Candidate Journey series - Graduate Specialist Programme
Interview with Brian Mulholland
Brian Mulholland, 26, MEng graduate from Queen’s University Belfast and currently part of the Graduate Specialist Programme with Bosch as a Resident Engineer in Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
"I liked the diversity in the rotational roles and different business areas that I could get involved in, both technical and commercial, and the opportunity to do one of my rotations in Germany and gain international experience."
How did you learn about Bosch’s graduate programme and what made you want to apply?
I had the opportunity to speak to a manager in Bosch involved in the programme at the 2019 Formula Student competition in Silverstone. I was given a fantastic insight into the programme and how it was run. Compared to other graduate schemes I was aware of at the time the Bosch scheme seemed to align best with what I wanted. I liked the diversity in the rotational roles and different business areas that I could get involved in, both technical and commercial, and the opportunity to do one of my rotations in Germany and gain international experience (social media). With Bosch’s reputation as a global leader in technology and engineering and their innovative and forward thinking culture I knew it would be a great company to work in.
When starting the graduate position had you identified key development areas which you wanted to focus on? What were they and were you given the opportunity to focus on them?
With the majority of my previous experience coming from a technical based background I did not have much exposure to commercial related projects and roles, for example, in technical sales. I identified this as an area of the graduate scheme in which I could develop my skills and experiences, and become more of an all-rounder. I was also keen to enhance my project management skills for the same reason. At university and on my placement year I had the opportunity to try programming and writing code which I found very interesting. I identified this as a key area for my future development and an area I wanted to focus on.
In my first rotation in technical sales I was given commercial exposure. I had to work closely with the Ford Team and was given the responsibility of managing and coordinating the engineering and manufacturing changes being implemented to the mHEV battery. I also supported sales planning, logistics and produced financial documentation. In my second and current rotation I have been able to build upon my programming skills and understanding through the autonomous driving systems projects I am involved in with JLR. Although a steep learning curve, it is something I am really enjoying and feel I will be able to use and benefit from it in a wide range of applications in future.
How would you rate your overall experience at Bosch?
The first 7 months in Bosch have flown by and I feel I am continually being encouraged to learn new things and gain new experiences. It is clear to see how driven and motivated Bosch are at tackling real world problems with their forward thinking and innovative approach, which is exciting to be part of and contribute to. Something I have also found very attractive about working at Bosch is the importance placed upon completing overseas assignments, regardless of what stage of the company their career with Bosch is at. I have also enjoyed working with Bosch colleagues and customers from all over the world, learning and developing new skills from them.
Brian's view on the Graduate Specialist Programme:
"I wanted a graduate scheme that would enhance my previous skills and experiences but also expose me to new opportunities to learn and develop in innovative areas such as electric vehicles and autonomous driving, which I am fortunate to say I have been involved in during my relatively short time in Bosch."
