Luis Barragan MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics, 2017

Mexican

..right after graduation I got hired at Johnson Controls in the USA for a Procurement role. I can easily say that my masters degree was a key enabler for this opportunity.

Why did you choose to study at Southampton?

I knew that the University of Southampton was one of the best quality-cost trade-offs and they had a Supply Chain masters degree which was a perfect fit for me.

What is it like studying here?

There is a high level of independence and self-study. Lectures are optional but they do add a lot of value. Practical and real life case studies are also part of every class.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

I enjoyed the balance between studying in a fast-paced environment but at the same time having time to enjoy my experience as an international student.

Did you take advantage of any extra opportunities outside of your course?

I got the opportunity to take part in a three-month placement at Heathrow Airport for my dissertation. It was a great experience full of challenges, real-life situations and learning experiences.

What were your Southampton highlights?

My Southampton highlights included inspiring projects, great people and a very challenging environment.

How did your time at Southampton help you to grow as a person?

It increased my learning in terms of technical matters. For instance, I mastered my coding skills and that was something I was not even planning on doing but resulted in being very useful for my current career. 

How do you rate the study facilities at the University?

The library is amazing and huge, you will always find a place for self-study. 

What is the city of Southampton like to live in?

Southampton is very nice city, with a lot of things to do. Culture is very open and there are a lot of international students.

What have you done since graduating?

I am originally from Mexico and right after graduation I got hired at Johnson Controls in the USA for a Procurement role. I can easily say that my masters degree was a key enabler for this opportunity.

What advice would you give to a student starting their degree at Southampton?

Make the most out of this opportunity. There are a lot of interesting events and professional development opportunities but you need to make your research and ask questions. So NEVER be afraid of asking questions and feel confident that people at the University will always help you!