Ayush Gupta
Vendor Replenishment Planner, The Kraft Heinz Company
Master of Supply Chain Management
The growing demand for skilled professionals in the supply chain field, coupled with diverse career opportunities across industries, makes it a valuable degree choice, says Ayush Gupta who came to AUT as an international student from India to study a Master of Supply Chain Management.
“My passion for supply chain studies arises from a combination of personal interest, intellectual stimulation, the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, and the potential for personal and professional growth.
“AUT’s Master of Supply Chain Management equips students with industry-relevant knowledge, global perspectives, problem-solving skills and collaboration abilities. It also keeps them updated with the latest technological advancements and promotes continuous innovation. Having a Master of Supply Chain Management provides a competitive advantage in the job market, and prepares you for managing complex supply chains and addressing the challenges of today's interconnected world.”
He wouldn’t hesitate to recommend studying at AUT to other students.
“AUT offers a world-class education with innovative teaching methods, a diverse and vibrant campus life, access to modern facilities and resources, opportunities for industry connections, applied and hands-on learning experiences, a supportive learning environment, research opportunities, a prime location in Auckland, comprehensive career development services, and personal growth and development opportunities. I wholeheartedly endorse AUT and will enthusiastically recommend it to others.”
Supported to thrive
Ayush says he was grateful for the support he received to thrive on his academic journey at AUT.
“As an international student, I faced various challenges including cultural adjustment, language barriers, academic demands, financial pressures, homesickness, social integration difficulties, and navigating visa and immigration regulations. AUT recognised these challenges and the Student Hub team was an unwavering pillar of support for me. They showed great understanding towards my challenges and consistently provided me with the finest resources available.”
He has some great advice for other international students who are only at the start of their university journey.
“Research and prepare before arriving at AUT. This will help you have a smooth transition and be better prepared for your studies. Make sure you attend the AUT Orientation to familiarise yourself with the university and meet fellow students. It's a great opportunity to meet other international students and get to know the university community.
“While you’re at AUT, connect with the support services for your academic, personal and career development. Engage in campus activities and clubs to become part of the university community. Manage your finances by creating a budget, and explore scholarship and job opportunities. Seek financial advice to ensure you can manage your expenses effectively. Finally, embrace cultural exchange and build relationships with both local and international students as this can enrich your experience and broaden your horizons. For example, I loved being the face and ambassador of the AUT Worldwide event and was the first supply chain brand ambassador for my programme.”
Taking on leadership roles
After completing his Master of Supply Chain Management at the end of 2023, Woolworths offered Ayush the chance to demonstrate his skills as an assistant longlife manager, leading a team of 30 people.
“Woolworths celebrated its 100th anniversary, and it was a privilege to be part of its esteemed leadership team, known for its high ethical values. This experience has given me valuable, hands-on supply chain experience at the ground level in New Zealand. The company continuously invested in my professional growth through various training programmes and educational opportunities.
“Additionally, I’ve benefitted from coffee catch-ups with supply chain leaders and had the privilege of being mentored by exceptional leaders such as Stuart Worsnop, Sean McManus, David Thomas and Daniel Stace. Their continuous guidance and insightful feedback have significantly contributed to my development and provided me with invaluable exposure to Woolworths' extraordinary supply chain team. I deeply appreciate the continuous efforts of the Woolworths leadership team in providing me with fair job opportunities, including secondments and permanent roles to align my skillset with the best interests of the business.”
He has recently joined The Kraft Heinz Company in a core supply chain analytics role as a vendor replenishment planner.
“This position has provided me with a valuable opportunity to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams across sales, logistics, demand and supply planning; allowing me to gain a holistic understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes. I manage the largest client portfolio in New Zealand. Guided by exceptional leaders such as Blair Newdick and Degan Rivers, I’m privileged to benefit from their expertise and insights, which have been instrumental in shaping my professional growth. Their mentorship not only enhances my technical abilities but also encourages a deeper appreciation for strategic leadership within the supply chain industry.”
