Craig Burton

BScEc Business and Management

I have just completed a year in employment at BMW. When looking to secure a suitable YES placement I made a number of applications to a range of different organisations. Within the first few days I had lined up 4 interviews with different companies. After having a very long telephone interview with the Plant Project Director for BMW MINI I was offered a role which I went on to accept.

I worked in a department that steered and created transparency across all technologies (departments) across the business to allow for the successful launch of new vehicles. I regularly had to prepare for and attend meetings with Senior Management representatives from each technology (Paint Shop, Assembly, Body Shop, Quality, Programme Planning, Finance, HR) to discuss any open topics that needed support, clarification, or resolution. One significant event I took part in was arranging a supplier event day for 400+ people (200 suppliers) visiting the plant to discuss confidential topics. From creating signs and directions to arranging the security of the entire event and Directors Presentations, everything was covered. I further prepared more PowerPoint Presentations for the Plant Project Director as he held events for Directors and Board Members visiting from BMW’s Munich HQ.

Taking part in the YES scheme has provided me with a great insight into the automotive industry. I have learned how to approach the different stakeholders involved with a major organisation and I have significantly improved my ICT skills. The experience I have gained and the contacts I have developed from taking part in YES will be invaluable to me when I begin my search for a graduate job.  I will be able to stand out from all of the students who have not participated in a scheme such as YES.  The experience will also allow me to approach my final year studies in a different manner to what I had adopted in my first and second years.