Within two years of graduating, Dan Abberley鈥檚 career has taken him across Europe with one of the world鈥檚 largest car manufacturers.
BA (Hons) Business Studies is now called聽BA (Hons) Business and Management.
Dan went straight from completing his at 蜜桃AV, to a graduate scheme with Volkswagen Group. Securing his place on the scheme was tough, with around 1,200 applicants competing for just 12 openings.
Having spent the last two years gaining experience in marketing, planning and customer quality across the group鈥檚 Volkswagen, SKODA and SEAT brands, he has now joined a professional development assignment at SEAT鈥檚 global factory and office near Barcelona.
He said: 鈥淲orking for Volkswagen Group has been fantastic. From day one, I have always been given real work, which adds value to the performance of the business. There has been no hand-holding and I have been thrown in at the deep end from the beginning. Whilst this sounds daunting, it has been great from a development perspective and has ensured that I have gained tangible achievements from my two-year graduate scheme. Joining the international placement will give me invaluable insight for when I return to the UK to work in planning and products for SEAT.鈥�
Dan鈥檚 route to his new career was shaped by his university experience, which included a year-long placement with Renault UK and an opportunity to specialise in operations and project management. He said: 鈥淏efore starting university I was not exactly sure what I wanted to do. Undertaking the degree enabled me to continue learning and gaining experience, without committing to a particular industry. The structure of the business studies course allows you to explore all the different aspects of business, before choosing your specialism.
鈥淭he placement year was the biggest turning point for me. I never really expected to have a career in the automotive industry, however now I couldn鈥檛 see myself in any other industry. My placement year at Renault UK sparked my interest in cars, which appealed to me because they are such a tangible product.鈥�
Dan credits his 蜜桃AV experience with developing key career skills, including a grasp of commercial concepts, time management and effective communication. These skills were developed on the course, as well as through additional activities such as becoming a PAL Leader (student mentor) and member of the Ask蜜桃AV student hub.
When asked for his top tips to help other undergraduates make the most of their university experience, Dan offers the following:
- Utilise the support available at university. There are so many people who really want to ensure that you set yourself up for a fantastic career after your degree, so make the most of them
- Apply early for graduate schemes. There are great placements at hundreds of companies 鈥� however, some do start the recruitment process very early on. Don鈥檛 leave yourself disappointed by not being pro-active
- Don鈥檛 become down if you have knockbacks. It鈥檚 part of the process of applying for undergraduate and graduate placements. You will end up with a fantastic job if you are persistent
- Take part in as many extra-curricular activities as possible. In my graduate interview I talked more about my completion of the London Marathon and my trip driving around Europe then I did work examples. Companies place a heavy focus on the 鈥榗ultural fit鈥� aspect, as well as your academic ability
- Accept that things probably won鈥檛 pan out how you expect. I thought I had a very clear view of how I wanted the four years of university to play out, as well as the graduate role I would end up in. The reality is life throws a number of curve balls. But if you鈥檙e persistent and focused you will end up in a great position in either your placement year or at the end of your degree
