Middlesex University Dubai and Hilti Partner to Host Supply Chain Symposium on “Preparing Next Generation Supply Chain Leaders”
- Thursday, 9 February 2023
On 9th February 2023, Middlesex University Dubai’s Centre for Supply Chain Excellence and Careers & Employability Service, in partnership with Hilti, successfully hosted a joint symposium on “Preparing Next Generation Supply Chain Leaders”. The in-person event held at Middlesex University Dubai’s Knowledge Park campus attracted over 100 MDX Dubai undergraduate and postgraduate students and alumni from supply chain, human resources, finance, engineering and other disciplines.
The symposium provided a timely venue for students and alumni to engage in meaningful discourse with industry experts from Hilti Group, a global leader in designing and manufacturing cutting-edge technologies, software, and services for the professional construction industry.
The presentations and panel discussion provided contemporary and practical insights into the complexities of modern supply chain chains and the various hard and soft skills and competencies sought out by business leaders and HR managers while recruiting supply chain professionals.
As well as being able to gain a realistic picture of the career opportunities available in the global supply chain industry, the students and alumni in attendance had the opportunity to make connections with supply chain professionals and potential employers.
The symposium saw an opening address from Dr. Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai, who reflected on the growing importance of supply chain management for achieving competitive advantage for firms in a globalised setting. This was followed by an interactive session on ‘What it takes to Manage the Complexities of Modern Supply Chains’ facilitated by Vijay Menezes - Head of Logistics at Hilti for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) region, and Jeniffer Simson, Regional Process and Projects Expert at Hilti.
Next, Daniel McWhorter, Head of Materials Management at Hilti for the META region, and Connor Sheehan, Talent Acquisition Team Lead at Hilti for the META region facilitated an engaging session with students and alumni on the 'Essential Skills and Competencies for Supply Chain Professionals’, which included practical tips on what recruiters are looking for in fresh graduates and young professionals entering the industry.
The symposium wrapped up with an excellent and stimulating panel discussion with Hilti leadership team on the ‘Role of Industry and Academia in Preparing Next Generation Supply Chain Leaders’. The session was moderated by Dr. Lynda Hyland, Head of Careers and Employability Service, and Dr. Supriya Kaitheri, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, at Middlesex University Dubai.
Speaking on the success of the event during his concluding remarks at the symposium, Dr. Cody Paris, Deputy Director Academic Planning and Research at Middlesex University Dubai, said: “I’m impressed by the range and depth of discussions on the skills and competencies expected of fresh graduates, not only in supply chain but also in other sectors. I want to thank Dr. Sreejith Balasubramanian, Dr. Lynda Hyland and the members of the Hilti team for putting together a fantastic programme for our students and alumni.”
Dr. Lynda Hyland commented on the symposium's success: “The symposium provided a lot of food for thought for our students and alumni looking to enter the industry. I am confident the learning from this symposium will better equip them to build a successful career.”
Dr. Sreejith Balasubramanian, Head & Founder – Centre for Supply Chain Excellence, who co-organised this symposium, said: “Symposiums like this one are critical for bridging the academia-industry divide. The symposium received excellent feedback from the participants and provided a valuable opportunity for students to enhance their understanding of the discipline and an opportunity to network with industry experts.”
About the Centre for Supply Chain Excellence
The Centre for Supply Chain Excellence is dedicated to promoting supply chain excellence in education, research, and practice through collaboration with academics, industry partners, government entities, and other research institutes.
Learn more: www.mdx.ac.ae/centre-for-supply-chain
About the Careers and Employability Service
Middlesex University Dubai’s Careers and Employability Service (CES) aims to make each student 100% employable by understanding their individual career goals and aspirations to support them in achieving future success. CES supports and encourages students from the start of their studies to up to one year after graduation. It offers career guidance, career counselling, information on internship and employment opportunities, employer engagement, and programme specific career days.
Learn more: www.mdx.ac.ae/life-at-university/ces
