As I look back to the time I began classes at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , I never knew that the most transformative and exhilarating experiences of my graduate life could be packed in one month. Being a student at MIT comes with its perks, and the cherry on top is the Independent Activity Period (IAP)- the winter term held in January every year, a month full of boundless learning opportunities. During this period, students have the freedom to immerse themselves in interdisciplinary studies and workshops they are genuinely passionate about, leading to an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and growth.

The Independent Activity Period is an extraordinary time when the MIT campus becomes a playground of exploration. Whether you want to learn a new skill, pursue a personal project, or engage in unconventional studies, the possibilities are endless. The essence of MIT’s IAP lies in the spirit of embracing freedom, curiosity, and innovation in multi disciplinary fields. In general graduate students are left to decide on the choice of courses, projects, workshops across any discipline that they want to pursue in IAP. However, some departments offer mandatory courses that also need to be taken during this time. Our department- Center for Transportation and Logistics hosts the Global SCALE program during the IAP,  but with good time management one can also pursue another course worth 6 credits and multiple hands-on workshops held across other departments at MIT. I took the Digital Product Management Lab run by the Sloan School of Management as the other course along with 4 interdisciplinary workshops to actualise my childhood fascinations.

Firstly, during the Global SCALE program we host students from across 6 affiliated centers spanning over 4 continents in MIT’s campus. It is a three week long program consisting of an amalgamation of various speaker sessions, panel discussion, alumni discussion, workshops and working on a real time supply chain problem for a partner company. It is a time when we collaborate with students across centers to understand global innovation in supply chain and logistics, and the research done in their institutes. This program ends with a much celebrated research expo wherein all the centers present their preliminary results of their capstone project. This expo is visited by researchers across the world, industry and capstone partners and supply chain professionals. It is the best time to network and gather feedback on how to strengthen the methodology and results of the capstone project. 

Along with this, I took the opportunity to fulfill a few of my childhood dreams. Firstly, learning how to fly an airplane with the Aero-astro club at MIT. There are special private pilot training classes conducted at IAP which can be leveraged. They also have one day workshops conducted on the weekends. Secondly, I had the opportunity to visit the MIT Wallace observatory and photograph the Orion Nebula, Jupiter and its four moons, Mars and a few other stars. Having a canvas of stars and pointing the 14” and 24” telescope to what we wanted to photograph was like a dream come true. They conduct these workshops during IAP with limited seats, do look at the MIT events list if interested. They also have a full term course 12.410 Observational Techniques of Optical Astronomy for budding Astrophotographers. The third workshop that I attended was in the MIT Nano Lab wherein the faculty walked us through the technique of development of a chip. At the end of the workshop, we could take home a chip with our picture engraved in it. The facility is in building 12 at MIT and conducts multiple workshops throughout the year. Lastly the fun activities at IAP are conducted in the MIT Edgerton Center wherein you can develop any hobby project and the ski trip by the Graduate Student Council. Many of us went for the ski trip which was such a stress buster after the most intensive period.

The 15 years old me would have never imagined that I could learn so much in such a short span of time. If you are curious to learn multiple things keep checking the pages of the departments of your interest, MIT events , MIT Media Lab and the website of clubs at MIT Sloan and MIT. This is the true MIT experience, with the endless opportunities everything is possible here! 

Looking back, there are some things I would have liked to know before coming to MIT. This is just my personal experience and does not reflect advice or anything similar. You will see some things that might seem too obvious or unnecessary; however, even the silliest thing might be helpful for an international student at some point. They can save seconds, weeks, or sometimes opportunities.

I came to MIT as a master’s student for the class of 2023, starting in September 2022. I was in the Supply Chain Management Program at the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics. This is an engineering degree, so it involves a lot of math but also management. Since it is a one-year program, it is quite intensive academically. Apart from the two academic semesters (fall and spring), we also take courses in off-months like August, January, and February. Additionally, as part of the engineering degree, we also do a capstone or thesis.

Now, let me share some quick facts. An academic year at MIT consists of two semesters: fall and spring. Fall runs from September to December, and spring from February to May. Each semester has two half-terms (Hx): H1 and H2 for fall, and H3 and H4 for spring. Typically, there is a one-week break in between. The courses are designed to follow this schedule. For example, there are half-term courses for H1 and others for H2, as well as full-term courses that last both H3 and H4.

