Government & External Affairs Review

The Government & External Affairs team at BMW Group UK & Ireland serves as a vital link between BMW and Government entities, presenting a symbiotic relationship – regulation shapes industry and industry shapes regulation. We represent all BMW Group plants in the UK, engaging with national and local Government bodies on important automotive topics such as the Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Mandate, Rules of Origin (RoO), and tariffs.

I was given what I deem to be far more responsibility in this role than the average placement / internship would provide - both based on my own understanding as well as friends and colleagues in other placements. The access you are given is second to none and you are actively working and involved in real world problems.

This has taught me many skills, primarily in communication, as well as corporate skills and social skills in confidence, and working in a volatile environment.

I was given a lot of support given BMW's 13-month contract format, whereby the old placement student stays for an extra month when the new intern starts, having a one-month handover that is both helpful for the employer in not wasting their time upskilling a student every year in the work environment, however more beneficially allows a fellow student to train the new student with plenty of time for an effective handover to take place. Beyond the handover, the team I worked alongside, regardless of their seniority, treated me as any other employee, were extremely nice, helpful, and provided me with many exciting opportunities.

The company culture was what you would expect of a leading company - very formal and organised, however the atmosphere in the open-plan office was positive and never quiet. Additionally, whilst it depends on the team of course, my team was extremely positive, nice, caring, and helpful, so it was never quiet or boring.

I really enjoyed my placement and found it both extremely rewarding as a learning experience but also as a workplace that I was happy to go to work in everyday. The work I got to be a part of, as well as the events, and activities were second to none.

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