MSc Economic History, 2011
Senior Manager Global Supply Chain Strategy, Walmart
Please describe your career path to date
As an American, after the LSE, I was granted a post-study work visa and found a job with a data company located in west London. The company had successfully developed an algorithm for ASDA managing store inventory. Interest in this tool grew in the US and I led a small team on an 8 month secondment to open the company's US office to deploy the algorithm in Walmart stores. A year or so later, I accepted my current role with Walmart's Global eCommerce office in San Francisco to design the company's cross-market supply chain product strategy.
Has your career path developed as you planned?
I keep a long-term view of career goals and try not to be too linear about my progression toward them. If the goals become a reference point, the intervening experiences can be invaluable in gaining perspective on what you originally set-out to achieve.
Tell us about your current job
In my job I evaluate the business and supply chain strategies for Walmart's US and international eCommerce markets to gauge - from a software and systems point of view - what functionality and enhancements are required to support future business initiatives.
Why did you choose this job?
My long-term interest is to apply supply chain innovations to global governance challenges and enable broader economic participation.
What do you like most about your job? Is there anything that you dislike?
I enjoy the culture of my office, as it encourages and celebrates innovation. I work on teams that I believe are charting the future of commerce.
Thinking back, why did you choose your degree subject and why did you choose LSE?
I worked in corporate finance from 2008-10 and witnessed the fall-out from the financial crisis. The experience prompted me to explore the economic theories supporting US policies. I became interested in the history of economic thought and LSE had the only dedicated program in this area.
How has your time at LSE helped you so far in your career?
LSE was a year of tremendous intellectual growth. It is rare to be surrounded by folks who think deeply and instinctively and jump into well-reasoned debates. The greatest thing I took from the LSE, which applies to my career, is comfort in forming, defending, and reforming my views.
What advice would you give to prospective or current LSE students?
I would advise prospective or current LSE students to dedicate time understanding where they are heading and, more importantly, why. Their careers thereafter, no matter how menial or challenging work becomes, will retain their purpose with the assurance it is a step toward the future.
Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?
I look back on my experience at the LSE as a great watering of intellectual seeds. More importantly, it was a singular opportunity to make friends from across the globe in the world's truly cosmopolitan city.