Thriving in the Foster MSCM Program: How Students Balance Careers and Advanced Learning

Pursuing a master's degree while working is no small feat, but it brings immense rewards. This article spotlights two MSCM students: Hrishikesh Saikia balancing an on-campus job and Rachel Strausman thriving as a Senior Program Manager at Amazon. Their experiences highlight the practical applications of MSCM learnings, industry insights, and strategies for balancing work and study, showcasing how the program empowers professionals to excel academically and in their careers.

Career Growth through Practical Applications

“My role as a student coordinator has been enriching, allowing me to apply concepts from the MSCM program like organizational skills, time management, and operations management,”

Hrishikesh Saikia, a current MSCM student and program ambassador, shares with us.

By managing inventory, coordinating with suppliers, and supervising staff, he’s gained hands-on experience in supply chain dynamics while enhancing his leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. “This experience has strengthened my resume and reinforced the core competencies I’ve developed in the program.”

Industry Insights and Leadership Development?

As a full-time Senior Program Manager at Amazon, Rachel Strausman joined the Foster MSCM program to enhance her leadership and management skills.

“I’m looking to learn from my classmates, professors, and industry leaders about how they have successfully led others.”

Beyond effective leadership skills, Rachel has already applied key lessons, such as Tableau and statistical analysis, directly to her role, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world impact.

Balancing Work and Study?

Juggling full-time work and graduate school is no easy feat. Rachel shares that, even though the workload varies week-to-week, she has found it manageable.

“The professors provide advance notice for each assignment and give multiple days to complete it. This way, I’m able to complete each assignment in a time frame that works best for me and my schedule that week.”

The experience of Hrishikesh and Rachel illustrates how the Foster MSCM program empowers working professionals to thrive academically and professionally. From applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges to gaining industry insights and refining leadership skills, the program equips students with the tools they need to excel in demanding careers. Whether balancing an on-campus job or a full-time role, the MSCM program is designed to support students in reaching their career goals while providing a collaborative and enriching learning environment.