Iegor Galushko

Country of origin: Ukraine

Placement: UBS

A placement year is a great opportunity to gain first hand industry experience and helps to identify professional interests and paths for future career development. During my placement year I worked in the Product Team of an Asset Management firm who are responsible for managing the product lifecycle of mutual investment funds.

I had the opportunity to participate in new funds establishments, fund closures and re-organisations. It was a project management role so I had the opportunity to work with different teams and people from various areas of the business such as investment, operations, compliance, legal, etc. At the beginning of the placement year I was mostly helping and participating in existing projects with experienced team members, but closer to the end I had chance to lead small projects independently and coordinate the work of people much more senior than me.

My placement was a great time for maturing, learning not only financial and technical points of the job, but many behavioural aspects and developing in a professional and quite conservative industry. London is a perfect city to live in and do a placement, so this was another positive part of doing my placement. It was a real pleasure to work with experienced people who helped me to develop both professionally and personally which will assist me in my future career whichever industry I choose for further development.

I enjoyed working in the “city” - experiencing the dynamic atmosphere of one of the main financial districts in Europe and of course other perks such as being a part of sociable teams, having a couple of pints with colleagues after work and getting the chance to go to Zurich for a first small business trip.

LUMS Careers team were very helpful and significantly supported me in looking for my placement. It was quite challenging for me to find a placement job as I was doing my exchange program during second year of studies. The Placements Manager helped me to draft my CV in a professional manner, supported in looking for a placement, answered many questions and gave numerous useful advises. Still I advise search for the placement opportunities beyond the list of companies promoted through LUMS Careers (especially if you are looking for a place in financial services).