Master's in supply chain management program deepens Ivy Chan's passion for industry

Ivy Chan (MS-SCM '25) started developing an interest in the world of supply chain during her undergraduate studies. After coming to W. P. Carey and beginning the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (MS-SCM) program, her appreciation and interest in supply chain and logistics grew.

Ivy Chan (MS-SCM '25) started developing an interest in the world of supply chain during her undergraduate studies in Taiwan. Inspired by a couple of electives in the subject, she chose to pursue further education.

"I studied transportation management when I was in Taiwan, but it was more focused on traditional transportation, so I didn't find it very interesting," she says. "After that, I chose some elective courses like supply chain and inventory management, which made me think, 'Wow, I like this!'"

After coming to ASU's W. P. Carey School of Business and beginning the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (MS-SCM) program, Ivy's appreciation and interest in supply chain and logistics grew, fueled by the program's innovative and research-backed curriculum.

W. P. Carey News spoke with Ivy about why supply chain is intriguing, how the ASU master’s program fosters a global mindset, and her advice for future students.

Why supply chain management?

Elective courses and a couple of internships during her senior year helped Ivy realize that her passion lies in the world of supply chain and logistics, and pursuing the MS-SCM has solidified that by showing her how logistical problems are solved and the impact it has on the world.

"My undergrad wasn't close to supply chain, so I didn't fully understand everything when I was doing my internships," she says. "After I came to ASU and I started taking the courses, I found that everything combined together, and it helped me realize how that process goes."

During the program, Ivy has discovered how supply chain management often involves working with incomplete or imperfect data or information, which can make the challenge of coming up with a solution that much more rewarding.

"One of the courses is Supply Chain Design and Cost Management, and the professor asked us to visit a company and talk to the CEO so we know how the company works," Ivy says, speaking of an example. "We cannot get the real data, which causes us to struggle a lot. It makes us have to really dive deep into each category to solve this problem."

She adds, "We spend a lot of time, but it's worth it to do it."

Why W. P. Carey?

The Department of Supply Chain Management at W. P. Carey is highly ranked for both graduate and undergraduate programs, which attracts students like Ivy from around the world who want a top education with the benefits of a large, innovative university like ASU.

One such benefit is the diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and nationalities of students in programs like the MS-SCM. The supply chain industry is inherently a global industry, and Ivy speaks highly of how talking with her classmates has better prepared her for her future career.

“Maybe we want to solve a problem, but maybe this strategy cannot work in this country, or it's working in the US, but not working in India,” she says. “I was able to get to know more cultures.”

She adds, “Globally, we need to consider more about international logistics, like how the tariffs really impacted and related to each other. We learn more about other aspects, like finance, cost, and how this impacts supply chain in a global way.”

Located at ASU’s West Valley campus, the MS-SCM experience is unique compared to others. Ivy enjoyed the “quiet” environment of the campus, which was conducive to studying. The campus location situates students in close proximity to many of the West Valley’s logistics operations. Also nearby, the school’s Knight-Swift Logistics Lab connects students with hands-on learning experiences and innovative research.

What's next?

Ivy will graduate with her MS-SCM in December and is currently focusing on a future in logistics and operations, which appeals to her love of data. But she also has dreams of starting her own business back in Taiwan, perhaps drawing on her love of food to open a boba tea shop.

Throughout her time at ASU, Ivy has taken advantage of the opportunities available to students, like extracurricular events, student clubs, and organizations. She recommends this to any future students to enhance their W. P. Carey experience and build upon what they learn in the classroom.

“I encourage them to attend more events, like some business clubs provide,” she says. “They sometimes invite speakers from the industry, and we can learn from them. Also, for business students, I encourage them to join more case competitions, because it helps you learn to brainstorm in a short period of time.”

“Maybe some people think, ‘oh, the course is not really intensive,’ but you can explore more on your own. It's not forced by other people. You need to proactively attend a lot of things, because you create your own opportunities.”