My Cranfield Journey: A Global Product Development Adventure
20/09/2024
Hi everyone! My name is Salma Aboujaafar, and I’ve just completed my MSc in Global Product Development and Management (GPD&M). I’m Moroccan, but I’m currently based in France, and my studies and professional experiences have taken me on a global adventure.
I chose Cranfield for its prestigious reputation and its strong industry connections. As a double degree student from IMT Nord Europe, the GPD&M course was a perfect fit with my previous studies. I was particularly drawn to its interdisciplinary nature, combining courses in digital engineering, product development, general management, and more.
The GPD&M course was demanding but incredibly rewarding. I loved the hands-on projects, especially the Group Project, which allowed us to tackle real-world industrial challenges. Working with classmates from diverse backgrounds was a highlight, as we brought different perspectives to problem-solving.
A typical day at Cranfield involved attending lectures from 9am to 5pm. After class, I’d relax with friends or focus on assignments. During study weeks, there were no formal lectures, but the workload didn’t let up. Weekends were more relaxed, and I enjoyed exploring nearby cities.
I’m currently completing my master’s thesis research at SNCF Réseau in Paris, which has been a great opportunity to apply my Cranfield knowledge in a practical setting.
Studying in the UK was a fantastic experience. The people are friendly, and the campus atmosphere is perfect for focusing on studies. I loved the Kings Norton Library and the delicious Kebab Truck!
In the future, I aim to pursue a career in the industrial sector, particularly in product development or operations management. I’m also considering pursuing a PhD in the future.
My advice to anyone interested in this field is to be proactive, build connections, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!
Oh, and one more thing: I’m a huge book lover! The UK is a book lover’s paradise, so I took full advantage. I ended up bringing back around 50 books with me!
Categories & Tags:
Leave a comment on this post:
You might also like…
Gear up for the future of vehicle design: Introducing the MSc in Virtual Prototyping for Vehicle Structures (VPVS)
The automotive and motorsport industries are in a constant state of evolution. Light weighting, electrification, and ever-stringent safety regulations are driving a revolution in vehicle design. But this innovation requires a ...
Finding industry profiles in Library resources
When researching an industry; its size, value and performance; competitors, brands and trends in the market etc., we recommend having a look at the following services. These can all be accessed via the SOM Library's ...
Setting up a shared group folder in a reference manager
Many of our students are now busy working on their group projects. One easy way to share references amongst a group is to set up group folders in a reference manager like Mendeley or Zotero. ...
Where are they now? From a Women in STEM scholar to a Sustainability Senior Professional
We recently caught up with Karoline, a previous Women in STEM scholar to find out where her scholarship and Cranfield master’s has taken her. How has Cranfield impacted your career? Studying at Cranfield University ...
Alan Harrison Half-Fee Scholarship 2024/2025 Recipient: A transition from working life back to student life, filled with learning, challenges, and rewarding moments
My first term at Cranfield has been filled with learning, new challenges and rewarding moments. Coming in with only a basic understanding of procurement and supply chain management, I knew the first term would ...
Moving with the times: The ‘new-look’ Cranfield Management MSc
For more than a decade, the Cranfield Management MSc has been at the forefront of management education worldwide. Ranked best Management MSc in the UK for value for money and international student experience by ...