The Master is a very enriching and intense program in terms of content and people

Camilla Agostinho, ZLOG Alumni 2011 and Supply Chain Coordinator at Doctors Without Border (MSF). See Linkedin profile

Back in 2010, after having worked as a Logistics Design Coordinator in DHL for a couple of years, you embarked on an exciting journey, enrolling as a ZLOG student. How did this experience impact your future ambitions?

It was a life-changing experience for me. I was looking for a career change from private to humanitarian sector and the ZLOG program opened so many doors! Through the Master I was introduced to one of the most recognized humanitarian organizations, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), which I have been working for since my graduation.

Reading your resume, we realize that studying the MIT Zaragoza Master in Supply Chain was just a starting point to further your career in the humanitarian logistics field, specifically working for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) as Supply Chain Coordinator. How did you become interested in joining the team? When did you first become aware of the organization?
I was working for DHL Supply Chain, but looking for a change in my career. At that moment I was aiming to do a Master and, at the same time, had the dream to work with humanitarian logistics. So I researched about the best master programs that had a humanitarian component and MIT Zaragoza appeared as an excellent option in terms of reputation, content, network, etc. After exchanging emails with the ZLOG Director I learned that MIT Zaragoza was starting a partnership with Doctors Without Borders (MSF), so that seemed a perfect opportunity for me. It resulted that I was admitted to the Master and got a scholarship from Doctors Without Borders (MSF), and just after graduating I had already a job position at MSF!

For a few years now, you have a settled way of life in Barcelona, Spain. However, working for Doctor Without Borders (MSF) automatically implied a move to Africa and Latin America occasionally. In which crisis regions have you worked on missions, and what were your experiences there?

I have been mainly in Africa where, unfortunately, there are several crisis countries. The ones that impacted me the most were South Sudan, North Sudan and Ethiopia. The lack of basic structure, education level and culture gap were challenges for me. I learned to lower expectations and to adapt to what I encountered.
And my experiences were various! I did forecasting, process mapping, trainings, audits, and even stock-takings or truck loading! One of the nice aspects of working for MSF is that you are exposed to the entire supply chain, and to different levels of capability, so the work ranges from leading a project, to doing hands-on work!

Doctors Without Borders is an organization which aims to respond to an immediate humanitarian crisis and provide lifesaving medical humanitarian care in underserved areas. How important is the role of Supply Chain Coordinator to accomplish its mission? What have you gained from this career path?

A Supply Chain Coordinator addresses operational supply needs of more than 20 missions that mean ensuring the missions get their medicines on time and in full, with zero waste. However the goal is not to make profit, but saving lives.
I gained experience dealing with complex situations and very volatile environments such as emergency strikes, increased government regulations leading to complicated importation process, unstable demand, lack of transportation options, high employee turnover. These are challenges that big companies start facing now that they expanding their operations to low income countries.

What is one piece of advice you would like to give to students as ZLC Alumni?

The Master is a very enriching and intense program in terms of content and people. My advice is to profit the most, with a good balance between studies and social life. In addition to being opened to supply chains in different sectors and being tuned to new trends when pursuing a job!