René is a product and process planner for drive and high-voltage storage systems. About a year ago he completed the Fastlane master's programme and was immediately taken on into a permanent position. He is currently preparing for his first expat assignment in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. In the interview, René gives exciting insights into his career to date and reveals how he was able to gain important experience for his current career through the Fastlane program - and how the transition from scholarship holder to permanent position went.
SO YOU BENEFITED FROM YOUR NETWORK?
"Definitely! But there would also have been opportunities outside of my department, as I was also well connected to others through the various assignments in the programme. A programme takeover sounds so dramatic, but it actually works like an internal transfer - so the general conditions are really easy and, compared to an external application, it's much easier."
TO WHAT EXTENT WERE YOU ABLE TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE ROLE DURING THE FASTLANE PROGRAMME?
"The Fastlane programme prepared me excellently for my current role - without me initially even knowing where I was going. During the programme I got to know different departments and was able to get accustomed with my role. The assignments I completed in proximity to production gave me a deep understanding of the production system at BMW. My master's thesis at the end of the programme was also topically close to my current job. Moreover, Fastlane prepared me for how the 'BMW culture' works - how to work and communicate with each other, how to coordinate things. Since you're always the "new guy" in the departments, I also learned how to get involved and integrate quickly."
WHAT SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED SO FAR?
"As a programme participant, I was taught a tremendous amount professionally. At the same time, I also developed a lot personally and gained a lot of self-confidence. I now approach large and complex tasks in a much more relaxed manner. And I was able to build up an excellent network within the BMW Group. The contacts that I made during the program are very valuable to me today."
MEXICO SOUNDS EXCITING! HOW DID THIS COME ABOUT AND ARE YOU READY?
"After I started my current job as a planner, after just three to four months I was asked whether I could imagine going to Mexico as an expat to set up the production line for our Gen6 high-voltage batteries there. It quickly became clear to me that this is absolutely the right decision for me because I can make my project a reality and I was already interested in going abroad. Of course, you have to prepare yourself a little mentally for the fact that you have to pack up your tents here and I I'll see less of my girlfriend, friends and family. Otherwise, I'm taking it easy. BMW is supporting me in many ways - from preparing insurance to the apartment to taking personal things with me. So, I can look forward to it very calmly."
WILL YOUR ASSIGNMENT IN MEXICO BE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE ABROAD?
"During the Fastlane programme, I already completed two assignments abroad: Once I was in Seoul, South Korea, for the 'Automated Driving on Plant Grounds' project, where I spent a lot of time with a supplier. After that, I paused the Fastlane contract for half a year to do an internship abroad at BMW Motorbikes in Thailand. During both assignments abroad I was able to learn an incredible amount - not only technically, but also in dealing with different cultures. I got along very well in the foreign surroundings, but I like to travel a lot in general, so that was nothing new. It helps me prepare for my upcoming expat assignment in Mexico."
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN FASTLANE?
"I personally looked at a few people on LinkedIn in advance who had completed the Fastlane programme. I simply contacted them to get a few personal reports on their experiences. Since everyone reported very positively about it, my decision quickly became clear."
ABOUT THE FASTLANE PROGRAMME.
The Fastlane scholarship programme for master's students is geared towards skills in the MINT-area. The programme participants are supported in their personal and professional development through various programme components and also have the opportunity to get actively involved. Through practical assignments, they gain insights into different areas of the company, build a network and write their master's thesis with a strong practical relevance. After successfully completing the programme, our scholarship holders receive internal applicant status and thus have excellent chances of being accepted.