From Munich to IKEA: Mridul’s Journey, and Why NEC Still Feels Like Home

Dhanvin Vinod
Master Student, New European College – Munich

Introduction

An MBA, an international career, and a new chapter in the Netherlands, but still time to drop by NEC for a chat. When our alumnus Mridul recently returned to see Sascha, the conversation ranged from friends visiting for Oktoberfest to an upcoming meeting at work. Because some things don’t end at graduation: curiosity, good conversations, and feeling part of the family.

Before joining NEC, Mridul worked as a project manager in Oman’s oil industry. His path had come with plenty of challenges, and choosing to study in Munich marked a turning point. He brought determination and valuable experience to the classroom, discovered a passion for logistics while working at Amazon during his MBA, and became one of our standout students. His selection for NEC’s 2026 Best Thesis Award gives us another reason to celebrate his journey.

Today, Mridul is a Fulfilment Operations Day Manager at IKEA in the Netherlands, bringing together hands-on experience and the lessons he learned at NEC. His latest visit reminded us why we love seeing our alumni return: there is always something new to learn, something worth sharing, and someone happy to welcome them back.

We caught up with Mridul to talk about his career, the courage to start before you feel ready, and where curiosity can take you next.

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us what you are doing at IKEA today?

I’m Mridul, an MBA graduate with a background in mechanical engineering and international operations. I currently work at IKEA in the Netherlands as a Fulfilment Operations Day Manager, focusing on daily operations, team coordination, and customer fulfilment.

2. What was your journey like from completing your MBA at NEC to working in the Netherlands?

In between my MBA, I gained experience working at Amazon as sortation associate in Germany and that is when I started loving Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Joining IKEA has given me an opportunity to combine my previous operational experience with what I learned during my MBA.

3. What does your current role at IKEA involve?

My role involves coordinating daily fulfilment activities, supporting co-workers, maintaining safety and quality, and ensuring orders move efficiently through the process. I’m also interested in improving processes and developing training and onboarding.

4. Was there anything you learned during your MBA that you still use in your work today?

Absolutely. The analytical mindset, structured problem-solving, and understanding of operations and people management are particularly useful. I also apply data-driven approaches to identify improvement opportunities. Currently I’m planning to implement the tools I used for my thesis at IKEA for training and process improvements.

5. How did studying in an international environment at NEC prepare you for working at a global company like IKEA?

Studying alongside people from different cultures taught me to appreciate different perspectives, communicate across cultural boundaries, and adapt to different ways of thinking which are all valuable skills in an international workplace.

6. What has surprised you most about working for such a large international organization?

How much collaboration and coordination happens behind the scenes. Even small daily tasks contribute to a much larger process, and every co-worker plays a role in the customer experience.

7. Looking back, what is one thing from your time at NEC that you remember particularly well?

The opportunity to learn from people with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. It broadened my perspective and encouraged me to think beyond my previous experience.

8. What advice would you give to current business students who want to build an international career?

Stay curious, be open to different cultures, and don’t be afraid to start hands-on. Combine what you learn academically with practical experience, and treat every role as an opportunity to learn and grow.

9. If you could give your younger self, sitting in an NEC classroom, one piece of career advice, what would it be?

Don’t wait until you feel completely ready. Be willing to take risks, embrace unfamiliar opportunities, and trust that you can learn along the way.