Blog

Autonomous, Graduate, United Kingdom

Be your true self.

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities. 

I’m on the Product Engineering Graduate Programme and started my journey in the Lighting Department as my home team working on interior lighting feature development.

At the moment I’m 1 year in the Graduate Programme and just 1 week in my current placement within Automated & Assisted Driving (AAD) Department, where I’m learning about the different vehicle architectures, working on both software & hardware system components and testing ADAS features on our released & pre-release vehicles.

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are. 

I’m on the Early Careers Ambassador Programme where we support events across all pillars of EC engagement (University, Apprenticeships & School engagement).

I also participate in events organised by REACH and the Islamic Society Networks where they present great opportunities to reach out to other JLR employees from diverse backgrounds.

Q: What do you like about working here?

The first thought that comes to mind is the cars – but also it’s mainly the culture in JLR where everyone can fit in but also stand out at the same time, if that makes sense.

Engaging in so many networks I believe has helped me know various people from different areas and learn from them on a personal and professional level.

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal? 

Having an Engineering background with some experience in the Commercial space, I’ve been passionate about having the best of both worlds where I can have insights on our clients’ needs & wants and translate them into engineering designs. To describe it in better terms, I aim to do what I’m good at to deliver my passion.

Since day 1 my department has been supportive in that matter as I’m given guidance & shown patience with my non-stop questions – which I’m known for by now – and I’ve done placements both in Product Engineering & Commercial.

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition? 

Any lights you see outside & inside our vehicles are designed and developed by the Lighting department. That starts from concept of the products ranging from front and rear lamps to the actual look and feel of the lights whether in exterior lamps or interior screens and ambient lighting.

We get to experience the vehicles first-hand which is always exciting while also developing new technology and ideas to realise our vision of modern luxury.

Although the best thing I appreciate about my team is that it’s guaranteed that someone will bring snacks & treats for the entire department every week.

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

Probably the most interesting and boring fact at the same time is that I’d never left Egypt, where I lived my entire life, before moving to the UK to join JLR.

I also have photographic memory which comes in handy if I’m ever lost somewhere with no phone, I think it’s also how I survived Uni!

Last but not least is that I love pizza, which is very common but never boring. If you ever catch me outside work I’m probably heading to a pizza place, feel free to come along.

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process? 

The best tip in my opinion is to be your true self, which is actually the Purpose of JLR to ‘Live the Exceptional with Soul’, as JLR encourages everyone to do what they’re passionate about.

Early Careers, Human Resources, Undergraduate, United Kingdom

The Networks at JLR create a sense of community

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities. 

I am currently on the HR (People Experience) undergraduate programme, working in the Performance and Reward Transformation team. Currently, I am primarily focused on supporting my team as we navigate and implement changes to JLR’s performance and recognition approaches.

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are. 

At JLR I am a part of both the Christian network and GEN (Gender Equality Network). Although JLR is such a big company, these networks really help to create a sense of community and help you meet a variety of people from across the company. Also, networks provide you with the chance to engage with exciting opportunities, for example this week I am attending a GEN conference where Erin Baker will be a guest speaker.

Q: What do you like about working here?

JLR has undoubtedly proven to be a place where I can grow both professionally and personally. My manager actively encourages my team to maintain a healthy work-life balance and there is the flexibility to work from home if needed. Additionally, the nature of my role allows me to collaborate with a diverse range of departments and individuals beyond my immediate team – allowing me to broaden my network within the organisation. Furthermore, I really like that there is a strong early careers community at JLR. With a significant number of early career professionals, they have an influential presence at JLR.

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal? 

At this stage in my career, being an undergraduate and at the very beginning of my professional journey, I am in the fortunate position to be able to explore different career paths. What is great about JLR’s programme is that there is the opportunity to shadow different teams that you are interested in. Therefore, while I am a part of the Performance and Reward Transformation team, I am able to get exposure from many different areas within HR, to explore which department is of greatest interest to myself. My manger and Cohort Lead are incredibly supportive and help to facilitate any interest of mine.

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition? 

I am a part of the ‘Performance and Reward Transformation’ team which sits within the ‘My Recognition and Global Mobility’ team. My team is responsible for the change that occurs within the performance, recognition and pay spaces. At JLR HR is divided into numerous specialised departments, each dedicated to specific areas of expertise. This means that I am able to focus on a particular HR aspect that truly interests me and gain a comprehensive understanding of it. Having said this, if I wanted a more general understanding there is the flexibility to support other teams if I wanted to.

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

– In my free time I like to go to the gym
– My very first car was a Toyota Aygo (hopefully my next will be a Range Rover Sport 😊)
– I am currently learning French

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process? 

