The Global Advantage: How Siddharth Menon is Thriving in the New Business World
Why is global business education paramount for advancing your position in the professional arena?
The answer lies in its capacity to navigate global complexities, have a strategic vision, experience cultural intelligence, network on a global scale, and have expertise in the multidisciplinary approach. As the world undergoes technological advancements and economic interdependence, embracing a global business education becomes an option and a strategic imperative for those aspiring to advance their positions in the professional arena.
From learning global business tactics to acquiring a full-time position, our student, Siddharth Menon (MGB 2021), recounts his distinctive journey and shares the importance of global education.
Join Siddharth as he shares a firsthand account of the unique aspects of his journey and invaluable lessons learned along the way.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I spent my formative years in Abu Dhabi, UAE, until the age of 17, when I completed my schooling there. Fuelled by a passion for business, I studied BBA in Marketing and International Business at Symbiosis International University, India. After completing my BBA in India, I returned to Dubai and engaged in several internships within the field. However, I found little joy in my work. The realisation coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting me to use the time to upskill and pursue a master’s degree. Supply Chain has always intrigued me, and after research, I courageously opted for an MGB in Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management at SP Jain Global—a decision I can confidently say was the best after working in the industry for over a year.
Beyond my professional endeavours, I’m an enthusiastic traveller who’d embark on a journey abroad with a stranger. I am also a huge foodie and like spending every minute of my weekends out and about exploring new places.
What motivated you to choose the MGB program at SP Jain Global?
The MGB program at SP Jain Global stands out among other institutes. What drew me to it were the exceptional course duration and structure. It’s a one-year intensive program spread across three fantastic global locations, featuring industry experts and professors with extensive experience. To top it all, the internship program is at the end of the program. This suited everything I sought in a B-school to do my master’s.
What stood out the most for you in SP Jain Global’s MGB program? What are the skills that you developed as a part of the program?
SP Jain Global’s MGB program diverges from traditional classroom learning; it’s more of an enriching experience than a mere course. Innovative approaches like student board rooms and business simulations make understanding concepts far more practical than traditional textbook methods. During the Global Immersion Project in the final term, I was a consultant for DHL eCommerce Solutions in Singapore, contributing to solving real business problems. The Industry Interface Projects were equally engaging and fascinating.
The vibrant experience wouldn’t have been as thrilling without my batchmates. From the program’s inception, our batch formed close bonds quickly. These synergies fostered a sense of unity and facilitated mutual growth. Indeed, unity proved to be our power.
Congratulations on successfully converting your internship! Could you provide information about the organisation you’re working for, its industry, and your role?
The corporate relations team at SP Jain Global presented us with an opportunity to intern with Aster DM Healthcare in their Supply Chain Management team. Aster DM Healthcare is the region’s largest healthcare provider, operating globally with 460+ pharmacies, 120+ clinics, and 30+ hospitals. Experiencing exponential growth over the past decade, I transitioned from an intern to a full-time Senior Executive in the Supply Chain Management team.
In my role, I focus on SCM strategy planning and process optimisations. Additionally, I lead multiple projects related to inventory optimisation, warehouse automation, and logistics planning.
How did you secure a full-time position with this organisation? Was it a career path you had always aspired to pursue?
As our six-month internship at Aster DM Healthcare drew close, the anticipation and anxiety among us SP Jain Global interns about securing full-time positions were palpable. Our time at Aster had been financially rewarding and immensely enjoyable. Our manager, a strong advocate of field learning, consistently encouraged us to actively participate in the day-to-day operations of the warehouse and logistics, significantly strengthening our foundational knowledge of Supply Chain.
Confident about a bright future as supply chain professionals with Aster DM Healthcare, we connected closely with SP Jain Global’s corporate relations team throughout our internship. They constantly communicated with us and the HR team at Aster, monitoring the progress of our internships.
The internship culminated in a presentation to a 15-member panel of executives, including the C-suite and top management of the company. This presentation showcased the projects and value additions during our tenure with Aster. Undoubtedly, this experience ranks among the best in my corporate life. The Director of Corporate Relations from SP Jain Global accompanied us, providing invaluable support before and during the presentation.
How did you prepare for the interview? In what ways did SP Jain Global assist you in this process?
The Professional Readiness Programs at SP Jain Global proved to be highly beneficial. My assigned mentor, an industry leader in Supply Chain and Consulting, played a crucial role in my preparation. The weekly catchups, resume-building workshops, and mock interviews were instrumental in making us well-prepared for actual job interviews. Moreover, the faculty went above and beyond to assist students in interview preparation. Complementing this, the courses and projects in the MGB program helped us stay current with market trends and updates. As a result, I believe most SP Jain Global students are well-equipped and generally do not struggle with interviews.
Do you find that the skills gained during your MGB program are proving beneficial in your current role? If yes, could you share some examples?
Before joining SP Jain Global, my background was in marketing and sales, and I had minimal exposure to supply chain. The specialisation subjects in Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management covered the fundamentals of critical areas providing me with a solid foundation. This knowledge was instrumental in kickstarting my projects at Aster DM Healthcare.
Moreover, the MGB program significantly enhanced my ability to approach business problems strategically. Our projects’ emphasis on real-world business case studies allowed me to practice and develop a holistic perspective when analysing problems and navigating towards effective solutions. The practical experience gained through case studies and business simulations has been invaluable in shaping my problem-solving skills.
What challenges have you faced during your internship, and how did you overcome them?
The internship at Aster compelled us to step out of our comfort zones and immerse ourselves in the field. To become future managers, it was crucial to comprehend every aspect of the operation. In the initial days, we delved into processing invoices at the warehouse inbound to familiarise ourselves with the IT systems. Subsequently, we transitioned to hands-on tasks such as picking and packing outbound orders in the warehouse. We even spent days accompanying delivery drivers in the trucks.
Although these experiences presented initial challenges, they proved immensely valuable. Gaining insights into ground-level operations is essential for optimising processes and formulating effective strategies.
Can you share some tips for future students on securing their dream internship?
I’d advise going with the flow. Here the program is structured to ensure success if you stick to your timelines, attend classes, and stay updated with Professional Readiness Programs (PRP) and other projects. The Corporate Relations (CR) team consistently presents excellent opportunities for students as they near the end of the program. By actively participating and making the most of what the program offers, students are almost guaranteed success in securing their dream internships.
