07-29-2024
Kazuki Koide, a 2024 graduate of Purdue’s online master’s program in Global Supply Chain Management (MSGSCM), harbors a deep hunger for learning.
He did his undergraduate work at a university in Japan, earning a degree in business administration and starting his career as a sales representative at Mitutoyo America Corporation, a manufacturing company. After being transferred to the United States in 2020, Koide was promoted to purchasing specialist at the company’s Chicago location.
“It was a completely different job than what I had before, so I needed to learned more about supply chain management,” he says. “With the role of purchasing specialist, I had to deal with a lot of data to analyze and make forecasts, so I wanted to have knowledge to deal with that data. And so I started the MITx MicroMaster program.”
After completing the program, Koide felt he needed more tools to succeed, so he chose to pursue an online master degree in global supply chain management at Purdue. Because he had completed the MITx MicroMasters certification, the Purdue Graduate School waived 10 credits towards the degree, leaving him to complete the remaining 20 credits at the Daniels School of Business.
“There were many courses that I was able to learn how to deal with huge datasets using multiple analytics platforms. By learning those skills, I was able to dig deeper into the system that I’m using at my company.” - Kazuki Koide
“I chose Purdue University for three reasons,” Koide says. “First was the variety of courses that are specialized in technologies where I could learn Python, SQL, Excel and other data management skills. The second was the flexibility of the program. I could pursue the whole program fully online, so that fit my busy work schedule. And the third reason was the reputation of the school, not only from the college rankings, but also from the recommendations of my colleagues.”
Koide says the program was particularly helpful in building his data analytics skills, making overcoming challenging projects seem like second nature. Armed with his newfound skills, he drew from courses that empowered him to analyze massive data volumes, transitioning from basic system use to deep insights and making a tangible impact on his role as a supply chain purchasing specialist.
“I was the only Japanese student in my courses, so I tried to bring in a cultural understanding of business and economics in Japan. And I had classmates from all over the world, which gave me a great perspective of supply chain management issues in other countries.” - Kazuki Koide
“There were many courses that I was able to learn how to deal with huge datasets using multiple analytics platforms,” he says. “By learning those skills, I was able to dig deeper into the system that I’m using at my company. Before the course, I was able to run the system superficially, but after learning the language, I was able to improve the system by using that language. That helped me a lot for my job.”
Despite the coursework being online, Koide says he was able to form lasting bonds with members of his cohort. “I was the only Japanese student in my courses, so I tried to bring in a cultural understanding of business and economics in Japan. And I had classmates from all over the world, which gave me a great perspective of supply chain management issues in other countries. We all felt similar challenges, especially as a result of COVID, so dealing with them as a group minimized the stress.”
Today, Koide is enjoying his status as a new Purdue alum and looking forward to continued career growth. “I was recently part of an online alumni dinner in Naperville, Illinois, which was a great opportunity,” he says. “I made some new friends and contacts that will benefit me going forward.”
If you would like to receive more information about pursuing a business master’s at the Mitch Daniels School of Business, please fill out the form and a program specialist will be in touch!
