Which country do you currently live in?
Sweden
Tell us about your career journey since you graduated…
Since I graduated from Brunel, my first job was as Inventory Controller at INDITEX - ZARA. I later took up the role of Nordic Demand Planner at L'Oreal and then worked as Inventory Optimization Expert at Atlas Copco. I am currently working as a Global Project Leader. Brunel helped me define my perspective, objective and get out of my comfort zone to reach my potential.
What does an average day at work involve for you?
I have key responsibility for managing the service level compared to capital cost tied-up in several countries. Usually the first part of my day is taken by analysis, reviews and meetings whilst the second half is dedicated to developing new solutions. In addition to that, my day will also involve Fika (a Swedish word meaning ‘to have coffee’), meetings, fun, learning and challenging myself, the status quo and the norms.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I enjoy building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to continuously optimize the work flow through the supply chain I have also had the privilege of being the youngest member on the Advisory Committee for Continuous Improvement
How would you say Brunel helped you to get where you are today?
Brunel helped me define my objectives with clarity, defined a career path, pushed my boundaries to achieve, expanded the horizon of thinking and infused the capability to challenge the normal. Brunel will always be a part of my life that facilitated me being able to break the barriers to be in the international environment and know people globally - being from Pakistan, Brunel was the first place where I made several good friends from India.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
When I decided to purse my Master's in Supply Chain Management, I had several options to choose from, ranging from Norway, Germany and Denmark. The reason Brunel was at the top of my list was because of the faculty, facilities and course structure - which was much aligned with what I aimed for and offered positive career prospects.
What is your best memory of studying here?
The are several nights / moments that can be concluded into this but the for the best moments that I cherish a lot, it would be spending countless night in the Library while working on project deadlines and sleeping on the couch (or maybe even the floor at times!); grabbing coffee and sitting down with friends in the Quad.
If you could give one piece of advice to new students, what would that be?
Don't give in to a lack of enthusiasm. Look at the material, and try to deduce why someone once thought it was terrific. Approach it in that way and you'll discover that the material is much easier to learn. Give your best to Brunel - you will not regret it.
What would be your top tip or advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey?
Being a new graduate can be an exciting time. One chapter of life is closing and another is just beginning. But, in many ways, finding post-grad work is a job in itself. Making that transition from student to employee is not always easy. There are a lot of mistakes to be made if you don't know what to look out for, so use the facilities available. My top three tips include:
- Don’t let the world decide your path
- Ask for more responsibilities whenever you can
- Stay positive
#IamBrunel