Product Validation Intern Review

My role focuses almost exclusively on the geometrical analysis of pre-series car’s exterior gaps and profiles. I have developed the infrastructure and measurement routine necessary to carry out this project-critical process. My day-to-day responsibilities include developing measurement routines using specialist software packages, measuring pre-series prototype vehicles, analyzing the topics that emerge from this measurement process, and delivering them to management circles. I have also had involvement in the development of Virtual and Augmented reality solutions within the plant.

I have gained proficiency in project management strategies, both short term and long term, whilst also becoming a specialist user of the software packages necessary to run the Gap and Profile process (e.g. LGWorks, Catia V5, and BMW-specific programmes like eMMA). My ability to code has been enhanced through my training in the use of Unreal Engine 5, necessary in order to interact with the Virtual and Augmented reality headsets, and I have also furthered my competency with technical drawings and a variety of CAD packages.

Absolutely. I adopted a role most commonly occupied by colleagues with at least 4 years more experience at the company, and was given a great deal of autonomy within my role. I was expected to independently manage the development and execution of the measurement routine and collection process, and in turn was given high flexibility with my hours. I was often required to work 11 hour days in order to achieve the data collection quota necessary, and was trusted to meet the deadlines imposed by the pre-series prototype build plan. In return for my flexibility, I was trusted to independently manage my working time, allowing me to take more days off. I also frequently delivered the output off my process to management circles, which would lead to process or part changes that relied heavily on my data analysis.

I was fairly well supported, although as I was the only user of the software package required to create measurement routines, it was often difficult to received support on more technical matters. I did, however, receive continued recognition for the necessity of a mutually beneficial experience, with my team and process manager eager to involve me in a additional projects during periods of low measurement-frequency. My process manager was also encourage monthly 1:1 development meetings, and aided me in achieving the required targets for my university assessment.

The plant is more often than not in a state of high tension. The war and the shortage in semiconductor supplies have resulted in numerous production stand-downs and an entire shift of contractors not being given the opportunity to extend their contract, effectively resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs during my time at the company. As a result of this, departments are often cagey and protective, looking to defer the blame for issues identified in the build to other technologies and therefore the sense of working towards a common goal is often lost. Within the BMW Group, there is a sense that BMW and Rolls Royce Motor Cars take precedent over the MINI brand, and that the development of Plant Oxford is not always within the companies interests. There is a culture of secrecy, with management often trying to leave information delivery to the last minute, and hence many rumors spread. On top of this, the attitude of the workers does not always promote an inclusive environment. HR does its best to push against this, and displays information on ways employees can be proactively inclusive, but it feels like they have a long way to go yet. For instance, day-to-day conversations regarding production associates operate under the assumption they are all male (i.e. 'when he goes to fit this part' etc.).

I have certainly enjoyed my placement. I found the balance of independence and support suited me well, and found pride in the fact that the work I was doing was vital to the development of the pre-series vehicles, and that I wasn't just given odd jobs to be kept busy.

Yes

Apply as early as possible as positions tend to be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are free to apply to as many roles as they like to be sure to make good use of this and don't just fix yourself to one application. At the final interview stage, make sure you have read up on the plant and the company as some of the questions asked can catch applicants off guard.