Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Interview: Industrial Placements

We spoke to Tom Lynch, Talent Acquisition Manager for Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, to find out about their Industrial Placements and get some information on what to expect and get some tips and techniques to help you in your application process.

 

 

Industrial Placement season is now in full swing and after much anticipation, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team have just opened the application process for their 2023 placements.
 
With completion being so fierce amongst candidates, any additional information that can be gained can only be a good thing, so with that in mind, we sat down with Tom Lynch, Talent Acquisition Manager at Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team and asked for his advice and tips for anyone looking to apply for an Industrial Placements with Mercedes this year.
 
 
 

When does the application process for Industrial Placements open at Mercedes F1 Team this year?

This year we are launching our Industrial Placement application process on the 16th of September and the closing date for application is Sunday 2nd of October.
 
 
 

What sort of Industrial Placements are available?

 

Our 13-month placements include opportunities across our Technical, Operations, Race and Business areas commencing July 3rd 2023, we are excited to hear from applicants who embody our values of Passion, Respect, Innovation, Determination and Excellence.

Through our Accelerate 25 programme, we are continuously working to make our team even more diverse and inclusive. We welcome applications from all and are committed to attracting, recruiting and retaining the most talented individuals.

 

 

What should candidates include in their applications?

 

What is the main criteria for applying?

Some of our roles will required technical understanding, however each role has different criteria. It does not matter whether you already have an interest in motorsport or not: we are looking for candidates who are passionate about reaching their full potential and are excited about constantly learning. Whatever your background, we believe that you will find your placement with us a memorable and enriching experience.

 

 

What subjects should I be studying at university to stand the best chance?

Again, we are interested in hearing from a wide and varied group of applicants. Some of our opportunities will require you to be studying STEM subjects to stand the best chance, however we also have a number of openings outside of STEM subjects and therefore very open to hearing from candidates across other disciplines.

 

 

What sort of things do you look for in a candidate?

Along with the role competencies we will be looking to see how you embody the values of our organisation. These are Passion, Respect, Innovation, Determination and Excellence.

 

 

What should candidates include in their applications?

We ask that you be honest in your application, we ask that you give examples that you are proud of and look to showcase what stands you out from the crowd. We have some very exciting opportunities, and we would love to hear that excitement from you too.

 

 

 

 

When you are looking at CVs and Cover Letters, what do you look for specifically?

When reviewing the applications, we will look to match the criteria in the adverts to your CV and the covering letter. Therefore, we ask that your cover letter be tailored to highlight where your experience and background is most relevant to the advert criteria. Applicants will also be asked to fill out an online questionnaire, this is also part of the application and review process.  

 

 

If a candidate is successful in their application, what are the next steps they can expect?

Following your application, you will be emailed links to our online testing (as appropriate). The Hiring Manager will review your application and test scores and if successful you will be invited to attend a short video interview. The final stage will be an assessment centre to be held in late October / November.  This may be virtual or in person depending on the role.

 

 

What sort of work will the successful candidate be doing?

This would depend entirely on the placement. However, I would like to highlight that as a placement student with us you will enjoy the same responsibilities and creative freedoms as our full-time employees and will make a very real contribution to the performance of our Team, both on and off the track. 

 

 

 

 

Would completing an Industrial Placement help someone secure a job working in motorsport and F1 specifically?

Completing an industrial placement with us will give you many useful skills and experiences that would benefit a career in Motorsport, should that be the route you wish to follow. We have many examples within our organisation where Industrial Placement students have come back into Graduate roles after the completion of their studies or even as experienced hires further into their career.

 

 

Do you have any other tips of advice you could give to candidates?

My advice would be: Research the company and the subject, review the information alongside the advert and tailer your covering letter to highlight where you feel your experience is relevant. Set aside time to complete the testing without distraction (If appropriate for the subject) and be aware of the timescales and the process as this will help you know what to expect and when.