When faced with recruiting for a new member DFDS decided to trial a new type of employee within the business: a placement student. With their aim of cultivating early career professionals, this decision aligned well with fostering skill development and identifying potential future employees. DFDS saw the benefit of being able to assess candidates in a real-world setting before committing to a permanent hire, a benefit that many employers see when offering placement opportunities. Based on this aim and these benefits, DFDS decided to reach out to Lancaster University Management School’s (LUMS) Careers team to recruit.

George Tandiko, Business Performance Manager with DFDS, has been working with the LUMS Careers team in the recruitment process. About this, George said, “We did not have any target university and, instead, we were open for the right candidate to from any university. We were looking for a second-year student from a STEM background and primarily with knowledge of process optimisation, highly analytical, and a problem solver with knowledge of machine learning. When we received Clive’s application and looked through the course he was doing as well as listed technical skills, we thought he ticked all the boxes.”

One of the key benefits that attracted DFDS to offer a placement was the opportunity for fresh perspectives and enthusiasm. Other benefits placements students typically offer include eagerness to learn, adapt, and can introduce new ideas that align with evolving industry trends. It can also be a strategic move that compliments employers’ broader talent and recruitment goals and can help develop a pipeline for future hires.

To ensure their placement student gained meaningful experiences, DFDS focused on balancing learning opportunities with practical contributions. They focused on the following key areas:

• Clear Objectives & Responsibilities - Defining specific learning goals and aligning them with meaningful tasks ensures the student isn’t just observing but actively contributing. 
• Mentorship & Support - Assigning a mentor or buddy can provide guidance, feedback, and a sense of inclusion. 
• Hands-On Experience - Giving the student responsibility for projects or tasks where they can apply their skills in real-world scenarios fosters deeper learning. 
• Regular Feedback & Development - Scheduling frequent check-ins to assess progress and offer constructive feedback helps refine their abilities. 
• Exposure to Different Departments - Rotating tasks or shadowing various teams broadens their understanding of the business. 
• Opportunities for Innovation - Encouraging them to bring fresh ideas or improvements makes their contribution feel valued. 
• Networking & Professional Growth - Involving them in meetings, training sessions, and industry events expands their professional connections. 
• Reflection & Progress Tracking - Encouraging them to document their learning and development ensures continuous growth. 
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DFDS implemented an induction programme, of this, George said, “To ensure that our placement students have the best experience, we offer them pre-joining Power BI training to allow them to have good understanding of the main data reporting tool that they will be using during the placement. We also set up necessary logistics, such as preparing a safe workstation, IT access, and any relevant software or accounts needed for their role. Having a placement student in our team has provided us with a new set of eyes that inspire creative solutions to our operational challenges. From the wider business perspective, we have seen an increase in data-driven decisions that were results of Clive’s insights.”

Of his placement experience with DFDS, Clive says, “Overall, I am very pleased with the experience here. I have been able to learn a lot of skills as well as apply them. The atmosphere is very welcoming and inclusive to newcomers like me. When working on projects, I have the freedom to decide the approach. I never feel constricted by pressure I and am comfortable to say if a task is too tall for me.”

Following the success of Clive’s placement, DFDS has established an ongoing partnership with Lancaster University to recruit future placement students. They have already welcomed another student to continue the momentum after Clive returns to university in the summer.

For companies considering a placement program, DFDS offers this advice: define your expectations clearly from the outset. A well-structured role ensures students understand their responsibilities and see how their work contributes to the company. Additionally, a thorough onboarding process helps students integrate smoothly and build confidence quickly. 

Most importantly, offer students meaningful work that challenges them and allows them to apply what they’ve learned.

Finally, always keep an eye on whether they could become valuable team members in the future, because today’s placement student could be tomorrow’s key hire. 

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