Smooth Operator: Alum Abiy Eshetu Puts Supply Chain Management Education to Work
Abiy Eshetu (MET’19)Industrial Manager, Pratt & Whitney
MS, Supply Chain Management; Concentration, Logistics Management
This interview was originally published in fall 2019. Abiy now holds the position of Industrial Manager at Pratt & Whitney.
What attracted you to BU over other schools? Particularly, why did you choose MET?
BU has a reputable project management program. However, once I started, I realized that the Supply Chain Management program is more aligned with what I wanted to do. So, I switched to SCM and never looked back.
In terms of your overall educational experience, what stands out most about the MS in Supply Chain Management program at BU MET?
The program offers a good balance of theoretical concepts with real and practical applications. The professors have many years of industry experience and enjoy sharing both the positive and negative aspects of the topic under discussion.
What do you find most fascinating about your area of study? Do you have a particular focus within the broader area of supply chain management?
My area of study was Logistics Management. I find it fascinating how much we, as a nation, depend on international trade and the logistics associated with each transaction, yet as consumers we are oblivious of what it takes to have the products at our front door.
How do you use the concepts you learned in your courses at BU MET in your current job?
While there has not been a work situation where I have referred to my textbooks, the overarching message of operational efficiency, designing better-quality systems, objective analysis, and data-driven decision-making are recurring themes that link concepts to my current job.
Is there a particular course or project that enhanced your experience in the MS in Supply Chain Management program?
The courses that most enhanced my experience in the program are Quantitative and Qualitative Decision-Making (MET AD 715), Quality Management (MET AD 734), Operations Management: Business Process Fundamentals (MET AD 605), and International Trade and Logistics (MET AD 760).
In what ways were faculty available to you as a resource? Is there a particular faculty member who enhanced your experience at BU MET? Who and why?
Dr. John Maleyeff is one of the best educators in all my academic experience. He has extensive industry experience and a teaching method that breaks down complex subjects so topics can be understood. He loves and enjoys teaching. He has always been accessible. I never waited more than 12 hours to get a response to an email. Educator of the year!
Are there any specific skills or competencies you acquired during your studies that resulted in a tangible benefit to your career?
I was able to transfer into the supply chain organization with a title change.