Jengiz Bagdatlioglu

Country of origin: United Kingdom

Placement: Lucite International

I made the decision to take a placement year for the same reason I chose to attend one of the best Management Schools in the UK; to get a graduate job. I also did not know what function of business I wanted to work in and in which industry, therefore in order to answer these questions, and potentially gain a graduate job before starting my final year, I decided to take a placement.

My role has been exceptionally diverse, as the placement year has consisted of four 3 month ‘mini’ placements in four different departments. Projects I have worked on include; digital marketing activities of search engine optimisation and website improvements, data analysis, trademark law, CRM, market research, and reporting.

Before I started my placement search I did not have a lot of knowledge on Lucite International so I did not know what to expect with my placement but I found it incredibly challenging and rewarding experience. The interaction with different employees from Global Director level to Sales Professionals out in the field made it a very diverse placement. With this the structure was incredibly intense as I had only 3 months in each department to learn quickly, and produce work to make an impact and leave a legacy.

Throughout the year I most enjoyed spending time in the different departments, and within them, experiencing different styles of management, seeing the unique ways the business work, but also the way they share common values which are inherent in all Lucite International businesses. The variety of work was also a pleasure as it meant no two days were the same.

In terms of preparation the LUMS Careers Team were very helpful from the end of my first year. The Management 150 module had several sessions detailing aspects of the application process and interview techniques, and at the end there were mock interviews (with actual companies) and assessment centres available for practising. These were very helpful for my placement, and graduate job, search.

I am very happy to say that I will be returning the Lucite International as a graduate! The greatest skills I gained on placement are all around tacit knowledge; knowing who the best person to talk to for moving a project forward, where to find information, and securing buy-in for implementing changes and ideas. These skills will be essential to succeeding as a graduate.