Grecia González Gómez

What is your current role? What do you do?

After my time in Leeds, I had been working in the industry in Supply Chain Management for a Pharma producer in West Germany. Some time ago I decided to focus on project management around the Supply Chain field. It has been a very enriching experience to combine technical knowledge with project management and since last year I started working in the consulting sector at CAMELOT Management Consultants.

The company is the globally leading consulting specialist for Value Chain Management in the process, consumer packed goods and manufacturing industries. Our vision is driving innovative solutions and maximizing customers’ performance. Within our structure, I form part of the Value Chain Strategy division. I am participating in diverse projects which target to redefine and implement new Value Chain Strategies.

I am usually involved in assessment analyses, business process design, process enhancement workshops and Value Chain Transformation. Most of my latest experience has been focused on the life sciences industry.

How has being at the Business School helped with your career?

Thanks to the strategist perspective I have gained through the postgraduate education I received well balanced with an in-depth functional expertise I got from our experienced professors, I am able to contribute along my expanding professional path with valuable insights within my specialized field, which is Global Supply Chain Management. My postgraduate degree at the Business School provided me also with various enlightening and updated insights about real-life industry cases.

The substantial know-how, business world contact, and inspirational academic experience of the Business School is reflected in the capabilities and tools I use every day since, to forge my career.

How did you hear about Leeds University Business School and why did you choose to study here?  

In order to obtain an experience from one of the best universities, especially in business-related postgraduate programmes, I decided to carry out my research by asking people that had been studying in the UK, consulting agencies in my country, and surfing the internet to compare rankings. Leeds University Business School appealed to me throughout this process due to the real emphasis placed on developing a global mind-set. Added to the integrated nature of the course, these are just two of the many reasons why Leeds seemed to be the best option, a statement I have proved since the day I started my studies here!

Tell us about your course – why did you choose it? 

I have already worked in supply chain before so I knew that it was the field I would like to develop my career in. When I read the description for the MSc Global Supply Chain Management at the Business School it completely caught my attention.

The modules are balanced in terms of management, international business and the core competencies of the programme. Once, when I was working, one of the managers approached me and told me “If you want to succeed, of course it is important to work hard, but is more important that you understand the business”.

At this point I am convinced that the Business School gives students all they need to achieve this understanding, as well as the tools to develop the particular capabilities that will be useful in your future career. My class is the first to study the MSc Global Supply Chain Management; however Leeds University Business School has so much experience with the division that the course truly exceeded my expectations. Therefore, I can only imagine how good it will get! 

Did you receive any funding or scholarships?

I am currently studying at Leeds University Business School thanks to a scholarship that the government of my country has granted me (Conacyt). One of the main reasons why they have considered me is because I chose one of the most prestigious universities delivering this Masters programme and they are convinced that the bases that I will acquire here will be completely helpful when I get to apply them one day, contributing to the development of the economy.

What are the best things about your studies here – what are you enjoying the most?  

Being here is not easy but it is definitely worth it. The classes are high quality, the facilities are contemporary and the staff are really nice. The environment in general is very pleasant, which you can tell by simply walking through the halls of the Business School, but the best part of all is that you really live the international experience here! I have met so many people from different backgrounds that I feel that my vision has broadened significantly. This is satisfactory not only in a professional sense but also at a personal level.

What are your career aspirations?

This Masters degree has helped me to develop the mentality of how to contribute effectively to the business world, as well as given me the specialisation basis I need to succeed. I want to work in something I enjoy and be able to afford a comfortable lifestyle, and the more prepared I am, the more likely I think this is. My Masters degree will help me acquire the capabilities necessary to build a bridge between me and my goals.

How was the transition to study in the UK?

Deciding to study abroad means many sacrifices but also a great deal of satisfaction. There are many things that you need to adapt to; especially if it’s the first time you do it. I have experienced everything from the adventure of finding accommodation, working with peers from many places with different ways of thinking, getting around a city I did not know, to the stretching of knowledge and language.

Some of these were more difficult than others, but it is important that you know that you are not alone. The University of Leeds has a wealth of experience with this and they know exactly how to orient you. They gave me advice when looking for a place to live and told me where to go for every transaction that had to be made. All the steps to get officially registered are completely guided, even for the social events. I have been welcomed ever since arriving at the airport.

The University even has a language centre for those who need to reinforce their understanding without having to spend lots of extra money. When I arrived, all of this made me feel like home.

What has been your experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the city of Leeds and the Yorkshire region?  

The design of the Business School is not only nice but also functional. The modules are taken in appropriate classrooms and having a gym inside the University is quite convenient. Also having a space for social activities makes the student experience more enjoyable but, as in all cases, the most important thing is the service: the staff have certainly contributed to satisfying the needs of students (I have seen that there are forums where the student voice is heard) and the classes are always interesting and high-level. The whole experience is nurtured by the active and young city we live in and the surroundings. 

Are there any experiences outside of your studies that you particularly enjoy?

As a student representative I really enjoy the contact between my peers and the staff. It is not only challenging but also very interesting, especially as it generates intercultural understanding as well. However, the fun factor is also very high as Leeds is well known for its nightlife.

Furthermore, there are several places nearby which are worth visiting such as York and the Yorkshire Dales. Leeds itself also has attractions such as the Royal Armouries and the Art Gallery, and every trip is interesting and enjoyable.

Would you recommend the Business School to others who are considering studying here?  

Leeds University Business School has a lot of opportunities. It helps students who have not yet been involved in the workplace to get an idea of what it is really about. In my case, as I’ve already had a job, it has helped me to understand businesses in a more holistic way.

The Business School has given direction to our careers and encouraged contact between students and diverse companies through several events. To be honest, if I were to go back, I would definitely choose Leeds University Business School every time!