Lars on the master programme Supply Chain Management

Lars is studying for a master’s degree in Supply Chain Management at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM). After completing his bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration, which he also finished at RSM, he decided to stay in Rotterdam. This master programme was the best fit for his wide-ranging interests, his working style and his vision for the future.

You came from a broad-based bachelor programme. What doubts did you have when choosing a master programme? 

''My biggest challenge was actually that I find so many things interesting. I didn’t have any particularly poor grades in any subject, but there wasn’t a single subject that made me think: this is the one. That’s precisely what makes choosing so difficult. With a master programme, you specialise and automatically rule out other options. I found it hard to decide what would be best for me in the long run.''

Lars looked at master programmes in Finance and broader management fields, such as International Management. ''I found Finance interesting but not concrete enough. You spend a lot of time dealing with money and abstract models, whereas I get my energy from implementing visible changes.''

The master programme you applied for had a very selective admissions process. How do you look back on that now? 

''That’s right, I’d originally applied for the master programme in international management. The chances of getting in are slim, and in the end I wasn’t accepted. That might sound negative, but it actually helped me. Supply Chain Management was my Plan B, but in the end it felt like the right choice, not a compromise.''

What ultimately made you decide to choose Supply Chain Management? 

''I feel that this master programme puts you on the more interesting side of the business world, compared to Finance, for example. Supply Chain Management is much more about tangible processes: how do you organise production, logistics and collaboration more effectively? You can actually see those changes taking place. That really appealed to me. Another factor is that my father works in logistics. So, I already had an idea of what the field entails. All the pieces of the puzzle actually fell into place.''

RSM’s reputation also played a part in Lars’s decision. ''The master programme is highly ranked, and when I looked at the curriculum, I thought these are the subjects that really get me excited.''

How does this master programme suit you as a person?

''The master programme is intensive. Whereas many master programmes last two years, here everything is covered in just one year. That requires discipline and perseverance, but it suits me. When I do something, I want to get the very most out of it. I get a real buzz from modules on logistics and operations, and that’s hugely motivating.''

Another plus point, according to Lars, is the practical focus. ''I’m going to write my dissertation at a company. I’ll be researching a change in their production strategy and looking at whether it could save costs. I find it really valuable that I can apply my dissertation directly in practice.''

What appeals to you about studying at Erasmus University Rotterdam? 

''The Rotterdam mindset of 'niet lullen maar poetsen' (don’t talk, just get on with it) really appeals to me and suits me well. I’m not from Rotterdam myself, but I do enjoy being there. It’s an international city that’s easy to get to and full of lovely people. And then, of course, there’s the strong reputation of the university and the course.''

What helped you most when choosing your master programme? 

''Talking to students really helped me. Open days and webinars are useful, but talking to student ambassadors gives you a much more honest picture of what a study programme is really like, because they share their personal experiences. That’s what helped me the most.''

What advice would you give to future master’s students? 

''Don’t be afraid to approach people who are already studying the master’s programme you’re interested in. Go to open days, ask questions and, above all, make sure you visit in person. You can get information online, but it’s only on campus that you can really get a feel for the atmosphere. And when it comes to a master programme, be prepared to work hard. If you do, you’ll get a lot out of it.''