Let’s talk about grading. At MIT, they use a 100-point scale and assign letter grades from A to F, with A being the highest. A (and its nuances A+, A, and A-) represents scores between 90 and 100, while F is below 65. These grades are then converted to a Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 5.0 scale. Additionally, there are Pass/Fail courses available.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of academics, let’s dive into some major things I believe might be useful. I’ve categorized them into 5 key areas:

Academic

MIT courses: As an MIT student, you can take courses from any department within MIT. There may be some restrictions on credits and requirements, but with persistence, you can explore various disciplines.

Harvard courses: You can also take courses at Harvard through cross-registration. Start early and research the courses that interest you.

Sloan courses: MIT Sloan offers excellent management courses that are highly sought after. Be prepared to bid for these courses, which begins in July. Research, seek opinions, and bid wisely. There are also Sloan certificates you can pursue.

Nobel classes: MIT boasts well-recognized professors, including Nobel Prize winners, who offer classes, such as Ester Duflo, Abhijit Banerjee in the Economics department, and Robert C. Merton in Sloan. Distinguished professors and lecturers such as Bill Aulet in the Entrepreneurship Center, and Chris Caplice in CTL. Explore the offerings both at MIT and Harvard.

Extra-curricular

MIT Clubs: Joining clubs is a great way to meet people with similar interests, make friends, and build connections.

Sloan clubs: MIT Sloan has a variety of clubs covering diverse topics, such as the Latin American Club, Asia Business Club, Christian Fellowship, AI&ML, Design, Entrepreneurship, Blockchain, Wine, Beer, and so on. Explore the options and find clubs that align with your interests.

Other MIT clubs: MIT offers clubs for music, sports, movies, travel, and more. Check out the sailing and flight clubs for some unique experiences.

Conferences and Competitions: Take part in conferences and competitions throughout the year. These events feature talks by professors, CEOs, authors, and celebrities. Keep an eye out for opportunities to participate.

Job Hunting

Understand the unique aspects of the US job-hunting process. Being well-prepared will increase your chances of success.

Behavioral interviews: Practice storytelling and answering behavioral interview questions using the STAR framework. Examples of questions could be like: “Tell me a time when you have managed a team, what went well, what went bad, how did you react, how it ended, and the results.”

Case Interviews: some jobs, such as consulting, require candidates to tackle business cases as part of the interview process. These cases can be either qualitative, focusing on idea generation, or quantitative where calculators are not allowed. While opinions may vary on the efficacy of testing quantitative abilities in this manner, the truth is that excelling in these cases is crucial. Even if you’re not specifically aiming for a consulting role, preparing for business cases can serve as preparation.

Daily

Shuttles: I wish I would have known this the first week. Download the MIT Mobile App and utilize the shuttles for convenient transportation.

Blue Bike: Consider a subsidized membership for the cycle renting system, Blue Bike, which costs around $40 per year.

MIT Rec: Take advantage of the two centers for indoor and outdoor sports, the Z-center and Alumni Center, which offer a range of facilities (pool, gym, courts, etc.)

MIT residences: I highly recommend living in one MIT residence. Living in an MIT residence provides a comprehensive experience. The facilities are quite good, offering comfortable living for students.

Banana Lounge: free bananas for everyone. Only opens in fall and spring.

Free food events: MIT frequently hosts events with free food. Keep an eye out for these opportunities and share the information with friends.

MIT Resources: MIT offers numerous resources for free, including zip car access, flights, Xfinity, newspapers, online libraries, and more.

MIT Libraries: Explore the beautiful libraries at MIT, where the world of books is limitless. There is one exactly in the Great Dome.

Beyond

English, English, English: Prioritize developing strong English language skills, as it is crucial for fully enjoying the MIT experience. Speaking fluently is particularly valuable. Practice as much as you can and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Practice, practice, practice: Here probably you will notice the necessity of learning or improving a particular skill. Remember that mastering any skill requires consistent effort and practice. Don’t be discouraged if you feel unsure at first—keep practicing, and you will improve over time.

Delta V & Entrepreneurship Center: For those interested in entrepreneurship, MIT’s Trust Center for Entrepreneurship and Delta V student venture accelerator provide valuable resources for pursuing your entrepreneurial ambitions. They also have some classes (and free coffee).

