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Could you please talk us through your career journey, beginning before you studied, your time at Hallam, and what you’ve done since?

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Production Engineering in India, where an internship at an automotive company first sparked my interest in the world of logistics and supply chain. That curiosity led me to Ï㽶ÊÓƵ to pursue a Master’s degree and deepen my understanding of the field.

My time at Hallam was a journey of both academic and personal growth. Like many learning experiences, it had its highs and lows, but it was through this process that I discovered where my strengths lie and which areas I needed to develop. With guidance from the academic staff at Hallam, support from the Careers Team, and my active involvement in the wider Sheffield community through volunteering, I was able to secure a role at McCormick & Company - a global leader in flavour.

Please talk us through your day-to-day work in your role at McCormick & Company as a Supply Chain Graduate?

In my current role with the Operations and Continuous Improvement team, my day typically begins on the factory floor with a Daily Direction Setting (DDS) meeting alongside our operators and team leaders. We discuss relevant safety or quality processes and the support they need to meet performance targets. My colleagues and I visit each production line and area to gather this feedback, which then cascades up to the site’s leadership team to inform decisions and set priorities.

Beyond the daily routines, I lead and support projects aligned with our global commitments and continuous improvement initiatives. I also facilitate training sessions for operators and contribute to capturing and developing ideas generated on the factory floor. While no two days are alike, my focus remains to support the business’s core priorities of safety and quality, people, and performance.

What are some essential skills you use regularly in your role?

Agility is essential in my role. Plans can shift within an hour, so adapting quickly and making informed decisions is key. To do that effectively, I rely on timely information from both internal colleagues and external partners, building strong, respectful relationships to help ensure smooth collaboration. I’ve also found that humility is important: every colleague, no matter their position, contributes to my learning and growth.

Once decisions are made, communication becomes critical. I make it a point to keep everyone informed, whether that’s through emails, quick catch-ups, or formal presentations.

Presentation skills and public speaking are equally important. Whether I’m running training sessions, sharing updates with our leadership, or contributing to team discussions, these skills help me clearly express ideas and keep people engaged. I’ve developed them by staying open to feedback, learning from my managers and peers, and observing how senior leaders communicate. I try to apply those observations in my own way and follow the 70-20-10 learning model to keep improving both technically and personally. 

Thinking back to your time studying at Hallam, did you get involved with any of our programmes or awards? Please tell us about what you did and what you learnt.

During my time at Hallam, I actively engaged with the university’s Student Experience, Teaching and Learning (SETL) team as a Student Ï㽶ÊÓƵer. This role allowed me to work closely with senior academic leaders and university officers on a range of impactful projects, from supporting the selection of a senior Executive Board member to reviewing research and development projects across departments, I learnt how collaborative decision-making works in a large academic environment.

In addition, I took part in the Achieve programme 2022, designed to help international students build confidence and career readiness. I was also proud to receive the bronze and silver Hallam Awards, which recognised my contributions beyond the classroom. These experiences helped me refine my communication, public speaking, and leadership skills, while giving me opportunities to engage in real-world challenges that shaped both my personal and professional development.

What advice would you give to international students transitioning into work in the UK?

To international students beginning their career journey in the UK, my advice is to start with self-belief. Confidence in your abilities is important because each of us brings something unique. Take time to understand your strengths and identify areas where you can grow and continue developing yourself.

Make the most of your time at university by stepping out of your comfort zone. Try new things, get involved in different activities, and build meaningful connections. These experiences help you grow in ways that go beyond academics. Finally, keep a positive mindset. Setbacks may happen but staying focused and optimistic will help you move forward with confidence.

What helped you most during your transition from international student to operations professional?

What helped me most during my transition from international student to operations professional was learning to listen to feedback and act on it consistently. Whether it was feedback on my CV from the Careers Team, academic writing from lecturers, or my thesis from my supervisor, each piece of advice was constructive and valuable.

I’ve carried that same mindset into my professional life. Just as my academic mentors were invested in my development, I’ve found that my colleagues and senior leadership are equally supportive. Embracing feedback as a tool for growth has been key to building confidence and continuously improving in my role.