When Jip Sanders joined Adidas, he was driven to improve how things worked. In a role overseeing product launches across European marketplaces such as Zalando and ASOS, his focus was on ensuring each release was a success and met commercial goals. As his exposure to data increased, however, he began to notice a skills gap.
"I felt like there was something missing, that I didn’t have the fundamental skills to really show that I can do this, and for that I needed to have these data analytic skills..."
Looking for a structured way to build those skills alongside his full-time role, Jip enrolled in the LSE Data Analytics Career Accelerator, developed in collaboration with FourthRev.
Over six months, the experience helped him build technical fluency and greater confidence in his approach to data at work.
Today, Jip works in Digital Sales – Product Launch & Optimisation at Adidas, where he leads automation initiatives that simplify data workflows across European marketplaces and support faster, more informed launches.
Jip shared his Career Accelerator experience with us during a live Ask Me Anything event.
Ask Me Anything with past learner Jip Sanders | LSE Data Analytics Career Accelerator
Ever wondered what it’s really like to take the LSE Data Analytics Career Accelerator while working full-time?
Building confidence through structure and collaboration
One of the early benefits Jip noticed was how the programme fit around his professional responsibilities. The part-time structure allowed him to develop new skills while continuing to work full-time.
"You start off the programme learning about Microsoft Excel. You really learn about what data is, what the different types are, how to read each type of data, and you start at the very first stepping stone and week by week you grow into an individual that understands it."
For Jip, the Employer Project was the most rewarding part. It brought everything together: technical skill, collaboration and real-world impact.
"What I’m most proud of is definitely wrapping up the Employer Project at the end. This is the fourth module, and in this you work together with a group of fellow students... we wrapped up the presentation with a super good feeling. We jumped on a group call, and we celebrated together..."
Working with peers from Amsterdam, the UK, and the UAE on a live brief – forecasting ice cube sales in Spain – showed him how powerful shared problem-solving can be.
"To learn how to work as a group is something that was very unique to me, and I think that's also one of the best qualities of this programme, is that you learn how to work as a team on a data-oriented project."
The experience mirrored real industry life, where collaboration and communication matter as much as technical expertise. It also gave him a clearer sense of how to use analytics to tell stories and drive decisions.
Applying analytics in a commercial environment
After completing the Career Accelerator, Jip found himself better equipped to take on more responsibility at Adidas. His growing confidence with tools such as Python and SQL, combined with a clearer understanding of how to translate analysis into business insight, supported his move into a more data-driven role.
"It’s definitely given me more autonomy to lead on advanced automation projects."
He soon stepped into Digital Sales – Product Launch & Optimisation, leading automation initiatives that improve how product data flows through Adidas’ European systems.
The credibility of the Certificate of Competence from LSE also made an impression.
"When I tell my colleagues that I did a programme at the LSE, they're like 'Wow, no way, it's such a prestigious university."
Jip’s story reflects a wider Career Accelerator trend: 87.5% of learners achieved a desired career goal within six months of completing a Career Accelerator (FourthRev 2023/24 Completers’ Survey).
A shift in mindset
Beyond career growth, Jip’s perspective on data changed completely while on the programme. He no longer sees it as a technical process, but as a creative tool for solving problems and shaping ideas.
"What this programme really teaches you is that data is not just ones and zeros. There's a lot you can do with it, and you can really shape it in a certain way, and it can be quite magical... Without this programme, I wouldn't have been taught that, and I would have put limits on what I believed was actually capable."
That mindset continues to influence his work today. Alongside his role at Adidas, Jip experiments with Python scripts to streamline workflows and explores how AI can support automation and data visualisation. These areas were introduced during the programme’s AI and Data Analytics Learning Track.
He also credits the support structure throughout the experience, saying: “The support system can only be described as excellent. I think you guys are always on standby, ready to answer questions.”
Advice for others considering a similar path
For professionals weighing up whether to take on further study alongside work, Jip acknowledges the challenge but sees it as a worthwhile investment.
"I would recommend this to anyone who wishes to shake things up in the world. If you want to learn how to use data and use it to your advantage, or how to change up the ways your organisation works, then this is something that will totally help you."
Jip’s journey illustrates how building data confidence can influence not just career progression, but also how people collaborate, problem-solve and lead in complex organisations.
Like Jip, you can gain industry-ready skills and an LSE credential that sets you apart. The LSE Data Analytics Career Accelerator, developed in collaboration with FourthRev, equips you to lead with data across industries – from retail and finance to healthcare and tech.
Ready to take the next step in your data career? Download the programme brochure to see the curriculum, tools and next cohort details.
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