Portrait photograph of: Matt Swart

Matt Swart

Country Of Origin: South Africa, United Kingdom

Degree: BSc Marketing Management (Industry), 2017


Brand Management Graduate, The Body Shop


Why did you choose to study at LUMS?

I chose to study Marketing at LUMS because it was the oldest and most prestigious Marketing Department in the UK sitting within Top Business Schools which was highly accredited and well-known within the business sector for developing top quality graduate talent.

What was the best thing about your course?

The best element of my course was definitely the opportunity to take a placement year, which has really allowed me to put what I had learnt on my course into practice whilst also giving me great drive, experience and perspective when returning to Lancaster for my final year of study.

Did you do a project, placement, study abroad? What did this involve and what did you gain?

I completed a placement year with L’Oréal during my degree which extremely enhanced my LUMS experience. It did not just enhance my practical understanding of marketing and business, but allowed me to be exposed to an international organisation’s people, practices and strategies. It allowed me to become more business aware, critical thinking and ambitious in my drive to succeed in my final year studies and future post-University career. I was lucky enough to be offered a Graduate Role at the end of my placement year with The Body Shop International which ensured I could focus solely on my studies in my final year.

Describe your time at LUMS in three words:

Thrilling, challenging, rewarding.

What are your best memories of your time at Lancaster?

The opportunity to meet a diverse range of students from across the globe stood out as my best memory of Lancaster. It was an opportunity to be exposed to different cultures, languages and personal experiences which enhanced my understanding of the world from a more global, informed perspective. The business world is increasingly global with companies favouring international outlooks and exposure and having had the opportunity to study with such a diverse cohort helped me understand a range of successes, challenges and attitudes of the modern day, complex world.

What are the best things about living in the Lancaster area?

Lancaster is a cosy city which mixes modern life with historic architecture. There are delicious independent restaurants which would please the most international of a palate, beautiful natural scenery just a 5 minute walk from the centre of town and friendly, Northern hospitality that cannot be faulted.

Which parts of your Lancaster experience were the best preparation for your job?

My placement year experience was definitely the best preparation for my future job as it gave me industry specialised business experience and expertise to reference in my final year of study. Being an active Exec Member of LUMS societies and a part-time job within the LUMS careers department both allowed me to explore areas of interest in greater detail whilst also exposing me to a variety of people and tangible skills.

What impact has your Lancaster experience had on your career?

Lancaster has catapulted me towards successes in both my professional and personal life! LUMS gave me the tools and expertise in the Marketing sphere of business to really go out into the business world and conquer all my ambitions. I believe my degree taught me and so many of my peers to dream big and seize any opportunity that there is for further professional and personal development.