Life at JLR blog
At the forefront of cutting edge AI, Graduate Ipek continues to learn from women in STEM here at JLR.
Ipek’s typical day consists of coding, testing and studying new methods. She was pleasantly surprised by the amount of social opportunities there are at JLR for graduates.
Q: Tell us about your course and what it entails day to day.
I’m part of the Data Analytics Cross Functional Scheme, which begins with an intensive 6-week boot camp. During this time, we focus on sharpening our technical skills—like Python, SQL, Tableau, and Data Science—alongside important soft skills such as teamwork and agile methodology. After the boot camp, we rotate through four different teams, spending six months in each. Given my interest and skills in data science, my daily activities primarily involve applying my knowledge to solve complex business challenges. This typically means spending most of my day coding, testing and studying new methods, while also collaborating closely with my team. Another crucial part of my role is communicating with stakeholders from various functions to understand their business needs and provide updates on my progress. And, of course, I always make time for wellness walks and coffee breaks—often bringing a colleague along to clear my mind and stay refreshed.
Q: What’s the coolest thing about your job?
What I love most about my job is being at the cutting edge of AI and machine learning. It’s incredibly exciting to work with state-of-the-art technology and be in an environment that constantly pushes me to learn more and stay ahead of the curve. Also, I must admit, the cars in and around the office are quite neat.
Q: Tell us something that you’ve done that makes you feel proud.
One of my proudest achievements has been developing and deploying an end-to-end product that leverages a machine learning time-series forecasting model to predict key KPIs. Seeing the dashboard powered by the data generated by the model go live on our commercial dashboard hub was a truly rewarding moment.
Q: How have your colleagues supported you in your growth and development?
From the start of the boot camp, the data analytics graduate cohort has been incredibly supportive. We collaborate to help each other learn, and make sure to maintain a good work-life balance through socials, walks, and coffee breaks. My line manager and home team have been particularly instrumental in my growth, placing a lot of trust in my abilities, pushing me to reach my potential, and recognising my achievements when appropriate. This has played a key role in building my confidence at work. Additionally, there’s a strong network of women within the company who have provided invaluable mentorship, advice, and friendship. Thanks to them, I’ve learned a great deal about finding my footing as a woman in STEM.
Q: Tell us about the social/community side of being on the JLR Early Careers Programme.
When I joined the graduate program, I was pleasantly surprised—it felt like reliving my university fresher’s week! There are so many opportunities to socialise and connect with other graduates, both in your cohort and from previous years. Whether it’s sports, hiking trips, drinks, or the occasional formal ball, there’s always something happening to keep us engaged and connected.
Q: What is your top tip for potential candidates who are going through the application/interview process? My top tip is one I’ve used myself: don’t hesitate to reach out to people on LinkedIn or other social media platforms who are currently on the graduate scheme you’re interested in. A quick chat with someone in the program can give you invaluable insights into whether the scheme is the right fit for you and what qualities to highlight in your application and interviews. Even a five-minute conversation can make a huge difference.