After finishing high school I started my Bachelor in Mechanical engineering in an exchange program between Sharif University of technology in Teheran and FH Aachen. For my bachelor thesis I moved to Aachen and after that I continued my study for a master degree at RWTH Aachen University with focus on automotive engineering. Since last February I am a member of the Daimler Student Partnership (DSP) program.
How did I get into the DSP program
I am one of the so called “Extern Students” in DSP program, which means I still haven’t done any internship or thesis at Daimler. So how did I get to DSP then?
Parallel to my study I have worked as a Student Assistance (Hiwi) at “Institut für Kraftfahrzeuge der RWTH Aachen (IKA)”. One day I received an Email from my boss about DSP program and he asked me if I was interested in this program, the “Oberingenieur” of our institute can write a recommendation for me. As a feature automotive engineer, Daimler is one of my first choices to work at, so what I answered to that Email is obvious!
After a week I got an E-mail from Daimler (DSP) and I was asked to send my application documents. Then I received an invitation to the online test and telephone interview and as I was in China at that time, for an Internship, I arranged an appointment for an assessment Center for the time that I was back in Germany again.
Being so lucky to pass all these steps, I could congratulate myself for becoming a DSP’s member!
From 8–9 October 2012 I was among around 140 active members, alumni, mentors and HR coaches attending the third DSP Annual Conference in Stuttgart.
Two very interesting presentations
The first day started at 13:00. After a warm welcome by Mrs. Hörer, Mr. Sven Ennerst held a presentation entitled “Strategic Future Truck Program – SFTP.” He gave an overview of Daimler Trucks, especially the new Actros and how it provides better driving dynamics and safety as well as improved fuel consumption and lower emissions. Its new in-cabin features, such as wider suspension seats and a bright interior with distinct living and working areas, optimize the driver’s comfort, which is important considering that he/she spends almost three-quarters of their lifetime in his/her truck.
After a short break Dr. Jörg Wind delivered his presentation on alternative fuels and drives, which I am currently writing my mini thesis on and, therefore, was very interesting to me. He talked about the motivations for using the new energy resources and informed us that the main reason for alternative drive trains is the reduction of energy consumption and emissions. He also said that hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles are the best option for sustainable mobility in the future considering all relevant parameters, from the energy source to the end use, also known as “well-to-wheel” analysis. Fuel cell vehicles also use energy twice as efficiently as conventional combustion engines. Dr. Jörg Wind also spoke about the challenges for plug-in electric vehicles, such as the need for a charging infrastructure.
A marketplace with intelligent design
The next morning we boarded a bus for the Carl Benz Arena and there the mentors, HRs and alumni also joined us. We warmed up by learning how to juggle. A trainer showed us step by step how to throw and catch the balls, starting from two and then three balls. It is really not that hard, it just needs some practice and the secret is throwing, not catching!
The event hall was divided into the following sections: Research and Development, Manufacturing, Quality Management, Daimler Trucks, Commercial Functions, , Business Innovation and Human Resources. Mentors were at their respective stations to advise us. At the Human Resources section, for example, they gave us information about career and entry options at Daimler. There was also a Sport and Fun Corner with table football and a Carrera track.
Speeding up
After lunch together, we said goodbye to the mentors and HRs and walked to the area set up for the driving event.
On the test track there were different driving stations, such as for driving dynamics tests on five different cars, pre-safe and autonomous partial braking on S-Class, smart electric drive from car2go and full braking station. It was great to be able to experience the almost newest products of Daimler by ourselves. We all were very excited about that.
Conclusion
It was great that we could talk and make connections with the mentors. For example at the Marketplace I got very interesting information form one of the mentors, who works in the field of hybrid drive, about the focus of their works and possible internship and thesis opportunities there. Another very interesting idea, which helped the conference to make a further step to a higher level of effectiveness, was the bringing of the students and alumni together. There we saw some very successful samples of the future of the DSP members and exchanged experience with them.