Overview of the Colloquium
The Centre for Supply Chain Excellence at Middlesex University Dubai recently hosted a focused discussion titled “Employment Readiness and Future Skills: Building the Next Generation of Supply Chain Leaders”. Held on 3 November 2025 at the OASIS Theatre on the Dubai Knowledge Park campus, the event brought together current students, faculty, alumni, and industry experts to examine the evolving roles within supply chain management.
Why the Topic Matters
- Supply chain teams are facing new demands from digital transformation and sustainability pressures.
- Employers seek graduates who can blend technical proficiency with adaptive problem‑solving skills.
- Early exposure to industry realities can accelerate career outcomes for students.
Key Contributions from Faculty and Alumni
Dr. Sreejith Balasubramanian, Associate Professor and Head of the Centre, opened the session with a concise briefing on the skills gap. He underscored the importance of alumni dialogues in bridging academic learning and professional practice.
Alumni Panel Highlights
The panel, moderated by Mahnoush Gharehdash, featured five distinguished graduates from the BA (Hons) Business Management (Supply Chain and Logistics) programme:
- Khalid Ahmed – Operations Supervisor at Jetour
- Khizar Ahmed – Procurement Specialist at Efficio
- Abdullahi Ahmed – META Material Manager at Hilti
- Tamer Hjazeen – Service Point Advisor/Sales at DHL
- Hurriya Zainab Malik – Planning Analyst at Unipart
Each speaker focused on two core themes:
- Data‑driven decision making – Using Power BI, SAP, and other analytics platforms to inform logistics choices.
- Soft‑skill development – Effective communication, teamwork, and proactive networking are now essential to thrive in fast‑paced environments.
Practical Take‑aways for Students
Alumni advice centered around three actionable strategies:
- Start building a portfolio of analytics projects; online courses such as Coursera’s Supply Chain Management Specialization can provide a strong foundation.
- Seek internships that require cross‑functional collaboration. Even short‑term placements often expose graduates to the full supply‑chain cycle.
- Practice scenario‑based storytelling. When presenting to stakeholders, framing data insights in a narrative format helps secure buy‑in.
Faculty Reflections on Industry Engagement
Deputy Director for Research & Business, Professor Cody Morris Paris, praised the event for strengthening institutional ties to the sector. He highlighted that the Centre’s approach—mixing faculty research with hands‑on alumni mentorship—creates a loop of continuous improvement that benefits both academia and the supply‑chain ecosystem.
Networking and Career Guidance
Following the moderated discussion, a dedicated networking session allowed students to connect one‑on‑one with panelists. This direct interaction not only clarified career pathways but also enabled early networking, which is often cited as a decisive factor in securing job offers.
How to Leverage Alumni Networks
- Request an introduction via the university’s alumni portal.
- Schedule informational interviews; most alumni are willing to share advice once they see genuine interest.
- Attend regional trade shows or virtual symposiums where many alumni and recruiters congregate.
Implications for the Future of Supply Chain Education
The colloquium illustrates a broader trend: universities are pivoting from traditional lecture formats to dynamic industry‑supported learning experiences. This shift ensures that curricula remain relevant and that graduates enter the marketplace with skills that employers actively seek.
Emerging Skill Areas Emphasised
- Advanced analytics: predictive modelling, AI‑driven demand forecasting, and real‑time supply‑chain visibility.
- Digital twins and simulation: creating virtual replicas of supply‑chain processes for testing scenarios.
- Risk and resilience management: building flexibility against disruptions such as pandemics or geopolitical shifts.
- Sustainability metrics: lifecycle assessment, circular economy design, and ESG reporting.
In addition to technical expertise, the panel stressed the growing expectation for professionals to act as change‑agents, bridging the gap between stakeholders and ensuring that supply‑chain strategies align with broader business objectives.
Take Action: Build Your Readiness Today
Students and recent graduates interested in a career in supply‑chain management should consider the following steps:
- Enroll in the BA (Hons) Business Management (Supply Chain and Logistics) programme, which offers courses aligned with industry demands.
- Participate in campus events that connect you with alumni and employers.
- Apply for placement programmes or internships through the university’s Careers Service portal.
- Leverage online learning platforms such as edX Supply Chain Management courses to strengthen your data‑analytics toolkit.
- Begin building a professional profile on LinkedIn, showcasing projects and certifications that demonstrate your readiness.
Explore Further Opportunities
The Centre for Supply Chain Excellence remains active in delivering workshops, industry‑partnered projects, and research collaborations. Students can access additional resources through the centre’s official page, where upcoming events and learning modules are posted.
A part of your professional journey starts with the right education. Apply today to the Business Management (Supply Chain and Logistics) programme and join a network of leaders shaping the future.
Interested in learning how the latest tools are applied to real‑world supply‑chain problems? Schedule a session with the university’s careers team to discuss industry pathways.
Stay updated on industry trends: Follow the centre’s news feed and receive curated content directly to your inbox.
By engaging with these resources and building a strong foundation in both data analytics and soft‑skill development, aspiring supply‑chain professionals can position themselves competitively in a rapidly evolving sector.
