As we kick off another application season, we reached out to recent alumni to learn about their experience in the Supply Chain Management (SCM) Master’s program and the impact that it’s had on their careers.
We sat down with Loreto Cantú, a Supply Chain Data Analytics Manager at L’Oréal and a graduate of the MIT SCM Master’s Class of 2024. Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Loreto earned her undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey, studying abroad at UC Berkley for one semester. After graduation, she gained experience in demand and supply planning at OXXO, the largest convenience store company in Latin America.
A couple of years into her career, Loreto decided to take the leap to pursue her Master’s at MIT, a goal she set since winning MIT’s Supply Chain Excellence Award during undergrad. The opportunity to return to the US to further advance her career was a driving force for her to apply for the 2024 program. At MIT, Loreto served as Co-President of her class, where she helped build a strong community among her peers, especially fellow international students.
Loreto’s journey to MIT was fueled by her ambition to grow professionally and make a global impact. We spoke with Loreto to get a closer look at her experience—what inspired her to choose MIT, how the program shaped her career, and the advice she has for future students.
How did you find out about the program, and what motivated you to apply?
When finishing my degree, I received the Supply Chain Excellence Award, a scholarship unique to the MIT program. That’s how I first learned about MIT’s post-graduate opportunities, and as I entered the workforce at OXXO, I made sure to get all the experience I could to prepare for MIT.
I knew that I would be one of the youngest in the cohort, and I had to get all the experience, all the insights that I could as fast as I could so that I could eventually give back to the MIT community with the knowledge that I had back from Mexico.
What made the SCM program stand out to you compared to other options?
After doing all the trade-offs between an MBA and the SCM program, I realized it’s a one-year program, which means half the cost. You get both the business and technical sides, and you can personalize the program as much as you want. That’s what differentiates it from an MBA.
“There’s flexibility. It’s half the time. It’s half the price.”
What was your favorite part of the program?
Everybody will say the same thing: it’s the people. The network is so important. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to be class president, which exposed me to new challenges and leadership opportunities.
How did the program help you land your current role at L’Oreal?
Right after the program, I accepted an offer from L’Oreal in New Jersey. This opportunity came from the SCALE Network, which exposes students to various speakers and conferences and eventually landed me a role in Supply Chain Data Analytics.
“I’m very grateful for MIT for putting me in the position where I could meet such great and important people in the industry.”
What type of person would you recommend for the program?
Anybody! Whether you have a management, engineering or some other background, or you have two or ten plus years of experience. This program is an amazing opportunity to catapult your career.
Loreto’s story is a great example of what’s possible with our Supply Chain Master’s program. From Monterrey, Mexico, to landing a role at L’Oréal in New York, her journey shows how the right support, skills, and network can help turn big dreams into reality.
If you’re inspired by her experience and curious about what the program could do for your career, we’d love to hear from you!