Leverage the MIT brand: MIT is consistently ranked as the best university in the world. Use this prestigious brand to your advantage. Start a new club, invite influential speakers, and make a positive impact within your region. I had a friend who founded the MIT Jujitsu Club, and Lex Friedman went to train. How about the former president, minister of your country, CEO of a big company, or celebrity give a talk in your class or at a conference?

While MIT offers many incredible opportunities, there may be even more that I haven’t mentioned. Harvard also has their own things. Likewise, Boston is beautiful (especially in summer) and has a rich history. Enjoy it!

Finally, MIT is often described as “drinking from a firehose,” but the institution strives to strike a balance between academics and social activities. If I had to describe the MIT experience in one word, would be FANTASTIC. I hope these insights help you fully enjoy your time at MIT!

Pd. An MIT saying, “Study hard and enjoy smart.”

Being a student at MIT does not come without its challenges. Between the courses, assignments, team meetings, and other responsibilities, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, the university counts with many events that help make one’s journey at MIT a great experience by balancing out the academic with the social.

During the Spring semester, MIT hosted a wide variety of events; whatever your interests are, you can find an event for it. From pet therapy to talks about technological advances, from musical interpretations to presentations on leadership, there is a vast list of events to cater to anyone’s needs. To me, these activities added to my experience at MIT by exposing me to new environments and allowing me to connect with the MIT community. As a mom, the family-oriented events were invaluable, as I was able to meet other parents while providing entertainment for my son. I also had the satisfaction to create lasting memories with friends outside of the class environment.

The SCM program is also quite strong at creating opportunities for its graduate students to bond and have fun. As a blended student, my in-person journey started in January. IAP, i.e. the winter semester, is packed with networking events which allow you to get to know your classmates quickly and in a entertaining way. Then, throughout the semester, there are more opportunities to build and strengthen relationships. For the study trek, our class had the awesome chance of traveling to San Francisco and Panama City. We visited various well-known companies, attended networking events with MIT alumni, celebrated birthdays, and discovered what the nightlife had to offer.

The fun does not stop at the staff-lead events. As one of the Event Leads for the blended class, my teammates and I organized parties to celebrate various cultures represented in our group. Each month, we had at least one event for the blended group, one for the residentials, and one for the entire SCM 2023 class. We had a great time discovering the Brazilian cuisine, learning we had rockstars among ourselves during karaoke, and throwing paint at each other for Holi. No matter the day, there was always an activity to do with friends!

How do you go from designing ships to orchestrating global supply chains? Sounds like quite a leap, doesn’t it? Yet, that’s the journey I embarked on when I transitioned from a career as a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer at Shell to a Master’s program in Supply Chain Management at MIT. In this post, I’ll share my journey of transition, the challenges I faced, how I prepared myself, and the valuable lessons I’ve learned.

Discovering My Interest in Supply Chain Management

Growing up, I always had a passion for math and science, leading me to pursue an education in engineering. This interest led me to a fulfilling career at Shell where I worked on Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) projects, immersing myself in diverse aspects of maritime engineering.

A training at Shell introduced me to the intricacies of the company’s value chain. This sparked my curiosity for the larger picture of strategic decisions, setting the stage for my future exploration of supply chain management.

While working on critical projects during COVID-19 our work was often held up by supply chain issues for key items. One instance that stood out was when the team needed to replace a valve in the FPSO disconnection system so the asset was ready for hurricane season. The issue was discovered during prep work for hurricane season, so we did not have long to get this part. Due to COVID-19 delays it was going to take until the beginning of hurricane season to get one part. The team was able to work with the supply chain team and got the part right before hurricane season. This episode not only highlighted the importance of effective supply chain management but also prompted my interest in this field.

Choosing MIT’s Supply Chain Management Program

Once I decided to deepen my understanding of supply chain management, I researched top programs across the United States. MIT’s Supply Chain Management program, ranked number 1 in the QS World University Rankings and Eduniversal group rankings, stood out.

To get into the program, I emphasized my unique engineering experience and knowledge about ocean and barge transportation from my stint at Shell. I was convinced that this knowledge would add value to the learning environment and my peer network at MIT.

Preparation and Transition

The shift from a corporate to an academic environment was daunting due to not having been in a classroom in 3 years. I prepared by focusing on program prerequisites, refreshing my analytical skills, and picking up programming using Python via online courses. The gradual transition through orientation was a huge help in transitioning back to the classroom.

Lessons from the Program

The program has not only been an enriching academic journey but also a platform for cultural and industrial exchange with peers from diverse backgrounds. Some of my favorite classes so far have been logistics systems, system dynamics, competitive strategy, and supply chain case studies.

