Andrew Critchley

Country of origin: United Kingdom

Placement: PSA Peugeot Citroen

I chose to complete a placement year in order to gain work experience and improve my future employability once I graduate from Lancaster University. I also felt that a year in industry would assist me in gathering an insight into a career in Logistics.

During my placement year I worked as a Logistics placement student based at the PSA Peugeot Citroen UK Parts Warehouse. Throughout the year I undertook three separate placements two of which were office based and one which was based on the shop floor. I worked in departments such as Parts Distribution and Engineering & Systems.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at PSA Peugeot Citroen. The placement enabled me to learn more about a career in Logistics and the various roles that are available to me once I graduate with the BBA. My placement year enabled me to make new friends and learn first-hand from experienced colleagues. I also appreciated the experience of living in a different part of the UK.

One major benefit of my placement at PSA Peugeot Citroen is that it allowed me to work in several departments. This enabled me to gain a detailed overview of all the processes involved in running an efficient Logistics Operation. I enjoyed having real responsibility and taking on projects that had an impact on the day to day running of the organisation.

I appreciated the assistance of the LUMS careers team as they regularly provided updates of job vacancies throughout my second year at Lancaster University. In addition LUMS also organised a placement preparation week (OWT250) which allowed all placement students to adapt to a typical working week, this was definitely beneficial to allow you to adapt and really prepare for your placement.

I would very much like to work in the Automotive Industry once I graduate from Lancaster University. Whilst working at PSA Peugeot Citroen I regularly attended training courses run by external trainers on topics such as Managing Others and Successful Team Working, these training courses have provided me with a skill set that will be extremely useful both at University and in my future career.