During the interview, be yourself and provide honest responses. Authenticity shines through and will leave a positive impression on your interviewers. Highlight your genuine enthusiasm for the role and your true motivations for wanting to work at JLR.

Early Careers, Undergraduate

Hear from Taha, Digital Experience Undergraduate at Jaguar.

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities. 

I joined the Reimagine Jaguar Undergraduate Placement program. I am in the digital experience team. My current responsibilities involve contributing to innovative projects shaping the digital experience for our clients, collaborating with industry experts, and actively participating in shaping our transformation towards an all-electric luxury brand from 2025. This journey has been an invaluable learning experience.

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are. 

I actively follow the Islamic Society of JLR. However, I am not currently participating in any additional projects. My focus has been dedicated to my role within the digital experience team.

Q: What do you like about working here?

Working here at JLR has been an incredible journey. The opportunity to be a part of such a prominent company is both exciting and fulfilling. Learning from industry experts has enriched my skills immensely. The respectful and supportive atmosphere, along with invaluable mentorship, has made me enjoy each day. Furthermore, the inclusivity, including dedicated prayer spaces, makes me truly feel like a valued member of the team.

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal? 

My career aspirations revolve around becoming a leader in the realm of digital technologies and products. I am fortunate to receive essential support from my management, particularly my line manager. Their guidance and setting of achievable goals for my placement have been instrumental in my skill enhancement. For instance, I will be engaged in observing a multi-week website development agile sprint, a practical exposure that vividly illustrates industry practices. This support propels me toward achieving my learning and development goals.

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition? 

Our team at new Jaguar is exceptional and stands out remarkably in the industry. What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation and the pursuit of ground-breaking ideas. The team’s ability to think beyond the conventional is astounding, as we’re conceptualizing ideas that break away from the norm. This approach involves incorporating futuristic technologies and crafting digital experiences that redefine our clients’ interactions with our products.

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

Certainly! Here are three interesting facts about me:

1. Tech Enthusiast: Ever since I was a child, I’ve been captivated by the world of technology. My passion led me to pursue a degree in Information Technology for Business, and now, I’m fortunate to work in the digital experience team at JLR, where I’m immersed in the latest innovations.

2. Cross-Cultural Journey: Being of South Asia descent but raised in the vibrant multicultural hub of Dubai, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing a blend of cultures and perspectives from a young age. This unique upbringing has helped me acquire a global outlook. Moving to the UK in my teens further enriched my life with diverse experiences, shaping me into someone who values the richness that different cultures bring to the table.

3. Curious Knowledge Seeker: Beyond my tech pursuits, I’m an avid reader with a curiosity for knowledge. Books allow me to explore various subjects and broaden my horizons. But my quest for learning doesn’t stop there. I actively seek insights from podcasts, online courses, and engaging discussions, making sure I gain wisdom from diverse channels and perspectives. This passion for continuous learning fuels my professional and personal growth.

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process? 

Here are a few valuable hints and tips I’d like to share with potential candidates navigating the application and interview process:

1. Thorough Research: Take the time to deeply understand the company’s values, mission, and recent achievements.

2. Showcase Your Skills: Be confident in highlighting your unique skills and experiences. Focus on how your abilities align with the company’s needs and how you can contribute to their growth.

3. Practice Confidence: Confidence goes a long way in making a positive impression. Practice your responses to common interview questions and work on projecting a poised and self-assured demeanour.

4. Ask Questions: Come prepared with insightful questions about the company, team dynamics, and role expectations. This showcases your eagerness and proactive approach.

5. Be genuine, well-prepared, and confident, and you’ll increase your chances of making a strong impression.

Engineering, Undergraduate

‘I feel that I receive excellent support from my management and department to help me achieve my learning and development goals.’

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities. 

I started as a Product Engineering Software Undergraduate within the Suspension Systems team under the Chassis Engineering Department.

My current responsibilities include; Suspension Controller Integration & Rapid Prototyping, Controller Software builds, Parameter Management, Data Visualisation Layouts, Testing Data Library Management, Test Data Processing & Analysis.

I am also responsible for building vehicle suspension energy consumption models and thermal modelling design and analysis for the Suspension Systems team.

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are. 

I am an Early Careers committee member and the Undergraduate Newsletter lead for the monthly JLR Early Careers Newsletter.

Q: What do you like about working here?

JLR often invests in employee development and offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the company which gives me boundless networking opportunities. I often find myself surrounded by like-minded individuals who are enthusiastic about what they do and are car enthusiasts. Moreover the sense of unity, flexibility of working at my own time and collaboration space provided by JLR is what I really enjoy.

