Strategy for success: from Master's student to Sourcing Buyer at RIMOWA

Why don't you tell us what you're currently doing and what your day-to-day work is like?

I work as a Global Sourcing Buyer for RIMOWA. In this job role, I am in contact with strategic suppliers worldwide and also with key stake holders internally, in order to conduct business and run projects from a Purchasing point of view.

What makes your industry so exciting for you?

I enjoy the communicative nature of my role. Also, the Purchasing Department is governing the supplier panel working wit the company, and therefore a key function in the overall business. Being a part of this team is something that I take pride in.

How do you envisage your future career path? What career paths, promotion opportunities or professional fields would you like to pursue in the next few years?

I have been in the Sourcing/Purchasing side of the business since the last 2 years, learning a lot of important things in the process and also enjoying the function. I see myself being actively involved in a similar field going forward.

Application procedures are always exciting. How do you remember this phase directly after your studies? Were there any particular challenges?

I was looking for internship opportunities in the field of Supply Chain Management after the end of my 3rd Semester at University. It did take a while to finally land an internship, but looking back on it, I find that it was worth the wait.

What have you learnt from your studies that is helpful in the working world?

Punctuality, having the discipline to complete an assignment with the available resources within the allotted timeframe, importance of teamwork, etc are a few qualities that are inculcated in a student during the time at Uni, which are also needed at the workplace.

It's been a long time: How did you decide on your degree programme?

After completing my Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, I wanted to leave the technical aspect of it behind, and pivot into the Supply chain side of the business. As I was looking for potential opportunities for a master’s course in Germany, I came across the Master’s Program at SRH University. I knew that I had found what I was looking for. Looking back, it was the best fit!

What made your degree programme at SRH special?

The Master’s Program at SRH was a good entry point after my Bachelor’s into the Supply Chain side of the business. The transition from technical know-how to the management aspect of the game was brought about by the Master’s course. This shift in the works was key for me to then transition into the current role that I am playing at my workplace.

What experiences would you like to pass on to students or young alumni on their journey?

I would advise them to have an end goal in mind (career-wise), and to then take steps towards that direction by choosing a coherent study course to acquire knowledge. Secondly, students should also need to be eagerly looking for opportunities to gain hands-on experience via workshops, internships and werkstudent roles that the companies offer. This is a good way to transition from the student phase into the professional career.

What was the best thing about studying?
Comaraderie with fellow students, teamwork and great guidance from the professors.