Fidel Santos, MLOG 2005

by Becky Schneck-Allen

Fidel Santos, MLOG 2005, works for Bristol-Myers Squibb as an Associate in the Leadership Development Program of its Technical Operations division.  This division of BMS manages all the operations of the company including supply chain, manufacturing, etc.   The Leadership Development Program is a two-year rotational program comprised of four rotations: Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Technology and Quality.

Q: As an Associate in the company’s Leadership Development Program, what

kind of work are you doing at Bristol-Myers Squibb?

Fidel: I joined BMS in July 2005. After spending 8 months in the Supply Chain department, I am now at a BMS pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Puerto Rico getting exposure to different aspects of its activities: supervision of manufacturing teams, production planning and scheduling, process improvement projects, quality laboratories organization and efficiency improvement, etc.

My concentration in the rotational program is Supply Chain, and I will eventually return to that department in a managerial position. My mentor through the program is the Vice President of Supply Chain. The idea is to get a cross-functional international experience that I can then use later when I come back to the supply chain department.

Q: What has been your career path both before and after you attended MLOG? 

Fidel: Before attending MLOG, I spent 5 years working internationally (mainly in Europe and Latin America) in strategic planning and supply & trading for the energy/petrochemicals industry.   Since graduation from MLOG, I’ve been with BMS – first at BMS Headquarters in New Jersey and now in Puerto Rico.

Q: What was the most valuable asset you gained through the MLOG program?

Fidel: I gained a world-class education in supply chain management and logistics, as well as general leadership and managerial skills.  Through the program, I established a strong foundation of the core disciplines and was also taught how to dive comfortably into the more strategic and managerial subjects. In addition, MLOG provided me with:

• a comprehensive, “big picture” view of the supply chain and logistics field;
• access to all of MIT’s educational resources and impressive faculty made up of world-renowned experts in their fields;
• international exposure through the international character of the program and the institute;
• access to many recruiting opportunities;
• and exposure to a highly stimulating community both in the academic and personal aspects.

Q: How did graduating from MLOG help you find a job after graduation?

Fidel: MLOG is a highly regarded degree in many companies, and the MIT name also opens many doors.  In addition, MLOG offered many recruiting opportunities and access to first-class companies and contacts within the industry.   Also, the program gave me the knowledge base I needed to face the interview process with technical proficiency and personal confidence. 

Q: How does your MLOG education impact the way you currently do your job?

Fidel: First and foremost, MLOG provided me with a general framework that allowed me to become a more effective and successful manager.   The program gave me the tools I needed to deal effectively with problems throughout the company, but specifically to contribute fresh and innovative ideas in supply chain.   And the program gave me the confidence to not fear complexity.  Now when I face new challenges in my current job, I am better equipped for problem-solving and strategizing.

Q: What would you say to a prospective student thinking about joining the MLOG program?

Fidel: It is an excellent opportunity to become a world-class expert in the expanding field of supply chain management and to gain leadership and managerial skills that will allow you to assume leading positions in many fields.  The program is well-designed and offers you the flexibility to concentrate your studies in your interest areas, after you acquire the core knowledge.  And since it’s only a 9-month program, MLOG allows you to maximize your time out of work.  You will get value out of every day in the program.