System dynamics helped me view problems in a different way and look at the whole system and how different parts of the system interacted in feedback loops. Many of the examples we used in system dynamics came from the oil and gas industry, so I was able to use my background to contribute to class discussions and provide insights. Competitive strategy and supply chain case studies were built on each other, so I was able to apply what I learned in competitive strategy to the class discussions in supply chain case studies. One notable case study that we discussed was comparing the strategies of Halloran and Allied steel during a market downturn. Using Porter Five Forces I learned in competitive strategy I was able to understand the industry well and get a better understanding of both companies’ strategies.

Linking Past and Future

Transitioning from engineering to supply chain management was more than a career switch – it was a natural progression that allowed me to combine my engineering background with my interest in strategy. My engineering background developed my logical thinking required to tackle supply chain problems using a systematic approach. Engineering also gave me the analytical tools I needed to succeed in my classes. Moving forward, I plan to apply these analytical tools in my role as a consultant for AlixPartners.

Concluding Thoughts

Transitioning from a career in engineering to a Master’s program in Supply Chain Management can open up exciting opportunities for career advancement and personal growth. My journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and I eagerly anticipate the new paths this will lead me down.

If you’re considering making a similar move, I encourage you to take the leap and pursue your passions. The rewards of challenging yourself and expanding your horizons can be truly transformative. Are you considering a similar transition? What’s holding you back?

Since the advent of warfare, logistics has played a crucial role in the success or defeat of armies on the battlefield. Put most succinctly by Alexander the Great: “My logisticians are a humorless lot. They know they are the first ones I will slay if my campaign fails.” The famous Chinese strategist and general Sun Tzu warned “the line between order and disorder lies in logistics.” Corporate perceptions of logistics shifted in the 1950s from a field relegated to military campaigns towards recognizing the value in a cadre of professionals devoted to supply chain management including external suppliers, shippers, warehousing, and final delivery to the customers. As one of the most powerful militaries in the world, the United States Army has few peers. What sets it apart from most are the robust logistics capabilities – from power projection at air and sea ports, to the ability to rapidly deploy in a moments notice to support ongoing operations around the globe*. A critical component of this ability is resident in the U.S. Army Reserve component. Roughly 70% of current logistics capability in the Army resides in the Army Reserve, from fuel and cargo trucks to medical and supply capabilities.

Last month, the three-part Military Speaker’s Series at CTL kicked off with a visit from Brig. Gen. Stephanie Howard, Commanding General of Army Reserve Sustainment Command. These sessions highlight overlap in the public and private sectors and share lessons learned on leadership, supply chain, and organizational challenges. Joining us at MIT from her headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, Brig. Gen. Howard spoke to SCM master’s students about the challenges of sustaining an army in the field, and the U.S. Army organizational structure that sustains, innovates, procures, and fields the equipment needed to fight, win, and compete in the world today.

The Army Reserve Sustainment Command is part of the 377th Theater Sustainment Command and directly supports the Army Sustainment Command and Army Materiel Command — two entities that integrate materiel requirements from the Army and Combatant Commanders through procurement and life-cycle maintenance of this equipment. ARSC provides support through augmentation of these commands and specialized officers and non-commissioned officers trained in contracting, procurement, and program management. 

A graduate of West Point with 30 years of experience as an Army leader, Brig. Gen. Howard spoke to the class about operational planning, yu change management within large organizations, and fielded questions from students about the government’s role in support of civilian authorities, as well as how civilian oversight of the military works in the United States. The group also discussed how contingency operations are generally not constrained by cost in the initial stages, but as the operational environment and mission turns into long-term sustainment missions, there are key challenges in transitioning systems and processes into cost-effective solutions.

_{*Read more about how the US military’s approach to supply chain management has evolved.}

Post author LTC Brian Young (US Army Reserve) is one of three 2021-22 CTL Military Fellows in the Supply Chain Management program.

In the last week of the MIT SCM Master’s program, I started to think of how I started my MIT journey. Surprisingly, I’d first heard of the MITx MicroMasters Program in Supply Chain Management at the end of a music concert. While I work as a supply chain professional in the transportation field in Brazil, I am also a member of a Christian rock band! Through both roles, I have had the great privilege to travel to many new cities, sharing my supply chain knowledge and, through the art of music, my beliefs. After one such performance, I was talking to the person who had kindly invited us to play that night. It was an engaging and wide-ranging conversation, where we discussed everything from soccer to faith. Somewhere in the between, he mentioned that he was just concluding an online course from MIT. He was actually part of the first MicroMaster’s class!

