Logistics and Supply Chain Management - MSc/PGDip

Emma Ross

Degree: MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Present job: Graduate Management Trainee with Tesco

Emma graduated in 2012 and is currently working for Tesco based in Livingston, a 1,000,000 sq ft warehouse with over 3,000 deliveries to stores a week.

"I am on the distribution graduate scheme aiming to become a senior team manager. The scheme gives me great experience across distribution in warehouse, transport and personnel.

I am currently on placement in the Transport department. The planning of routes to stores from Livingston (using road, rail, sea and air!) can be very complex, and a significant part of our job in Transport is to ensure we use as little ‘road miles’ as possible. The green agenda is of high importance to us and investments in bio-fuels and improving partnerships with suppliers in order to reduce CO2 is an on-going agenda. With the changing face of retail and more multi-channel shopping than ever before the challenge of keeping costs and CO2 low is only going to get harder, and being part of that battle is very rewarding.

The courses offered at Heriot-Watt are what made the university stand out to me. The variety of modules mixed with the ‘real world’ experience of the lectures made studying towards my MSc at Heriot-Watt a very rewarding experience. The facilities on campus allowed group work or silent study with a variety of spaces to book or use freely. In particular the top floor of the postgraduate building was a great place to work on projects together.

The knowledge I gained whilst on the MSc has certainly given me an edge in my field as I was already familiar
with the concepts and theories behind logistics and supply chain management. To be able to understand and add value to the day to day activities has really helped me so far on my placements in Tesco.

Study what you enjoy! The great thing about some of the courses at Heriot-Watt is the flexibility and variety.
Many of my classmates were studying business with a specialty in logistics or fashion marketing. That ability to choose the postgraduate course that is right for you is important.

I would also advise to get involved in as many of the extra-curricular activities for postgraduates as possible. Many of the friends I made had never been to the UK and the groups available for them to join really helped them transition into Scottish life!