Master’s In Supply Chain Management: Angela J. Muca, Maryland (Robert H. Smith)

“Site tours at an Amazon fulfillment center and the Washington Post (organized by our supply chain student organization) made a great impression on me. Both experiences were very inspiring as they motivated me to work harder as a student to achieve my post-graduation employment goals.”

Student Name: Angela J. Muca

Graduate Business School: University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business

Describe Yourself In 15 Words: I’m a supply chain enthusiast with technical background in accounting and a sprinkle of #FearlessTerp.

Master’s Graduation Class: 2020.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business, Major in Accounting and Minor in Technology Entrepreneurship.

Current Employer and Job Title: Amazon, Area Manager.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: As I joined the master’s program directly after my undergrad in accounting, I am still very early in my career as Area Manager at Amazon. 

Describe your biggest accomplishment as a graduate student: During the pandemic, I focused most of my energy on the academic aspect of the program. Throughout my journey as an MS student, I was able to earn certification in Resilinc Software for Procurement, as well as become a Certified Scrum Master and Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. 

What was the key factor that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? With my undergraduate study in accounting at Smith, I already knew that I could count on the school’s “Plus 1” program to combine technical knowledge in accounting with my passion for supply chain. Plus 1 was ideal as it functions like a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree, including graduate-level coursework at undergraduate-level tuition rates. It exemplifies how the culture of the school promotes higher learning.

What led you to choose a Master’s in Supply Chain Management over an MBA? I chose to pursue a specialty master’s degree as I wanted a more specific focus on supply chain rather than a broad study in multiple disciplines. I also feel that it is better to go for an MBA program after some work experience, rather than straight out of undergrad.

What has been your favorite course and how has it helped you in your career? My favorite course was supply chain strategy, because I found the format of case studies and group discussions enriching. I always like hearing others’ perspectives, because more often than not, it helps broaden your own perspectives on any subject matter and helps you to grow. 

What role did your school play in helping you to land your first job out of the program? The school offers many resources, one of which is the Office of Career Services (OSC), which is always open to helping students through resume reviews, interview coaching and preparing students to acquire skills by conducting workshops in Tableau, SQL and Python, among other platforms.

How did your classmates enhance the value of your business school experience? Smith is a very diverse environment. As a result, meeting people with different cultural and professional backgrounds helps you gain a multifaceted view and broadens your horizons. 

Who was your favorite faculty member and how did this person enrich your learning? Professor Humberto Coronado has always been a pillar of support and encouragement during my time in the supply chain master’s program. He took on the role of a mentor, provided me with a wealth of knowledge, and shared his expertise and stories. He was always a great person to talk to and bounce ideas off. I have nothing but great things to say about him and I’m sure I’m not the only student he’s inspired to go out and achieve their goals. 

What is your best advice to an applicant hoping to get into your school’s graduate Master’s program? Take advantage of all the resources you are being provided. Build rapport with your professors; they have a pulse of what is going on in the job market. This approach, coupled with hard work, will ensure that each person is successful.

What was your best memory from your master’s program? My experience turned mostly online due to the pandemic, but at the beginning of the program, site tours at an Amazon fulfillment center and the Washington Post (organized by our supply chain student organization) made a great impression on me. Both experiences were very inspiring as they motivated me to work harder as a student to achieve my post-graduation employment goals.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MASTERS OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT