Company site visits
We have built connections with a variety of businesses, who host our masters students for site visits. It's a great opportunity for you to see behind the scenes and get real-world experience.
Connecting classroom insights with industry experience
Recently, our postgraduate students swapped their laptops for high vis jackets, heading out for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes day at a major distribution centre for B&Q, the UK’s leading home improvement and garden living retailer.
With an expanding network of over 300 stores across the UK and Ireland, B&Q’s supply chain is a massive, high-tech operation. Our students got the opportunity to see exactly how it all works.
The Day at a Glance
Accompanied by our lecturers, Dr Erica Ballantyne and Dr Merve Keskin, students travelled to the Doncaster facility for a day of hands-on learning.
Hosted by the General Manager at GXO Logistics, the day started with a presentation breaking down B&Q’s day-to-day operations, supply chain strategies, and the live logistical challenges they face.
Students were then split into small groups, and could explore the warehouse floor, tracking a product's journey from the loading docks right through to the automated sorting areas. There was then a relaxed networking lunch, giving students invaluable time to chat, ask questions, and build connections with the team at GXO Logistics.
The day was a chance for students to build their professional networks, see the latest logistics tech in action, and connect the dots with what they’ve been learning in their modules.
What our students thought of the visit
Bringing Textbooks to Life
"It was incredible to see how everything works so systematically, especially the massive racking and the way goods move through the building. We spent a few hours following a product's journey from the huge loading docks all the way to the automated sorting areas. It was fascinating to see how they use high-tech systems to manage thousands of items with such accuracy... It was a brilliant way to see what we've been learning in class actually happening in the real world!"
A New Perspective on Modern Business
"One of the best parts of the trip was seeing how a giant like B&Q balances massive efficiency with a real commitment to sustainability. I’m walking away with a much deeper understanding of how UK companies prioritize continuous improvement alongside employee well-being, diversity, and safety. It’s given me a whole new perspective on how to lead a modern, ethical, and efficient business."
Career Advice from the Experts
"Before the trip, the University sent us detailed safety notices and a clear schedule, which helped calm my nerves. During the visit, the hospitality was excellent. What I appreciated most was the explanation and advice from the professionals at B&Q. They didn't just show us the machines, they took the time to give us career advice and shared their personal tips on how to be successful in the industry. We also got free meals and refreshments to keep our energy up!"
Why Choose Sheffield for Your Masters?
When you choose a postgraduate degree at Sheffield University Management School, you are choosing a launchpad for your career.
Studying at the University of Sheffield has given me more than just a seat in a lecture hall. What I’ve gained here isn’t just a degree, it’s a clear vision for my future career. If you’re considering this course, you won't just be sitting in a classroom... At Sheffield, you don’t just study the future of supply chains, you actually go out and walk through it.
Ni Putu Ariva Satyani
Logistics & Supply Chain Management MSc