Why Company Days Matter for Future Procurement Leaders
When prospective students evaluate a master’s programme, they often look beyond the curriculum to the practical experiences that will shape their careers. At KEDGE Business School, the MSc in International Purchasing & Innovation Management (MAI) distinguishes itself through its “Company Days” initiative – a series of immersive sessions where leading industry partners engage directly with students. These events bridge classroom theory and real‑world procurement challenges, giving MAI candidates a tangible glimpse into the expectations of today’s global organisations.
Explore the MSc MAI programme and discover how Company Days can accelerate your career in procurement and innovation.
Understanding the MSc MAI Programme at KEDGE
The MSc MAI is designed for graduates who aspire to lead purchasing, supply chain, and innovation functions in multinational corporations. Hosted on KEDGE’s Malta campus, the programme blends rigorous academic modules with hands‑on projects, company visits, and skill‑building workshops. Core subjects include strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, digital procurement, sustainability in supply chains, and innovation management.
What sets the MAI apart is its strong emphasis on experiential learning. Rather than relying solely on lectures, the programme integrates regular interactions with industry professionals, ensuring that students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and the practical confidence to tackle complex procurement scenarios.
What Are Company Days?
Company Days are a hallmark of the MAI experience. Over several weeks in February and March, partner organisations are invited to the Malta campus to:
- Present their company profile, brand strategy, and current market challenges.
- Introduce real‑world case studies drawn from active procurement projects.
- Guide student teams as they analyse the cases, develop recommendations, and present their solutions.
- Offer informal networking opportunities, including after‑work events that often lead to internships or job offers.
This format transforms the traditional guest lecture into a dynamic, two‑way dialogue where students are not passive listeners but active problem‑solvers.
Industry Partners Shaping the 2026 Edition
The 2026 Company Days featured a diverse roster of global leaders, each bringing a distinct perspective on procurement and innovation:
- Air France – discussed the complexities of airline supply chains, focusing on sustainability initiatives and digital ticketing platforms.
- Reckitt – shared insights into consumer‑goods procurement, highlighting the shift toward eco‑friendly packaging and responsible sourcing.
- Henkel – examined adhesive technologies and the role of innovation scouting in maintaining competitive advantage.
- Kraft Heinz – explored food‑industry sourcing challenges, including traceability and volatility in agricultural commodities.
- L’Oréal – detailed beauty‑industry supplier relationships, emphasizing agility and the integration of AI‑driven demand forecasting.
- Lactalis – presented dairy‑supply chain logistics, with a focus on cold‑chain management and waste reduction.
- Chanel – offered a luxury‑sector viewpoint, discussing exclusivity, supplier craftsmanship, and sustainable sourcing of raw materials.
Each partner not only outlined their current operations but also highlighted the macro‑trends reshaping procurement: environmental transition, digital transformation, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
Real‑World Case Studies: Learning by Doing
The centrepiece of Company Days is the hands‑on case study. Students are divided into small teams and tasked with solving a genuine business problem presented by the partner company. Typical challenges include:
- Optimising supplier portfolios under cost‑pressure constraints.
- Designing a circular‑economy model for packaging waste.
- Evaluating the risks and benefits of nearshoring versus offshoring strategies.
- Implementing blockchain solutions for enhanced traceability.
- Developing AI‑based demand forecasting tools for volatile markets.
Teams must consider cost implications, industrial feasibility, supply‑chain resilience, and sustainability metrics before delivering a formal presentation to the company representatives. This process mirrors the decision‑making cycles they will encounter in their future roles.
Learn more about the MAI curriculum and see how case‑based learning prepares you for real procurement challenges.
Student Perspectives: From Classroom to Career
The impact of Company Days is best illustrated through the voices of those who have lived the experience. Marie Lardier, a recent MAI graduate, reflected:
“We had a unique opportunity to take part in a truly dynamic networking and recruitment experience, combining informal exchanges, business case challenges, and after‑work events, where companies came directly to meet us with real opportunities. This event not only made it easier to secure internships and international placements, but also helped us build strong relationships with company teams, gain a better understanding of how they operate internally, and establish genuine trust. It allowed me to land my first job and kick‑start my international career!”
Marie’s testimony underscores how Company Days serve as a catalyst for early career success, transforming academic learning into tangible professional outcomes.
How Company Days Enhance Employability
Participating in Company Days offers several concrete advantages for MAI students:
- Direct Access to Recruiters: Students meet hiring managers and talent acquisition teams in a low‑pressure environment, increasing the likelihood of securing internships or graduate roles.
- Practical Skill Application: The case‑study format requires analytical thinking, teamwork, communication, and presentation skills – all critical competencies sought by employers.
- Industry Insight: Exposure to multiple sectors broadens students’ understanding of how procurement strategies differ across industries, making them more adaptable candidates.
- Network Building: Informal after‑work events foster relationships that can evolve into mentorships, references, or future collaborations.
These benefits contribute to the strong employability statistics reported by KEDGE graduates, with a significant proportion securing positions within three months of graduation.
Applying to the MSc MAI at KEDGE Malta
If the prospect of engaging with industry leaders through Company Days excites you, the next step is to explore the application process. The MAI programme welcomes candidates with a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, economics, or a related field, along with demonstrated interest in purchasing, supply chain, or innovation.
Key application components include:
- Completed online application via the KEDGE portal.
- Academic transcripts and proof of degree.
- A motivation letter outlining your career goals and why you are drawn to the MAI programme.
- An updated CV highlighting relevant experience or projects.
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent) for non‑native speakers.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged to secure a spot in the upcoming intake.
Start your application today and take the first step toward a career enriched by real‑world industry exposure.
Conclusion: Turning Learning into Impact
Company Days exemplify KEDGE Business School’s commitment to delivering education that is both academically rigorous and profoundly practical. By bringing industry partners into the classroom – and, more importantly, bringing students into the heart of corporate operations – the MSc MAI programme ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also ready to drive procurement innovation from day one.
For aspiring procurement professionals seeking a programme that blends theory with genuine business engagement, the MSc MAI at KEDGE Malta offers a compelling pathway. The opportunity to work on live case studies, network with global leaders, and potentially secure early career opportunities makes Company Days more than just an extracurricular activity; it is a integral component of a modern, career‑focused master’s education.
Ready to experience the power of industry‑led learning? Discover the MSc MAI programme and see how Company Days can shape your future in procurement and innovation.
