As the summer weather hits new highs, it’s easy to forget the efforts of the academic year just gone by.

Not so fast! say the journalists working on the IOE&IT’s Daily Update.

Here, we continue our series catching up with the Institute’s graduate class of 2020 to learn how their studies are already paying off.

On the May day when the awarding ceremony would have taken place at London’s Mansion House, IOE&IT director general Marco Forgione outlined how timely their qualifications are:

“The impact of Covid-19 highlights the value and importance of the skills you will have developed on your course,” he wrote to the 2020 graduates. “These skills will be essential to helping businesses recover.” 

Here Vicky Payne from Jaguar Land Rover outlines what she took from completing the diploma, ahead of receiving her IOE&IT Graduation Certificate at a ceremony later this year.

Who: Vicky Payne, Customs Origin and Preference Senior Analyst, Jaguar Land Rover

What course:  Level 5 Diploma in World Customs Compliance & Regulations

Why this one?

Having completed a degree at Coventry University studying business management, I wanted to continue my studies in a more specific area related to the specialist function that I’m in, which is Customs and International Trade. 

And the best things about the course were…

I have attended courses relating to customs regulations previously, but the IOE&IT course gave a broader spectrum of areas to research in-depth which lead to further learning that I may not have previously received. The range of subjects were ideal to gain further knowledge in worldwide customs activities.

Customs, as a subject, can cover a wide spectrum of business requirements, so this course provided a different viewpoint on worldwide customs opportunities and regulations. 

When working within customs for an international company, it’s very easy to look at subjects from a company-requirements perspective. The course has given me more research knowledge to be able to present ideas and opportunities for improvements.

How has life changed after completing the diploma?

Since starting the diploma, I became part of the Centre of Excellence within our Customs International Trade Compliance Team at Jaguar Land Rover. 

The studying and learning helped me develop my customs knowledge on a broader scale, supporting this increase in responsibility. 

I have also been asked to assist on Brexit projects, ensuring the business prepares for the changes ahead and to support and lead the globalisation of Customs functions within the company. 

The knowledge gained during this process will also support me in my professional career in the long term. I will definitely be looking to enrol in more IOE&IT courses in the near future.