SOP Sample for MS in Supply Chain Management - India Early Career

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The professional world is highly competitive today and boundaries are fading owing to globalization, digitization, and the need for businesses to always stay agile. The pandemic though has had various positive and negative influences on businesses changing dynamics globally. To list the points I find intriguing; it appears to have unleashed a tidal wave of entrepreneurial activity, breaking the world out of a decades-long start-up slump and secondly it gave the e-commerce adoption a big boost. The negative impact that caught my attention is the fact that most manufacturing units saw shortage of raw materials due to various restrictions and improper planning, resulting in surge in prices worldwide. There is also need and potential for sustainable practices.

Having been working with a start-up focused on sustainability myself and simultaneously coordinating with the sister manufacturing unit, I have observed the challenges faced and the need for innovations combined with strategic execution of several ideas have stimulated my imagination more than any other pursuit. I see the importance of supply chain management and logistics go up manifold in coming times, particularly owing to the boon of start-ups and streamlining of product manufacturing. I intend to contribute to this by deep diving and specializing in the said field paired with concentrating on data analysis to come up with ideas beneficial globally. I believe MSc in Supply Chain Management combined with my professional experience and skills will help me achieve my objectives.

# ACADEMIC AND CAREER PROGRESSION

As a student, I have been characterized by my logical approach all through my academic life. Always having a bias towards entrepreneurship, I opted for undergraduate degree in Printing & Packaging Technology, a growing industry. During the tenure of the course, I studied subjects like Total Quality Management, Communication and Corporate Skills, Packaging Laws and Regulations, Project Management and Entrepreneurship, Packaging Distribution and Logistics, Packaging Machineries and Systems, Sustainable Packaging, Advanced Industrial Products Packaging, Material Science, Food and Pharmaceutical Packaging, Design & Graphics, Stability, Shelf life and Packaging dynamics, and various other printing and packaging subjects.

The course structure covered all technical aspects of printing and packaging while also being focused on providing management concepts. This opened me to an overall perspective of the industry's multidimensional structure.

In synchrony with academics, I enthusiastically participated in additional activities. I have been a core member of the Entrepreneurship Development Cell for 2 years and represented my college in the National Entrepreneurship Challenge by being in the top 10 in the advanced track. Apart from this, I have also partaken in organizing various technical and cultural events. All of these opportunities have nurtured my planning and leadership skills.

As a part of the curriculum, I interned with multiple companies. While working as a sales intern with one of the companies, I drew conclusions regarding market perception of sustainable practices and adaptation in businesses based on the data I gained while connecting with industry people. My primary role was to increase the potential client data-base and increase sales of the newly launched digital printer while also studying the market place for the same, which I managed successfully. The consolidated data helped the company improve sales. During this period, I also represented [COMPANY_NAME] at an international trade exhibition.

At this point, after completing my graduation, I was sure I want a career in management. However I felt the need to have technical proficiency to be able to do full justice to my aspirations down the line.

I bagged the perfect opportunity at [COMPANY_NAME], a pharmaceutical packaging and printing company. Here my duty was to handle the incoming orders. I created the layouts for printing and conversion of the products such that there is minimal wastage and maximum efficiency. I helped create layouts and plans for processing for all the new machines installed during my tenure. Working here helped me build a strong foundation by understanding the processes in and out practically. A project I undertook in this period was switching from a rudimentary system to ERP. My contribution and quality of work was greatly appreciated by my superiors, colleagues and associates.

It seemed like a good time to switch to a marketing position. As a marketing executive at [COMPANY_NAME], I handled clients and learnt packaging estimation. The pandemic limited my work but I saw an opportunity to improve and streamline the process and took up various projects during this time which greatly impacted the turnaround time. Owing to my increased interest in costing, I studied and captured manufacturing data, used the data to do reverse costing through the ERP. This data streamlined the haphazard processes which were in place. These major projects boosted my confidence in my ability to handle any kind of challenges that come forth, improved my skills in not only managing systems and people but also huge data.

Although I learnt a lot at these firms, it was limiting my area of work to the backend of systems instead of management. I needed projects to explore the e-commerce and industrial packaging segment. My current position at [COMPANY_NAME] is steering me in the desired direction. [COMPANY_NAME] is a start up providing innovative and sustainable packaging solution. As a part of my role, I manage and streamline packaging projects, making sure of its timely execution and delivery. I stay in constant communication with our clients, stakeholders, manufacturers, convertors, brand owners and internal teams to enable the smooth functioning of every project. Along with this I also handle estimation and costing and intend to study the information to make improvements.

# CAREER OBJECTIVE

My immediate objective on completion of masters is to work as a Supply Chain Analyst. The industry is strategy driven and knowledge of analytics play a critical role in decision making, taking up this role will provide the perfect stepping-stone to realizing my mid-term goal of strategy manager and thereafter advance to long term goal of Vice President-Strategy.

In order to fulfill such goals, my short-term objectives are to acquire the best academic tools available and combine them with the substantial work experience. A Masters degree in Supply Chain Management will give me a step up in this direction. Having the qualities that best fit my expectations, objective, and background, I believe this course will give me the desired output. The internship during the program will give the experience in the application of skills learned and will help me in expanding my network.

My drive to excel, learn and explore innovations paired with my experience and knowledge will add value to any task I undertake. I am confident that by combining my work experience with the skillset that I acquire through this course, I will be able to fulfill my goals.

I would request the university to kindly consider my application and grant me the opportunity to be a part of the course. I would also request the university to grant me with available and suitable scholarships as it will be of great help for me financially.

Applicant - [APPLICANT_NAME]

Applying for MSc in Supply Chain Management