From Pharmacy to Supply Chain: How I Won a Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship to Study at the University of Manchester

My name is Alvina, and I am a pharmacist from Indonesia. I focused on supply chain management, especially in the pharmaceutical supply chain, and this motivated me to take an MSc in Operations, Projects and Supply Chain Management at the University of Manchester.

Chevening Scholarships Details

I got the Chevening Scholarships, a fully funded scholarship by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I also offered Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, a fully funded scholarship to pursue a master's/PhD degree at selected universities in New Zealand, funded by the New Zealand Government

Educational Background

While this sounds unrelated to the master's degree, my academic background gave me the foundation to start my career in pharmaceuticals, and later started my experience in supply chain-related and health/pharma

How Did You Find Information About Chevening Scholarships and the University of Manchester?

I searched for my major and field first in the research paper and in the courses offered by the university. After that, I started to check the scholarship mission and bilateral programs with my country. This process ensured that I defined where I want to study, which aligns with my need for knowledge and future plan, before I am sure to apply for the scholarship. Doing it the other way around, e.g., adjusting yourself for the sake of scholarship, will cause much confusion in your application, and you will end up creating many essays!

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes, I have taken both the TOEFL iBT and IELTS. I first improved my English through daily conversations, movies, and speaking with friends. Later, I took formal IELTS and Academic English courses, which strengthened my skills and eventually led me to earn an IELTS teaching certification. I have taken the IELTS twice due to score expiry and scholarship requirements, and teaching the exam also helped me refine my own test strategies.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarships?

Research, research, research. See their mission and what type of scholars they are looking for. Start writing the essay and keep revising! Give yourself several days before you start rechecking your essay, and ensure that you have several people help with proofreading it. At the end of the day, you’re basically pitching yourself, so it has to feel real, convincing, and true to who you are.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing English?

While Indonesia is a non-English-speaking country, we had an English course at school from elementary school through university. There were no academic struggles, as the lecturer spoke very clear English with a neutral accent.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Knowing the link between your educational background, work experience, and future plans, find a scholarship that aligns with your mission. What makes it stand out is the relevance of the major and future highlighted with the scholarship mission and collaboration programs between the UK and my country.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

I got rejected 7 times before I learned what I really want. Take time for researching, when you feel like you need to take any courses, then that’s a cue to do deep research, find your niche and the sense of urgency of why you want to take a higher degree. Check and research well before you choose universities

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Know yourself, find the link between the past, present, and future. Create keywords that reflect those and put them in the essay. Have a thorough read and research into the bilateral program between the UK and your country (for Chevening); we can contribute so much more than by limiting ourselves to this. Just because it is a sustainability program doesn’t mean it does not need an expert in finance or international relations!