In this interview, accompanied by a photoshoot with the new MINI Countryman, our Fastlane student Mats provides insights into the culture at the BMW Group and shares his impressions – may they be linked to experiences and motivation or studies, work and private life.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE FASTLANE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME?
"Fastlane allows me to take the first big step into the company during my studies. It offers great opportunities to get to know the BMW Group and build a network through many programme contents – from practical assignments to the final thesis, to workshops and lectures. And that I get an internal applicant status at the end is definitely a big advantage when it comes to being hired!"
DID YOU HAVE ANY PREJUDICES AGAINST BMW? WHAT SURPRISED YOU MOST?
"Personally, I didn't have any prejudices against the BMW as a company. However, I must admit that I had some stereotypes about the brand and its sometimes 'aggressive' drivers in my mind – which, however, has not been proven true for the employees ;) What has definitely impressed me, though, is the size and diversity of the company. From the huge research and innovation centre to a two-storey canteen that could be a restaurant, to culturally mixed teams with colleagues from all over the world – the environment is really impressive!"
YOU SURELY HAVE HOBBIES. HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO BALANCE WORK, UNIVERSITY AND YOUR PRIVATE LIFE?
"Football is my great passion and I have been playing since I was five years old! It's true that it can sometimes be challenging to coordinate everything, but luckily the modules of the Fastlane programme are very flexible. Practical assignments and other programme contents, for example, don't take place continuously, and I can choose them according to my needs! This is very important to me because it means I can also take a break during the exam period. I can therefore organise my daily routine accordingly and combine everything well."
FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE... WHAT MAKES THE BMW GROUP AN ATTRACTIVE EMPLOYER?
"The BMW Group has a lot to offer! On the one hand, there is the location in a beautiful city like Munich. I study vehicle technology – so it's just incredibly exciting to get insights into the development of one of the world's largest car manufacturers! And I'm pleased that I can already work here during my studies. Last but not least, the benefits at BMW are also very attractive: Fastlane scholarship holders can take advantage of favourable conditions when buying or renting vehicles, and then there are all the employee discounts. On top of that, there is the monthly scholarship of around €1,600 – which is of course a big plus."
ABOUT THE FASTLANE PROGRAMME.
The Fastlane scholarship programme for master's students is focused on STEM competencies. The participants are supported in their personal and professional development through various programme modules and also have the opportunity to actively contribute. Through practical assignments, they gain insights into various company departments, can build a network, and write their master's thesis with a strong practical focus. After successfully completing Fastlane, our scholarship holders receive an internal applicant status and thus have excellent chances of being hired!