Doctoral student Erla discusses her research as part of the ProMotion programme and the career opportunities at BMW.
Erla, alumna of the ProMotion PhD programme, explains how the collaboration between science and industry in her BMW PhD influenced her career. In the interview, she talks about having freedom for research, the lively exchange with other PhD students, and hands-on assignments that shaped her view of research and development. She shares valuable tips for future PhD candidates on how to build networks during the doctoral studies, use constructive feedback, and recognize opportunities for a later career.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE AT BMW?
"I am responsible for properties relating to the safety of high-voltage storage systems for prismatic cells."
WHAT HAS YOUR CAREER PATH BEEN AT THE BMW GROUP?
"I started with an internship at the BCCC (Battery Cell Component Center) in the pre-development and concept design of battery cell technology. Right afterward, I also wrote my master's thesis there and conducted research. At the end of 2021, I began my doctoral studies as part of the PhD programme. Since December 2024, I have been permanently employed at BMW."
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO DO A PHD TOGETHER WITH BMW?
"I was in the middle of my master's thesis when I heard about the ProMotion programme, also through conversations with other PhD students. The topic of a position that was advertised at that time immediately interested me and matched my interests and experience very well. In my PhD, I then worked on the topic 'Swelling behavior of lithium-ion cells.'"
HOW DID YOU PERCEIVE THE HIGH SCIENTIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY IN CONNECTION WITH INDUSTRY-PROMOTION?
"For me, it was very relaxed. The university gave me a lot of freedom, and I could fully focus on the research for my dissertation. And my topic was designed from the very beginning to be strongly oriented toward industry. The conditions of an industry PhD promotion fit perfectly to apply my scientific findings directly in the real environment."
TO WHAT EXTENT HAS THE PROGRAMME INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER?
"The programme has significantly influenced my career, especially in terms of my work organisation and implementation of ideas. I also learned to regularly seek constructive feedback and to build a strong network. The various assignments within the programme, such as the production deployment, were also very helpful for my professional development."
WHAT WAS A HIGHLIGHT FOR YOU DURING YOUR TIME AS A PhD STUDENT?
"I found it particularly valuable to make new contacts and build a network. A special highlight was the 'imProve' week, a seminar to strengthen personal skills, as well as helping to shape the ProMotion Dialog Day, the internal PhD conference."
DO YOU HVAE TIPS FOR PROSPECTIVE PHD STUDENTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE PROGRAMME?
"Enjoy the time, because the three years go by very quickly. And above all, have fun with your work!"
THE PROMOTION PhD PROGRAMME.
Erla’s insights have inspired you, and you can imagine pursuing a PhD with the BMW Group as well? We are always looking for talent who want to link their scientific research with real, practical applications.