Ishmam Yaseen Taha

• Year of study: Third year (2025/26)

When I started researching studying in the UK, I found out about the University of Northampton and my heart was set on attending so I chose to study BA International Business Management with an optional placement year. I had multiple factors for my ideal university but here are some of the reasons I chose the University of Northampton.

Location: Northampton has easy access to prominent cities such as London, Birmingham, Coventry, Milton Keynes, and Leicester, and there are good transport links via train, bus, and road. This means I have a window of opportunity, whether it’s job opportunities or attending networking events, which is significant for an early-career starter like me. It also enables me to explore, whether it’s sightseeing at historical locations or shopping at festivals. The town is a very close-knit community with a rich history. It’s quite lively but not too chaotic, which matched my vibe.

Cost: the tuition fees were affordable, and with a generous 30% scholarship as an international student, it was a no-brainer for me to choose this University. Also, the cost of living in Northampton is affordable, with reasonably priced student housing located across the town, offered by both the University and private landlords.

Funded study trips: as part of the course, I was able to go on funded overseas study trips. In the first year we went to Spain and in the second year we went to Turkey. These trips gave me practical insights into the daily operations of an international business, as well as the opportunity to network with various individuals. In Turkey, we had a seminar with the students of Yalova University, enabling us to create new connections. The world is globalising continuously so it’s important to interact with a vast range of other people, professionally and socially. The study trips provided the opportunity to meet people from different cultures, including developing the habit of researching professional etiquette before going on a professional trip abroad.

My career goal is to work in supply chain management or marketing, ideally in a job that allows me to travel as travelling is my hobby. My course will help my career and personal development when I graduate as it leaned heavily on understanding the cultures of other countries and how to deal with them in a business setting. This allowed me to seamlessly adjust to my internship as I already knew how to work within a British workplace culture – as a Bangladeshi student, that meant I got along easily with my colleagues.

The internship was a year-long placement at Northampton Signs as a Marketing Executive Intern, which formed part of my course. During this role I:

• improved the company website by learning WordPress, using AI-assisted coding and applying SEO techniques through Google Search tools
• helped improve the website’s average search position from 58 to 24 and increased impressions from 58 to 701 at peak
• supported the generation of website leads
• created and managed the company’s social media presence
• produced digital content including project posts, videos, PR material and signage process content
• supported Northampton Signs’ campaign for the Sign Industry Awards 2026, in which the company was a finalist for Best 3D Signage for the first time in its history
• successfully secured a contract worth £7,000 to do the signage for an exhibition centre in London.

A major part of my role is exploring how AI can improve business processes by supporting website development, SEO, supplier research, sourcing signage components, and internal workflow improvements. I’ve also helped develop a leave management system, saving the company money by not using outside software and contributing to product development for a new LED signage solution.

As my role has grown, I’ve taken on wider responsibilities including quoting projects, sourcing materials, preparing job sheets, applying for permits, supporting surveys and assisting with account management tasks. Working in an SME has helped me become adaptable, proactive and comfortable taking ownership across different areas of the business.

Northampton Signs was so impressed with my work that I’ve worked there on a part-time basis while studying, and they’re allowing me to stay on permanently after I graduate – so I’ve already benefitted from my placement.

The most important advice I would give regarding placements is start looking for opportunities early, as most companies post roles early and leaving it until the last minute can reduce the number of opportunities available. Also, don’t procrastinate – apply as soon as possible as hiring managers will close the job listings if they find the ideal candidate. Keep a journal to track the feedback you receive from the interviews you attend so if you are not successful and get an opportunity for another interview, you can use the feedback from the previous interview to improve.

Use the available resources provided by the University to improve your chances of getting a placement, including using CV360 and interview simulation on the Student Futures website. Also, book an appointment with a career advisor to get feedback on your application process.

Some of the websites you can find placement opportunities include Higherin, Bright Network, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, the University of Northampton’s Student Futures website and Gradcracker. Lastly, if you are rejected, don’t lose hope, there is light at the end of the tunnel. One aspect that is rarely talked about is how much your self-esteem is hurt by being rejected multiple times. If you ever feel that way, reach out to someone to improve your motivation – remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

The thing I wish I’d known before starting my placement is the importance of small talk. This is a core element of working in the corporate world as it can help build good relationships with your colleagues. I started this late, which meant it took time for me to build a good rapport. I also wish I’d known that some days would be slow and some days would be hectic – you need to be ready for whatever situation comes your way so it’s important to be adaptable as the corporate world is dynamic and unpredictable.

Alongside my studies, I’m also working as a UON Student Ambassador. This will enhance my career prospects as it’s helped me come out of my shell and talk with strangers, as well as boosting my confidence in public speaking.

The advice I would give to undergraduates interested in this career path would be to keep trying and never give up. My UON experience has been adventurous, challenging, fun, enjoyable, memorable, joyful, and thought-provoking.