lacked a deepened understanding of the global view. I was motivated by the opportunity to grow my end-to-end supply chain knowledge and continue to develop my leadership skill sets for the next phase of my career. Finally, given the increasing importance of supply chain agility in today’s business environment, I saw this degree as a way to enhance my ability to navigate challenges, implement innovative solutions, and contribute meaningfully to the field.
Why did you choose the Carlson School?
I chose the Carlson School of Management because of its strong reputation for combining academic rigor with real-world application. The Master of Science in Supply Chain of Management (MS SCM) Program’s focus on data-driven decision-making, strategic problem-solving, and industry collaboration aligned well with my professional goals. I was particularly drawn to the experiential learning opportunities and access to a strong network of industry leaders. The Carlson School’s ability to blend theory with practical insights made it the ideal place to refine my expertise.
What has been or was your most valuable Carlson School experience or lesson?
One of the most valuable experiences within the program was our leadership course led by Kevin Wilde. It offered a structured yet reflective approach to understanding my leadership style, including strengths and areas for growth. The course emphasized real-world application, allowing me to refine my decision-making, communication, and strategic thinking in highly complex situations. The collaborative environment and feedback from peers and faculty helped me develop a more adaptive and intentional leadership approach. The course created a great foundation for the supply chain-focused curriculum and has paid dividends in my career journey since graduation.
How has your Carlson School experience helped you change your career path and get to where you are?
My experience at the Carlson School played a key role in my transition from supply chain execution to supply chain strategy. The program provided me with a deeper understanding of end-to-end supply chain dynamics, data-driven decision-making, and strategic problem-solving, all of which helped position me for my career move and promotion. The leadership development coursework helped me refine my executive presence and ability to influence key stakeholders, while the program’s strong industry connections and case-based learning gave me the confidence to tackle complex challenges. Ultimately, the Carlson School provided the tools and network that helped me shift from execution to strategy and make a greater impact in my role.
My experience at the Carlson School played a key role in my transition from supply chain execution to supply chain strategy. The program provided me with a deeper understanding of end-to-end supply chain dynamics, data-driven decision-making, and strategic problem-solving, all of which helped position me for my career move and promotion.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Carlson’s MS in Supply Chain Management Program?
My advice for potential applicants is to highlight their leadership strengths, professional expertise, and how gaining admission to the MS SCM Program will create mutual benefit. The Carlson School values candidates who bring elements of their own experience and expertise to the program and cohort. Letters of recommendation, a well-structured statement of purpose, and a clear connection between your career goals and what the program offers will strengthen your application. Finally, take time to engage with faculty, alumni, or current students to gain insights—we are open books and welcome the opportunity to help the next cohort of amazing students gain their MS SCM degree.