823_UCB_240x170_UG Prospectus 2021_AW_WEB

BUSINESS SCHOOL

OUR STUDENTS

My placement at BMW, which University College Birmingham helped me secure, benefited me in many different ways, both professionally and personally.

Sven Opolcer Logistics graduate for BMW Group Business Enterprise BA (Hons)

From future car model planning and Brexit impact plans to intern hiring and standardising processes, Sven has helped drive a diverse range of projects since starting his two-year Graduate Scheme with BMW Group. After six months on the scheme, designed to prepare him for a full-time role with the global company, he is now set to spend time in other logistics departments, one of BMW’s German plants, then five months in non-logistical departments in the second year. The last stage will be spent back at the department where he did his one-year course placement, in supply chain planning at BMW’s MINI plant in Oxford. “My placement at BMW, which University College Birmingham helped me secure, benefited me in many different ways, both professionally and personally,” said Sven. “It developed my skills in project management, scheduling, organisation and IT, and it made me leave my comfort zone as I had to relocate to Oxford. This gave me huge confidence and I met so many different people I am still friends with to this day. “It was also paid, so I benefited financially, and it made me more employable. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I believe my first class degree was a direct result of this experience.” A stand-out student, Sven was invited onto BMW Group’s exclusive Graduate Scheme, turning down offers from other major companies, after achieving a first class degree in 2019. “Studying at University College Birmingham was great – the university location, the facilities and the group – and the course modules I did now apply to my current work, from operations management and research for enterprise to finance and risk management. “The best thing about Birmingham is its people. Highlights of the city are definitely little gems like Pigeon Park (Cathedral Square), the rooftop of the Library of Birmingham and Cannon Hill Park. A great city to live in.”

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