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…
A Colombian in Cranfield: My journey through aerospace materials
Hi everyone! I’m Mateo Duarte Garcia, an international student from Colombia who recently completed the MSc in Aerospace Materials programme at Cranfield University. Cranfield has been a dream of mine since ...
Researching a market or industry?
We've been running some lunchtime sessions recently on researching markets and industries. Here's a quick a recap for those who took part or a brief introduction for anyone who missed the session. If you need ...
Autonomous Vehicle Dynamics and Control (AVDC) MSc alumnus Johannes Autenrieb on his exciting career in aerospace
Johannes Autenrieb is a Research Scientist at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). He graduated from Cranfield University with an MSc in Autonomous Vehicle Dynamics and Control (AVDC). Here, Johannes reflects upon ...
Search tips for using our online resources effectively
When you begin to search the literature for relevant, good quality academic material, it can feel daunting and, at times, overwhelming. However, it need not be like that. Here are a few ...
How do I reference… analysts’ reports in the APA7 style?
Brokers' and analysts' reports can be invaluable sources if you are researching a company or industry. If you are are using any in your work, you will need to cite and reference them, just as ...
Keen to develop your study skills?
Make sure you have the skills you need to study effectively and make the most of your learning experience at Cranfield. You can use the Study Skills Hub in Canvas to learn transferable life skills ...