William Mitten

The supply chain covers each step of a businesses processes from procurement and planning, all the way down to the distribution of products to end users. This was something I wanted to learn more about. My response to the question “what do you want to do when you leave school/college?” was always- “something businessy” but I had no real specifics about what area I wanted to look into. After doing some research within the different options within the whole business bracket and what degrees/ jobs were available, I came across the logistics and supply chain pathway. I went away and did some research to clarify the ins and outs of what this actually meant and became very interested. The agility that is required to make sure things run smoothly and efficiently, in a period where consistency can be so hard to achieve, means that there is always new areas for businesses to focus on.

The main reason I wanted to study at Edge Hill University was that I couldn’t find any other university in the North West with the logistics and supply chain pathway. I also live just over 20 minutes away which is an added bonus. The campus is also one of the nicest I’ve visited and I enjoy the fact it is all in one location, as opposed to being spread around a wider city.

Time management, Teamwork, and critical analysis. These are the top three skills I have developed during my degree. Balancing all the different aspects of university life (lectures/seminars, weekly reading, deadlines) with working part-time and maintaining a social life can be daunting, but by planning ahead and using your time wisely, it’s more than achievable. Each of these skills are transferable and will almost definitely help me moving on in my career.

Groupwork is also a big aspect of many modules in the business school. Adapting how you would normally approach a task to suit everyone’s ideas, behaviours and busy schedules can take some getting used to but again, effective planning and communication are key to being successful.

Being critical of your own work will always be important in making sure you are submitting the best piece of work you’re capable of. I was probably guilty of maintaining an “it’ll do” attitude at some points and was rewarded with a lesser grade as a result for those pieces. When I made sure to properly analyse my efforts my grades were always better as a result. Also being able to critically analyse existing theories and positions can be beneficial when having discussions or trying to understand a topic further.

Logistics and the supply chain are areas that are vital to each and every business. Whether it be someone selling products at the local market stall or a multi-national corporation, there will be some form of a supply chain at work in the background. The different scales of each operation can differ, but the fundamentals always lie within. Thanks to this, there’s always something going on that could drastically change how successful a certain method is and requires a steady and controlled approach where possible, but an agile and necessary one in other circumstances.

These areas are always relevant and up to date. There are so many external factors that can change the way things are. Brexit and Covid-19 being two very notable and mainstream variables in recent years. This means keeping informed of what’s happening in the world is an activity that whilst used to feel outside my interests, is now a core routine of mine.

The catalyst is a great new building with lots of space for both group and independent work. There are specific rooms available for booking and rows upon rows of computers that means that even when very busy you’ll always manage to find a space. The staff in there are also really helpful if you’re having any problems with a computer or finding a specific book.

There are many great options in the business school. Make sure you pick a course that you can see yourself enjoying and learning about. There is plenty of optional modules to focus on certain areas, but the overall arc of your study will be focused on topics relevant to your pathway.

Try and go on placement at some point during your studies in an industry you are thinking of working in after university to give yourself an early advantage. I’m currently on placement with a logistics company in Liverpool that was sourced through the Edge Hill work experience team. This has given me some great experience of the industry which is useful as I’m hoping to find a graduate scheme once I graduate.

The staff across campus are all really friendly and helpful. Within the Business School, everyone is readily available to answer questions and concerns that you have. Regular meetings with tutors and lecturers are available when needed but even if not, there’s always someone there to assist you or answer a problem you’re having with a topic or assignment. The depth and width of knowledge means that you’re never left without guidance should you request it and is definitely a part what makes the experience so valuable.