Sudipta Sikdar: Why I Chose to study a Master of Engineering in Procurement after 22 Years of Industry Experience
Sudipta Sikdar studied first in Open UAS Master level study module Developing Procurement Function and after that he applied to study Master's degree in Procurement. He tells about his studies:
"I currently work as a Global Category Sourcing Manager at Metso, where I have been in my present role for the past six years. I have 22 years of overall professional experience, including extensive experience across operational procurement, contract management, strategic sourcing, and category management.
At this stage of my career, I wanted to return to structured learning, strengthen my academic knowledge, and gain new perspectives that I could connect with my professional experience. Procurement continues to evolve, and I believe that continuous learning is important regardless of how many years of experience we have.
My journey at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences began through the Open University path, where I first completed the Development of Procurement Functions programme. This gave me a very good opportunity to return to studying while continuing my full-time professional responsibilities. It also opened the path for me to continue towards the Master of Engineering in Procurement, and I am very happy and proud to be graduating as part of the first MEng cohort of this programme.
One of the most valuable parts of the programme has been the opportunity to learn from experienced professors and industry professionals. The discussions with lecturers and fellow students from different professional backgrounds brought many practical perspectives into the learning process. The combination of academic knowledge, real business cases, and practical assignments helped me look at familiar procurement challenges from different angles.
The programme has further strengthened my understanding of procurement as a strategic business function that goes beyond price and cost. I have gained new perspectives and tools that I can connect directly with my work, particularly in strategic sourcing, category management, contracting, supplier collaboration, and negotiation.
I would definitely recommend this programme to both experienced professionals and those who are developing their careers in procurement. For anyone who is unsure about starting a full Master's degree, the Open University path can be an excellent first step. It gives you an opportunity to experience the studies and understand how you can balance learning with your professional and personal commitments.
My advice to future students is simple: stay curious, participate actively, and try to connect your studies with real challenges from your own working life. Even after many years of professional experience, there is always something new to learn and a different perspective to discover. For me, this journey has reinforced the value of continuous learning, and I am very pleased that I decided to take this step."