Adeline Uwimbabazi

My name is Adeline Uwimbabazi, and I am an alumna of the Master’s in Innovation Management program at PUEB. I currently work as a Logistics Specialist at CEVA Logistics in Europe. Before moving to Europe, I ran a fashion store in Rwanda, where I’m originally from. Throughout my career journey, I’ve become passionate about using business and innovation to make a meaningful impact especially in developing economies like Rwanda. At PUEB, I gained hands-on experience with tools like SAP, SPSS, and business process optimization, which allowed me to confidently step into the international business world. These skills continue to shape my work and my long-term goal to contribute to Rwanda’s economic growth by empowering local businesses with global knowledge.

1. What was the most breakthrough moment in your career?

The most breakthrough moment in my career was studying SAP during my Master’s program in Innovation Management at PUEB. It opened my eyes to how businesses operate on a global scale and gave me the practical knowledge I needed to think differently about how I want to run my own business in the future. That experience completely reshaped my vision and helped me see new possibilities.

2. What has been your biggest professional success?

My biggest professional success was transitioning from owning a fashion store in Rwanda to building a career in logistics in Europe. Today, I work at CEVA Logistics, and every step of this journey has proven that with adaptability, determination, and the right skills, it’s possible to thrive across borders without losing sight of your entrepreneurial dreams.

3. If you could go back to the start of your career with the knowledge you have now, what would you do differently?

If I could start over, I would prioritize learning about systems like SAP, SPSS, and other essential digital tools much earlier. Before coming to PUEB, I didn’t realize how widely these tools are used in Europe and globally. Once I started learning them during my Master’s program, I saw just how powerful they are in running efficient, data-driven operations. I would’ve loved to integrate that knowledge into my early business plans in Rwanda.

4. What’s your recipe for success? What to focus on? What to avoid? What competencies from PUEB helped you most?

For me, success is about staying resilient and keeping your long-term vision alive even when things get hard. Coming from Rwanda, a country that is still rebuilding from a tragic

history, I’ve always felt a strong sense of purpose to grow and give back. PUEB taught me the value of innovation, global business strategy, and systems thinking. The most important skills I gained were critical thinking, working with SAP, and learning how to turn my ideas into practical actions. I’ve learned to avoid distractions and stay consistent with my goals.

5. What advice would you give to current students starting their careers?

Believe in yourself, even if your journey doesn’t look like everyone else’s. Use your time at university to try new things, ask questions, and build real skills that will help you wherever you go. Dream big and don’t let your background limit you. Instead, let it be the foundation for building something meaningful. Stay open to new cultures, new people, and always look for ways not just to succeed, but to contribute.