According to Gartner, Inc., global supply chain and operations management students have a lot to be proud of — and a lot to look forward to.
Gartner, an information technology research firm, ranked the Moore School’s GSCOM program at No. 12 because of their industry impact, scope, size and starting income. The program has jumped six spots since last year, a bigger growth than any other university, and has expanded from 30 to 450 students in the last seven years.
Chairman of the GSCOM program Manoj Malhotra attributes this recommendation to a rigorous curriculum combined with special opportunities for students.
The top students in the program also have a chance to earn one of 75 Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certifications for executing a project for a corporation affiliated with the Moore School of Business. These certifications are given out through a partnership with Sonoco Products Co.
According to Malhotra, the certification is like an “honors program in a high-profile program.”
Students are also given the opportunity to interact with corporations through internships and real consulting experiences. Malhotra said that this is a way for students to develop relationships with businesses, and he said it pays off when they are looking for a job.
“A big part of what cemented that idea is that business schools ought to be working with businesses,” Malhotra said. “What we’re able to do for them is give them solid training not only through coursework, but also an ability to apply it.”
Malhotra also believes that the success can be attributed in part to the faculty members.
“I think the big success also comes from the fact that we have hired faculty here who do good research. But despite being a research institution, they don’t just come to do research, they come to teach,” Malhotra said. “I think we have a faculty group here who really take students as the true north.”
He also recognized the students’ appreciation for their professors. Malhotra said that members of the advisory board to the school are impressed by the respect the students show.
“That brings a smile to my face because I know how much the faculty cares for the students, and the students know that,” Malhotra said.
But for Malhotra, the real test of the GSCOM program is the money graduates make when they start their first job.
He reflected on teary-eyed parents who wanted to give him a hug at their child’s graduation. His favorite part of his job is seeing this and knowing he played a part in helping someone reach their potential.
“What excites me the most … [is] to be in a position to influence the outcomes of people who come through our university with great hopes and aspirations,” Malhotra said. “What parent doesn’t feel good to see their children developed and has been hired?”
GSCOM graduates earn an average of $65,000 during their first year, and many have gone on to earn more than $100,000 within four years of graduation. Top employers include Amazon, BMW, Coca Cola Bottling, IBM and Rolls Royce.
Companies aren’t the only ones noticing the GSCOM program. Faculty members at USC and other schools have also recognized the work the GSCOM program is doing.
“When I mention the Moore School’s world class supply chain capability to external audiences what surprises me most is how so few know about this truly outstanding center of excellence,” said Moore School Dean Peter Brews in a press release. “This ranking is important recognition and validation of the leading-edge work Professor Malhotra and his colleagues do."
Malhotra does not intend to stop here, however. He is planning to keep the USC GSCOM program heading toward the top.
“We believe that we are actually a top five program in the country. The program size is going up as more people are opting to learn something that will make them more marketable,” Malhotra said. “Everything cannot be captured by rankings. I see rankings as just one data point in validation of what we’re trying to do.”