Beyond the Classroom: My Supply Chain Journey

Choosing the Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management wasn’t just about picking a course. It was about finding something that made sense to me, something real. I didn’t want to spend years stuck in lecture halls only talking about how the world works. I wanted to be out there, seeing it for myself, asking questions, and making sense of the systems that move people, products, and ideas. That’s exactly what I found at Strathmore Business School.

From day one, we were exposed to the real world of supply chains. I walked through the production floors at Bamburi Cement and saw how raw materials are turned into tangible products. At Kühne and Nagel, I stood in the middle of a logistics hub and watched how the pieces fit together and how much coordination it actually takes. This was beyond theory, as I saw it firsthand. It was real.

Then came the international learning experience. Through Strathmore’s Supply Chain Global Module, I had the opportunity to travel to Germany and visit factories that define operational excellence. At Mercedes-Benz in Bremen, I witnessed the perfection behind every vehicle rolling off the assembly line. At Airbus, I explored how aircraft components from across the globe come together in seamless coordination. One of the most insightful moments was comparing port operations between developed and emerging regions, understanding the contrasts in technology and systems, yet realizing how all are part of one supply chain, the global chain. These experiences grounded everything I had learned in class and stretched my thinking even further.

After that, the exchange program at Kühne Logistics University in Hamburg took things to another level. I found myself in one of Europe’s logistics hubs, learning logistics with experts and discussing logistics concepts with professionals and professors. I learned alongside students from all over the world and explored the future of supply networks through real-world dialogue. We visited ports, logistics centres, and research labs. What struck me most was how global everything really is and how important real exposure is for the youth and the supply chain sector.

The university, through the Supply Chain Unit and the Dean of Students, provided us with a chance to grow and build our leadership capabilities as students. As the Head of Business Strategy in the Supply Chain Club, I helped organize dialogues and learning events that made us think differently.

Then the Supply Chain Disruption Week immersed us in the world of supply chain experts, sharing a room with experienced managers and professionals. Being part of rich conversations and challenging ideas with peers through student-led debates was a highlight, made possible by the supply chain unit leadership and faculty.

As I finalize my studies in my fourth year, I am proud to be a supply chain student at Strathmore University and excited for what the future holds.

Ruby Maina, Fourth Year Bsc. In supply chain and oeprations management student and head of business strategy, Strathmore supply chain club