Thamonwan Poungdee

Country of origin: Thailand

Why did you choose to study at LUMS?

I chose Lancaster because of the Digital Business, Innovation and Management (DBIM) program, which emphasises Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and other emerging technologies within the Innovation and Management curriculum. I found these skills to be essential in the current hiring market trend.

What was the best thing about your course?

The modules, coursework, and visiting external speakers helped me get ready for a very competitive job market.

Who inspired you most at LUMS and why?

My diverse classmates from around the world broadened my perspectives and provided me with valuable insights through different career experiences and international business practices.

Did you do a project, placement or study abroad? What did this involve, and what did you gain?

I worked on a startup project as my dissertation project, and it cultivated a strong entrepreneurial mindset and deepened my understanding of real-world business dynamics.

Describe your time at LUMS in three words.

Enjoyable. Rewarding. Memorable.

What are your best memories of your time at Lancaster?

Apart from the classroom time, the Fujitsu Hackathon is one of the best memories I have of my time at Lancaster. Not only was it a highly competitive and fun event, but it also offered me an opportunity to apply what I had learned to real-world challenges.

What are the best things about living in the Lancaster area?

Lancaster is a peaceful city. The location is great, and it’s easy to travel to many nearby cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Edinburgh.

What impact did scholarships or funding have on your degree experience?

As an international student, the cost of living abroad carried significant expenses. However, scholarships awarded by the university offered me more financial flexibility to explore new things in the UK.

Which parts of your Lancaster experience were the best preparation for your job?

The modules and coursework equipped me with key critical thinking skills, helping me to better understand real-world business environments.

What impact has your Lancaster experience had on your career?

My experience at Lancaster University, a leading university in the UK, along with the skills I developed throughout my course, has positioned me as a strong candidate in the job market.

Is there anything else about your LUMS experience that you'd like to share with us?

It was one of the most impactful years of my life.