Alumni Success Story - Covadonga De Barutell, MDSC 2024

Alumni Success Story – Covadonga De Barutell, MDSC´24 Alumni and Process Control Specialist at Amazon.

“I saw a great opportunity in this master’s program due to its very practical methodology and its strong connection with professionals and leading companies in the sector”

 

Graduated in Marketing and Market Research, Covadonga decided to take a new direction in her career by enrolling in the Master in Supply Chain Management (MDSC) in 2024. Her time at ZLC marked a turning point, opening the door to new professional opportunities in operations and logistics at companies such as IKEA and Amazon.

Covadonga, you come from a background in marketing and market research. What led you to make the leap into logistics and choose the Master in Supply Chain Management at ZLC?

I have always been curious about understanding how organizations work from the inside, beyond the commercial side. During my time in marketing and market research, I had the opportunity to collaborate on projects where stock management, demand forecasting, and interdepartmental coordination were key. That’s when I realized I wanted to delve deeper into the more analytical and strategic side of business.

I chose the Master in Supply Chain Management at ZLC because it offered a comprehensive view of the supply chain, from planning to distribution. As a student who had only seen logistics from the most basic perspective, I saw a great opportunity in this master’s program due to its very practical methodology and its strong connection with professionals and leading companies in the sector. For me, it represented not only a professional shift but also a way to strengthen my analytical, managerial, and decision-making skills.

The master combines technical training with a very applied managerial approach. How do you remember that experience, and what did it contribute to you professionally?

I remember the master’s program as an intense yet deeply enriching experience. What stands out the most is, again, its practical methodology: from case studies based on real-life situations to group projects with partner companies. The professors not only shared academic knowledge but also offered an up-to-date view of the industry thanks to their professional experience, as many of them came directly from the business world.

Professionally, it helped me develop a structured mindset for solving complex problems and feel comfortable working with data, planning models, and optimization tools. Moreover, the international and multidisciplinary environment at ZLC taught me how to work with people from different backgrounds—something I now consider essential in my day-to-day work.

During the master, you did your internship at IKEA. How was that experience, and what lessons helped you make the jump to Amazon?

My experience at IKEA was extremely valuable for several reasons. First, it was my first opportunity to work directly in the logistics field. Additionally, IKEA is a globally renowned company for its integration of sustainability, efficiency, and customer experience into its logistics management. I worked on projects related to inventory flow optimization—directly connected to inbound logistics and internal process improvement—which allowed me to apply what I had learned in the master’s program in a practical way.

I was also fortunate to align my master’s thesis with a project I was carrying out at IKEA. This enabled me to connect all the new knowledge acquired during the program with my hands-on internship experience. Thanks to that, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between theory and the operational reality of a large supply chain, identifying improvement opportunities and proposing applicable solutions within a corporate environment. This experience helped solidify my interest in process optimization and ultimately led me to my current professional path at Amazon.

I chose to join a company like Amazon because, just like IKEA, it is globally recognized for its outstanding supply chain management and serves as a benchmark for many organizations.

You currently work as a Process Control Specialist at Amazon. Could you tell us what your day-to-day looks like and what types of projects you’re involved in?

My work at Amazon focuses on supervising and optimizing operational processes across fulfillment centers throughout Europe. On a daily basis, I analyze performance metrics, identify bottlenecks, and collaborate with various international teams to implement improvements that enhance productivity—such as process standardization—and ensure operational safety.

I also participate in automation and data analysis projects, where we use machine learning and visualization tools to anticipate potential issues or adjust resource planning. It’s a very dynamic environment, where new challenges arise every day and innovation is an integral part of the work culture.

Amazon is a constantly evolving company. Is there any recent initiative or trend you’re working on that reflects the direction in which the supply chain of the future is heading?

Yes. One of the key areas we’re working on is integrating artificial intelligence into process planning and optimization. This enables faster, more accurate decision-making, reducing costs and improving customer service (for Amazon, the customer always comes first).

Sustainability is also becoming increasingly important in supply chain strategy. At Amazon, we’re driving initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint through the use of renewable energy and recyclable packaging. I believe this combination of technology and sustainability will shape the future of the industry in the coming years.

Looking back, what has studying at ZLC meant to you, and what advice would you give to those considering following in your footsteps?

Studying at ZLC has been a turning point in my career. It allowed me to change professional fields, build a solid foundation in operations management, and—most importantly—gain the confidence to take on new challenges.

I also think it’s important to highlight how adaptable the master’s program was to each student’s personal situation. This diversity allowed the class to share the experience with people from very different backgrounds—students from various academic fields, professionals with years of experience seeking to specialize… there was always something to learn from everyone.

To those considering the program, I would say: make the most of the experience. Get involved in the projects, learn as much as you can from professors and classmates, and stay curious about how every decision within the supply chain impacts the company as a whole. It’s a demanding environment, but a deeply rewarding one that truly opens doors in the professional world.