Former placement student reflects on lessons learned and shares words of wisdom

Nahiyan is a final-year student from Bangladesh, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (with honors) in International Business. Nahiyan was recently a placement student with Cummins Inc. and will be joining us again next year in the Europe Marketing Sales Development Program. Nahiyan gained invaluable experience working from the Huddersfield location, specifically at Cummins Turbo Technologies Ltd. 

While working within the Global Marketing Operations Team, Nahiyan actively supported the communication organization across various Cummins regions. Her role encompassed project management and the overseeing of Cummins collateral and digital asset management. This responsibility allowed Nahiyan the opportunity to employ a multitude of digital marketing tools, in conjunction with Cummins’ exclusive custom tools such as Digital Asset Manager, marketing e-commerce software, and the supplier ordering portals.  
Nahiyan shares the impact of becoming a placement student had on her career trajectory, especially as an international student residing in the U.K. Through her experiences, she garnered key insights, and she passionately recommends the placement opportunity to others on their career journey. During her placement, which began in July 2022, Nahiyan cultivated a proactive mindset, valuing accountability in her personal and professional development. She suggests approaching a placement opportunity with a well-drafted plan and realistic goals, which should be communicated effectively with managers. 

Seizing every opportunity, Nahiyan embraced a range of experiences, from travelling to different Cummins offices in the U.K., to presenting before colleagues, to volunteering on local community projects. She understood the significance of networking, having personally benefited from interactions with industry experts through numerous Zoom meetings and in-person events. These encounters not only bolstered her industry knowledge, but also enhanced her self-confidence and familiarized her with corporate working cultures and norms. 

Emphasizing the importance of balancing career focus with personal passions, Nahiyan encourages taking full advantage of university events and social opportunities during the placement. She also values breaks and effectively utilizing paid time off for personal rejuvenation, including travel, fitness, and exploring new hobbies. Her journey was marked by a commitment to making the most out of the placement experience, fostering enjoyment and fulfillment alongside professional growth. 

Nahiyan highly advocates for placements, citing the extensive support services provided by universities and placement units which facilitate each phase of the placement journey. She believes that the rich and diverse experiences garnered through placements are instrumental in navigating one's career path successfully.