From digital transformation to sustainable solutions, the automotive world is constantly pushing boundaries.
My journey into the automotive industry began during my placement year at university, when I had the opportunity to work at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Chichester. That year opened my eyes to the depth, complexity, and excitement the automotive world offers. It wasn’t just about cars – it was about innovation, precision, and being part of something constantly evolving.
After university, I applied to several graduate schemes, but my experience at Rolls-Royce had already left a lasting impression. I was fortunate to receive offers from two programmes and chose to continue my path in the automotive industry, building on the foundation I had already started.
Today, I’m part of a three-year graduate scheme with LKQ, a role that’s giving me hands-on experience across various parts of the business through structured rotations. These rotations have been key to helping me develop a broad understanding of the industry while continuing to grow academically and professionally. Each new role presents different challenges and learning opportunities, which keeps the work both engaging and rewarding.
What I love most about LKQ is the people. The team culture is incredibly supportive, friendly, and collaborative. Working with different individuals across departments on diverse projects means that no two days are the same.
There’s a real sense of community here, and being part of a team that values both personal growth and innovation makes the experience even more fulfilling.
While I brought some industry knowledge from my previous role, I quickly realised how different businesses within the automotive sector can be in terms of structure and operations.
One of the biggest misconceptions about the automotive sector is that it’s all about manual labour or repetitive work. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that the industry thrives on creativity, innovation, and rapid change. From digital transformation to sustainable solutions, the automotive world is constantly pushing boundaries.
My advice to anyone considering a role in this sector – whether you’re changing careers or just starting out – is go for it. If you’re looking for a dynamic, fast-paced environment that values ideas, teamwork, and progress, the automotive industry offers endless opportunities to grow and make a real impact!
