What Monica says about the Master's in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Monica from Costa Rica
What year did you graduate?
"I graduated in the summer of 2021."
What is your current job and where is it located?
"I am a PhD student at Lund University at the Division of Engineering Logistics, Faculty of Engineering."
How did you find your job and how long did it take?
"My career in Sweden began in May 2021 when I secured a position as a Supply Chain Planner at Sandvik. This opportunity came through the strong connections between the Engineering Logistics programme and the industry, as well as the company's positive experience with graduates from the programme. In this role, I gained valuable hands-on experience, collaborating with sales teams to ensure global supply to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa during the challenging COVID-19 period.
Later, I joined IKEA, where I completed my Master's thesis while working as a Supply Planner. This role allowed me to apply my academic knowledge and prior experience to enhance supplier logistics initiatives. Although supply chains were recovering from the pandemic, inflation in Europe posed new challenges. I visited suppliers and production plants in Germany and Lithuania, gaining insights into global supply chain operations, manufacturing, and logistics. Working alongside business developers and production engineers, I broadened my understanding of cross-functional collaboration and supplier development.
In September 2023, I returned to Lund University to research 'The Future Role of Retail Stores as Circular Logistics Nodes,' aligning with my commitment to sustainability. This research builds on my previous roles and aims to explore how logistics can drive the circular economy. My career has given me a strong foundation in supply chain management, retail strategies, and sustainability practices, all of which reinforce the importance of industry collaboration."
What is the favorite thing about your job?
"Research is a dynamic and intellectually stimulating process that requires a constant balance of creativity and structure. I enjoy the challenge of exploring new ideas and unexplored terrains. One of the most rewarding aspects of research is the opportunity to contribute to knowledge and make a positive impact on society. Our research group is one of the things I enjoy the most where I get to work with my supervisors (an associate professor and a post-doc) and a colleague with research hand-in-hand with mine. This creates a perfect environment to continuously learn."
How are you changing the industry or the world – in a large or small way?
"If you look at the extreme changes in temperature in the last few years, you can understand that we are reaching our planetary boundaries and urgently need to do something about it. My research is at the forefront of transforming the retail industry by reimagining retail stores as circular logistics nodes. By exploring circular retail services such as repair, resale, or rental, I aim to raise awareness and advance knowledge in the area, putting forward new research questions or developing frameworks that can later be used by practitioners or researchers to innovate and reduce the environmental footprint of retail operations."
What was especially useful about the programme that you use in your everyday work?
"One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the professors' commitment to staying at the forefront of their fields and industry trends. For instance, in the Supply Chain Management course, our professor shared insights from recent research on risk for building resilient supply chains. The programme encompasses courses in relevant, but not so explored, areas like humanitarian logistics or sustainability. This was useful in understanding the unique challenges and complexities of operating under different contexts, for instance during catastrophes where all resources and infrastructure might not be available.
The company visits and lectures from practitioners were particularly helpful. We visited industries who used the latest technology and had the opportunity to ask questions about their challenges and opportunities, and network with industry experts. The diverse backgrounds of my classmates also enriched the learning experience. By working on group projects with students from different cultures, I gained a broader perspective on global supply chain challenges and best practices, as each of us had different perspectives on how to board and tackle issues."
What do you miss most from your time at Lund? What were the highlights?
"As a PhD student, I continue to appreciate the excellent research facilities and vibrant atmosphere at Lund University and the Faculty of Engineering. One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. My friendships with classmates from different countries allowed me to get access to new cultures and traditions – broadening my horizons. I will always cherish the friendships I formed during my time as a Master's student at the university. With some, I am still very close and when we meet, we remember all the good academic memories and laughter."
How international was your programme?
"It was very diverse, our class had people from China, India, Indonesia, Sweden, Colombia, Egypt, Turkey, and Costa Rica."
What was the focus of your thesis?
"My thesis purpose was to develop a supply chain mapping framework to identify potential improvement opportunities and explore IKEA’s comfort category. The project contributed to the formulation of a supply chain mapping framework, through a thorough literature review to identify critical areas in need of improvement. Later, these problems were prioritised, concluding in the areas where IKEA should focus its efforts."
Why do you think prospective students should choose this programme?
"The programme equips you with a toolbox full of knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of supply chain management and logistics. The courses are designed to keep pace with the rapid development in technology and sustainability in different operating contexts as it is local/global supply chains or humanitarian logistics. Besides, you will learn from experienced faculty with industry connections, gaining not only theoretical but hands-on experience through different projects and simulators."
Do you have any advice for prospective students coming to Lund?
"Two years fly by quickly. Make the most of every opportunity to visit companies, actively participate in lectures, challenge yourself, network, and enjoy Lund’s vibrant student life."

"Practical cases through hands-on experience projects"
Vishakha from India

"Provides excellent support and balances a friendly environment and rigorous learning"
Abbas from Saudi Arabia

"Many of the teachers are internationally acclaimed researchers”
Faruk from Sweden

”Forms the foundation for a successful professional life”
Palash from India

"The programme offered a great mix of theory and practice"
Faiz from Indonesia