While Bath alumna Natasha Sebunya thrived off the complexities that her career in law provided, she found herself naturally being drawn towards the problem-solving skills required of operations management.
Having decided to pursue a relevant MSc at Bath, she now works as the supply chain officer at the United Nations World Food Programme where she helps to ensure the efficient distribution of critical resources for humanitarian and development programmes globally.
Read Natasha's story below.
Why did you choose to study at Bath?
I chose to study at the University of Bath because of its strong reputation, high ranking and academic excellence – especially in Management. The MSc programme offered a perfect blend of academic rigor and practical application in a diverse setting, which is exactly what I was looking for.
Another major factor in my decision was the location. I fell in love with Bath on my first visit. The city is absolutely stunning, with its Georgian architecture, the famous Roman Baths and endless little cafés. It isn’t just picturesque – it’s welcoming! This was a big part of what convinced me that Bath was the right place for my next chapter.
Did you have a particular career in mind when you chose your course?
Yes, I did. Before I enrolled at Bath, I completed a law degree at the University of Kent. It was a field that fascinated me: dealing with complex issues and understanding how rules and regulations shape our world. But as I looked toward my future career, I started to realise that I was drawn more to the operational side of organisations – particularly how things function behind the scenes, making decisions that impact everything from production to logistics. It was a bit of a pivot from law, but it felt like a natural next step.
I was increasingly interested in understanding how organisations could optimise their resources, reduce inefficiencies and create systems that allowed them to run smoothly and profitably. That’s when I made the decision to pursue the MSc Management and ended up specialising in operations management. Bath is where my passion for supply chain management began.
Can you tell us about your experience of studying here?
When I think back to my time at the University, a few things stand out immediately. Of course, there was the challenging course work, late-night study sessions and group projects, but what really made the experience unforgettable were the people I met, the beautiful city I lived in and the skills I gained along the way.
From day one, I was welcomed with open arms by fellow students, professors and locals. Bath has an energy that makes you feel like you are part of something much bigger: a global community of thinkers, doers and future leaders. Whether I was grabbing coffee at one of the local cafés, chatting with friends on campus or just doing my favourite things, such as sightseeing and strolling along the river Avon, it had a way of making me feel grounded and connected. It’s a city that will always hold a special place in my heart.
What was your experience as an international student studying in the UK? Do you have any advice for others?
I moved to Canterbury, Kent from Uganda for my undergraduate degree and being an international student was both challenging and rewarding. It was overwhelming navigating the practicalities of student life in a new country, getting used to the weather, different teaching styles and, of course, making sure I didn’t let homesickness (missing my family) get the best of me. However, it pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t expected; I learned to embrace uncertainty and adapt quickly. There was a real sense of independence that came with living and studying in a foreign country; it taught me a lot about resilience, problem solving and time management. It was incredibly rewarding to meet people from all over the world: fellow students who brought diverse perspectives and experiences that enriched my understanding of global business.
My advice to students would be to embrace the challenge; be open to new perspectives and get involved in campus life (attend student events, join clubs and network with both fellow students and professors). This will make their experience richer.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Reach out for support, whether that’s from the University’s student services, your professors or fellow students.
Describe your career journey since graduating.
I've been blessed to work with amazing people in different roles across Africa and the Middle East, doing what I love and contributing to multinational organisations. After graduating, I began my career with Lafarge in East Africa, progressing through various procurement roles and ultimately becoming the regional head of procurement, where I led efforts to streamline operations and optimise procurement processes across the region.
I also served as the chief procurement officer for a telecom startup, Orange Uganda Ltd, and was responsible for establishing and managing legal, procurement and administration systems to support the company’s growth in a highly competitive industry.
Eventually, my family and I moved to Dubai, where I then took on the role of senior strategic sourcing leader at General Electric Power, overseeing the strategic sourcing function for the Middle East and Africa.
I’m currently serving as the head of supply chain with the United Nations World Food Programme’s Fast IT and Telecommunications Emergency and Support Team (FITTEST) in Dubai. In this role, my day typically involves overseeing the entire supply chain process – from customer service and warehousing to logistics and delivery – ensuring the efficient distribution of critical resources for humanitarian and development programmes globally.
How did your studies help to develop you, professionally and/or personally?
I came to Bath with a strong interest in management, but specialising in operations really opened my eyes to the complexities and innovation happening in the business world. The coursework was challenging but rewarding, pushing me to think critically about how organisations operate and how to optimise resources and implement sustainable strategies that drive efficiency and success.
I learned everything including supply chain management, finance, marketing and project management and data analysis. I remember deep diving into case studies that provided real-world insights into how large organisations tackle complex problems. This not only honed my problem-solving abilities but also gave me a deeper understanding of team dynamics and how to address challenges from a managerial perspective. These experiences were vital in shaping my ability to think strategically and work effectively in diverse group settings.
What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about studying your course at Bath?
I highly recommend the MSc Management course at Bath for anyone looking to build a solid foundation in business management while benefiting from a diverse, globally recognised and comprehensive programme. It offers a great balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, which is invaluable in today’s fast-paced business environment.
If you're looking for a course that equips you with the practical tools, a global perspective and leadership skills to thrive in a management career, this is the perfect choice.
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