An Internship Worth the Wait
Embarking on an internship in a foreign country can be an exhilarating and life-changing experience. However, sometimes unexpected complications arise, and for me, that was getting my work visa. I spent many days on Google translating German laws and navigating Germany’s bureaucratic hurdles.
In my downtime, I would go exploring in Munich and one of the first things that struck me about Munich was its amazing public transport system. Unlike Brisbane, Munich doesn't require a physical card to tap on and off public transportation. This not only eliminates the worry of forgetting to tap off and being charged extra (looking at you Go Card) but also streamlines the entire process. With bus and train stops scattered conveniently throughout the city, getting around Munich was a breeze. Moreover, the city's flat terrain and dedicated cycling paths made cycling a popular and accessible mode of transport. Thanks to the incredible transportation system, I witnessed my first ice hockey match, hiked up Tegernsee, and marveled at the breathtaking Neuschwanstein Castle. The city center itself was a treasure trove of architectural wonders, with grand buildings steeped in history at every turn. One of my personal favourites was the Monopteros Temple in the English Gardens, offering a panoramic view of the sprawling greenery. Fully immersing myself in the beautiful culture and savouring the delicious local cuisine made the wait for my visa a time of discovery and a little more bearable.
Once the visa issues were overcome, I jumped right into my internship at BMW Tech Office and the experiences I obtained during my first month proved that it was well worth the wait. A highlight was attending a conference at the BMW Group Research and Innovation Center, known as FIZ during my first week. After a delicious lunch at the BMW Cafeteria, I listened to two fascinating talks that broadened my horizons. I heard about how Chat GPT was disrupting many different industries and how BMW could harness its potential. Additionally, I also got a chance to gain insights into the design processes and rigorous testing that BMW’s new hydrogen car prototype was undergoing.
I'm currently working on 3D modelling and animation at the BMW Tech Office, and although it's a shift from the UI/UX work I did during my Academy internship, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the tasks assigned to me. Learning new skills in Blender opened a whole new world of creativity and possibilities. In addition to this, my co-workers were supportive and friendly, creating an environment that fostered collaboration and growth and I’m excited to see where my internship will take me in the future.
Hsuan Lee
BMW Group Intern (Tech Office Munich) 2023
