Name:
Begum Karakus
Current role:
Graduate Materials Engineer (Currently in a rotation in Procurement)
Location:
Croydon, London, UK
How long have you been working at Zotefoams:
10 months
Date joined:
02 September 2024
Career progression:
Zotefoams Graduate Scheme 2024 intake
Background:
After completing a Materials Science & Engineering Degree with a Master’s in Nanomaterials at The University of Manchester in 2024, Begum successfully applied for and joined the Zotefoams 2024 UK Graduate Engineering Scheme.
The 2024 scheme consisted of a 24-month programme of six-month rotations in a selection of teams, with her first rotation in Customer Services. In this team, she focussed on Customer Service projects such as handling complaints and ensuring customer satisfaction.
She started her second rotation in March 2025, which is in the Procurement team, where she proactively assists with raw material procurement, and tracking the department’s KPIs.
She is due to complete her Graduate Engineering Scheme in 2026.
What do you like about working at Zotefoams?
“My favourite thing about working at Zotefoams is how friendly and approachable everyone is – from the board of directors and senior management to the forklift drivers and colleagues on the shop floor. I appreciate how welcoming the business is to any new ideas.
“My background work experience is mainly in education such as Outreach programmes to incentivise young people to study STEM disciplines.
“I have been leading an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) project at Zotefoams where we have invited local schools to experience engineering firsthand. Our mission is to empower young girls into STEM practices, and everyone has been extremely accommodating and helpful in bringing this project to life.”
What do you like to do when you are not working?
“Outside work, I am involved in immersive schools’ outreach career programme InvestIN Education, which engages young people and provides exposure to professional careers. As an industry consultant for the programme, I have led a workshop for students on career opportunities in Engineering.
“I also like to sing and perform and have led many student-run music festivals in the past.”
Tip for success at Zotefoams?
Fantasy career?
“I’d love to be a singer or performer – I really enjoy making music with my siblings.”