I have been following JLR cars since I was a child and Jaguar and Land Rover are iconic brands with a rich history and a strong global presence. I have always been impressed by the quality of JLR’s vehicles. I love how they are built with performance in mind but also offer luxury features like heated seats and navigation systems. Being part of these brands’ legacy is rewarding.

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal? 

I would like to explore the various facets of the corporate world in my foundation years as a graduate and find my niche. In the next two years during my final year in university. I plan on taking up electives from different verticals of engineering to get a holistic perspective on how things run. I plan on meeting people from diverse backgrounds and varied experience and understand their perspective and eventually find my niche and work on related challenging and advanced projects. My future goal is to rise to an influential position in the organization and impact its growth with my innovative use of technology.

I feel that I receive excellent support from my management and department to help me achieve my learning and development goals. They have provided me with opportunities for training and growth, and I appreciate their commitment to helping me succeed. The best explanation, responses, and opportunities are provided, and I get support when I need it.

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition? 

My team has experts in suspension systems who possess in-depth knowledge of the field. This expertise leads to innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of the technology. The ability to develop and implement unique designs, materials, or adaptive systems that enhance vehicle performance and comfort. Not all suspension needs are the same, and a team that can tailor solutions is valuable and gives the company a competitive advantage.

We follow comprehensive testing protocols that helps build trust with customers. My team excels at cross-functional collaboration, maintaining strict quality control processes to ensure consistency and reliability of suspension systems. The team stays up to date with market trends and customer demands allowing the department to proactively address changing needs.

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

  1. I went on a study year abroad to Singapore last year, just before starting the placement. I travelled across several countries in South East Asia such as Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. I stayed and travelled with random strangers across the world in the Philippines who I met at party hostels.
  2. I like hiking and trekking. I have completed a 12 day trek in the Himalayas with an Indian Youth trekking organisation.
  3. I have studied and lived in 3 different countries. (India, United Kingdom, Singapore)

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process? 

Start by thoroughly researching the company. Understand its history, values, mission, products, recent news, and any specific initiatives or projects they are involved in. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the specific job you’re applying for at JLR. Be sure to showcase how your background can contribute to their goals.

Be prepared to discuss relevant industry trends, technologies, and innovations. Show that you’re adaptable and open to learning and growth, especially if you’re entering a technical role and expect questions about your past experiences and how you’ve handled various situations. Emphasize your ability to work effectively in a team, as collaboration is often vital in large organizations like JLR.

Finance, Graduate

‘We’ve got great, inspirational people in abundance’

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities. 

I started as a Finance Graduate – Material Cost | Global Purchasing

I am now a Finance Business Partner – IO Strategy | Industrial Operations. The purpose of my role is to provide consultation to the Industrial Operations Strategy (IOS) team, primarily from a financial perspective but also operationally based on the breadth of experiences I’ve had within JLR. I help shape & deliver high quality, considered strategies which support the achievement of enterprise objectives as part of a team which includes a broad range of stakeholders to define & recommend future strategy for Industrial Operations. These strategies could be with regards to new products (Pre-KO), our industrial footprint & network design or specific commodities ultimately delivering our products for our brands & clients through how we ‘plan, buy, make’.

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are. 

REACH Network – Ambassador, Mentor and Reverse Mentee
Finance, One Team – Founder (Previously Chair)

Q: What do you like about working here?

I love the products that JLR creates for each of our brands, and being part of the team who do that. I feel that I can thrive within the culture we’ve made positive progress and still strive towards! You’ll also meet some pretty amazing, inspirational people too. 

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal? 

My career aspirations are one at a time, with no set end destination. At the moment, I would like to progress within JLR and feel confident I can do that whilst maintaining the personal boundaries I’ve defined around balance between family & work. After that, I don’t know yet!

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition? 
People – we’ve got great, inspirational people in abundance. There is still so much opportunity to learn and grow even after 7 years. Finance has never been stronger, but is also striving to be so much better and is having a real positive impact on JLR.

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

1. I’ve officiated in a football match in front of 4,600 people.
2. The first car I owned was the replacement model of the ‘Inbetweeners’ car.
3. My specialist subject on Mastermind would be Pokémon.

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process? 

When considering a role at JLR, it will be your first step but there will often be many more than follow it – new roles, new experiences, new opportunities.

The Creators Code is the blueprint for behaviours at JLR, and one of the most important aspects considered within our interview processes. It’s recognised that success for JLR will be defined & delivered by people, so how we behave individually and collectively is fundamental to all outcomes. Make sure to bring your best examples, the best version of you and all your passion to your interview too!