Collaboration between students and sponsors is a key factor in what makes the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge so unique. The chance to work with major worldwide companies to connect both teams together can open eyes, expand horizons, and create opportunities. For Year 4, Mississippi State University was paired with Bosch to plan out and execute a personalized activity. Upon hearing news of the collaboration sponsor, the MSU team was excited for what was to come and eager to learn from Bosch representatives. Knowing that the students wanted to listen to employees and hear what they had to share, both parties agreed that a Lunch & Learn would be a helpful route.
A Lunch & Learn provided a way for various Bosch employees to talk about their work life and experiences with the company, while MSU students were able to gain insight and ask questions. EcoCAR works to give the students involved the organization a step ahead in the automotive industry post-graduation with the possibility that they will go to work for one of the sponsorship companies. With Bosch being a Leadership Level sponsor and a company that students are interested in heading to after college, the Lunch & Learn allowed for employees to shine awareness onto topics that MSU EcoCAR team members were curious about. The Lunch & Learn topics included what a daily workday looked like, how to get started with the application process, and the most enjoyable things about Bosch. There were five different employees in virtual attendance, and each one was able to share their own personal story and unique wisdom. Following the main portion of the session there was a Q&A, where the floor was open for any unanswered questions. The more that students can hear from the sponsors of EcoCAR, the more connected they can feel to these major companies. There is an endless amount of knowledge that can be soaked up about the automotive industry, and the Lunch & Learn provided a deeper glimpse into that.
Charlie Ackerman, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Bosch, was able to join the call and shed light into the importance of fostering the relationships that form through sponsorship collaborations. “We want to partner with you,” he shared. “I personally want to partner with you. I want to help you navigate the best way to get into the Bosch organization. That’s why we’re here.”
The opportunities that the competition offers can be incredibly beneficial to those involved, and this activity is an excellent example of how EcoCAR sets its students up for success. Listening and learning from professionals in the automotive industry can provide applicable advice and give students have a better look into the sponsor companies.
