My Cranfield Adventure: From Italy to the Global Manufacturing Stage

Alessia Paoletti, a recent graduate of the Engineering and Management of Manufacturing Systems (EMMS) MSc programme at Cranfield University, shares her transformative academic journey.

I recently completed the Engineering and Management of Manufacturing Systems (EMMS) MSc at Cranfield University. As an Italian student, I chose Cranfield as part of a double master’s degree program with the University of Pisa. I moved to the Netherlands for an internship at Danone before graduating.

Choosing Cranfield was a no-brainer for me. The course offered a unique approach of practical and hands-on experience, which was a stark contrast to my previous academic experiences in Italy. I loved the experience of group projects sponsored by companies to individual research projects. It was a fantastic opportunity to apply my knowledge in real-world scenarios.

A typical day at Cranfield was pretty laid-back, yet incredibly fulfilling. I’d wake up around 8am, grab a cup of tea and some biscuits, and then dive into my studies. I usually studied in my apartment, but I also enjoyed collaborating with my teammates in the library. In the late afternoon, I’d unwind with activities like sports clubs or table football.

One of the highlights of my time at Cranfield was the diverse dining experiences. With international friends, every night was a culinary adventure, featuring dishes from all over the world.

My internship at Danone’s Global Digital Manufacturing Acceleration Team has been a fantastic experience. I’ve been involved in digitising and standardising over 150 manufacturing sites worldwide. In July, I had the chance to visit four different factories in Poland, which provided valuable firsthand experience.

Studying in the UK, particularly at Cranfield, was a truly enriching experience. I had the opportunity to study in a highly international environment, learning not only new technical skills but also different ways of studying, working, and living.

For the future, I’m keen on continuing my international career and working in a consulting firm. I’m eager to learn as much as possible by working on projects in various industries.

My advice to anyone considering studying at Cranfield or pursuing a similar field is to be proactive and seize every opportunity. Cranfield offers a wealth of opportunities for international careers, from interacting with people from different cultures to getting involved in extracurricular activities.