I must confess, in that moment my mind froze. Just the mention of MIT stopped me in my tracks. As an engineer (but not only because of that), attending MIT had always been a dream. As I was probably not going to be able to concentrate at any other discussion topic from that moment on, I started to ask questions about the course. He explained that it was related to supply chain, and that it could pave a way to a master’s degree from MIT. And he was right! Four years later, I am on here on the MIT campus, a few days from my graduate commencement.

As I gratefully remember that conversation, I can clearly see the three lessons learned from it:

1. Endings can be amazing starting points. I thought my night was ending – the concert had been booked, prepared, and performed – but that was actually where my future began.
2. What we think are separate parts of our lives can merge like streams and take us further than imagined. Balancing music and supply chain has not always been easy, but I do it because I believe both are part of my life’s purpose. When we are guided by purpose, we are indeed living.
3. Casual conversations can guide us to incredible opportunities. We can always learn something from our connections and collaborations. That person probably did not realize that night how completely a simple comment has impacted my life. I am so grateful to this, that it has become a daily prayer for me: that I can impact others in a positive way, even when I do not realize it.

Maybe someone who is reading this today is at the end of something, just like I was at the end of a concert that night. If unique adventures start when another finishes, let the show end!

In New York City real estate, it is well understood that every apartment can be judged by three key characteristics: proximity, quality, and price. It is also well understood that you will have to pick two. If you want that gorgeous, spacious two-bedroom, close to downtown, you can expect to pay out the nose. If you want something you can afford and don’t want to move to White Plains, you’ll have to learn to stir pasta while you shampoo. In short, NYC apartment hunting is a trial by fire to quickly figure out your true priorities.

MIT Supply Chain Management students face a similar crucible in choosing their Master’s capstone/thesis project. Though capstones are assigned via algorithm (it is MIT after all!) you will need to rank all the available projects during the bidding process. For that you must consider three key components: the topic, the advisor, and the data. And just like with NYC real estate, you have to decide what’s most important to you.

The Topic:

This is the most obvious feature: what is the project about? You might already know exactly what you want – or don’t want – to study based on past experience or future ambitions. Alternatively, you may be less decisive on topic and instead prioritize the project logistics to guide your decision. Just make sure you pick something you can get interested in, because you’ll be spending a LOT of time on it. (Though I can promise that there is no such thing as a boring capstone.)

The Advisor:

All the CTL research advisors are wonderful, and you are guaranteed to learn a lot and stretch yourself academically. But there are still ways to narrow down who will be the best fit for you. Different advisors have different approaches to managing students; one may give you full autonomy to take the project in any direction, while others may see it as a collaborative partnership. I recommend reaching out to alums or the advisors themselves if you want to learn more about their current research or project style. Of course, if there is already a specific researcher or lab that you are interested in, this is your chance to work with them!

The Data:

No matter your project or advisor, the availability of data is a KEY concern. If you pursue your own project (an option for students in the blended cohort) make sure that data will be available to you in a form that you can work with. For company sponsored projects this will be an important aspect of evaluating the project. Most research projects from CTL labs already have data available, or at least a firm plan on how to acquire it. No matter what, make sure you have data as early as possible – trust me, it will save you headaches later.

For me I didn’t have a particular research area that I definitely wanted to study. I was coming to MIT to hear different perspectives in an array of concentrations, so I was open to any project that sounded interesting. I also knew that no matter the project was, it would be important that I form good relationships with my partner and advisor. Finally, I knew that not having data would stress me out significantly. With so much going on I didn’t want to introduce more uncertainty, so I bid highly on the projects with solid data and from advisors I knew from the MITx MicroMasters Program in Supply Chain Management.

I ended up working with Dr. David Correll studying ways to improve the performance of American truck drivers. I was also partnered with someone I already knew from the MicroMasters! Even with the end of semester stress, I’m still thrilled with how this all turned out.

Obviously, the perfect NYC apartment does exist. It doesn’t come around very often, sometimes not for years, but every now and then your find a unicorn: conveniently located, beautifully built, and rent controlled. If you find one, make sure you do what you can to grab it. The same is true for project selection – happy hunting!