Tec Sonora student wins fellowship to study for master’s at MIT

“Just a few months ago, an image shared by a teacher sparked ambition in me,” said María Guadalupe Córdova, an Industrial and Systems Engineering student at the Tec’s North Sonora campus, as she began to tell her story.

The image announced a fellowship to study for a graduate degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Although it was an opportunity that seemed like a long shot, it was one that María Guadalupe didn’t hesitate to pursue.

With great pride, the student shared with CONECTA that after an arduous selection process, she has become one of five Mexican students to receive the MIT Supply Chain Excellence Award.

“It’s an honor to represent my campus and the Tec at MIT; I want to inspire others not to give up on their dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem,” said the student.

“I’m taking with me the valuable opportunities that the Tec has given me, certain that they’ve prepared me to face any challenge that may arise in the future.”

A journey full of challenges and rewards

María Guadalupe recalled how the COVID-19 pandemic that marked the beginning of her degree at the Tec prompted her to understand the importance of optimization and efficiency in processes, values that guided her on her path to MIT.

Motivated by her experience of carrying out a research stay in Victoria, Canada, focused on this subject, the student saw the fellowship as a sign to pursue her dreams. “I said to myself, ‘Why not give it a go?’” she recalled enthusiastically.

The fellowship selection process consisted of two stages.

The first stage was an internal evaluation at the Tec at the national level, where María Guadalupe stood out for her leadership activities, her international experiences, and her passion for supply chains.

Weeks later, she was informed of her selection to participate in the second stage, a selection made directly by MIT.

“Although recording a video about my journey and passion for supply chains to compete was a challenge, it was also an opportunity to express my determination,” said María Guadalupe.

Gratitude and words of encouragement 

As she is close to graduation, Lupita Córdova expressed her deep gratitude to Tec de Monterrey for the support provided during her education.

The student believes that the comprehensive formation she received at Tec de Monterrey, including the experience of collaborating with local and national businesses and her outstanding participation in social services, provided her with a solid foundation to excel in the selection process.

“The teachers, the experiences, the extracurricular activities, and the support of my family and friends have been fundamental to this achievement,” acknowledged the graduate candidate.

María Guadalupe said goodbye to Tec with the satisfaction of having grown personally and professionally.

“I’m taking with me the valuable opportunities that Tec has given me, certain that they’ve prepared me to face any challenge that may arise in the future,” concluded the engineering student.

About the MIT Supply Chain Excellence Award

The MIT Supply Chain Excellence Awards, which are presented annually, provide financial support and conditional entry to MIT to undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding talent in supply chain management or industrial engineering to study for a master’s degree in Supply Chain Management (SCM).

These students come from institutions that have partnered with the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics to expand graduate study opportunities and advance the field of supply chain and logistics.

This year, MIT’s SCM master’s program has provided over 900,000 dollars in fellowship funds to 35 recipients from 11 schools including Arizona State University, Lehigh University, Penn State University, and Purdue University, as well as Tecnológico de Monterrey as the only foreign institution.

Winning students can use their award by applying to the SCM program after gaining two to five years of professional work experience upon graduation.

Fellowship funds can be applied toward tuition fees for the SCM master’s program at MIT or at MIT Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence (SCALE) network centers in Spain, Malaysia, Luxembourg, or China.

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