Internship at Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH

Student Name: Raad Nasser Abdellatif Al Jughol

Student ID Number: 2009601014

Internship Duration: 01.03.2013 – 31.08.2013

(26 Weeks)

Team Leader / Supervisor(s) at Mercedes- Benz Accessories

Herr Peter Kabitzke/Frau Claudia Zoller & Frau Dorothea Mielcarek

___________________________________________________________________________

Advisor/Exchange Officer at GJU

Dr. Omaimah Al-Arja

___________________________________________________________________________

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents 1

Internship Introduction 2

Company / Institution Description 3

Internship Activities 6

Evaluation of the Internship 17

Conclusion of the Report 19

References 19

Summary in German 20

2

Internship Introduction

Regarded as a first step in one’s future Career, applying to an internship is quite an important

task. Criteria and Job description help narrow down the search to suitable offers; however the

decision is always challenging. Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH, big names always have a

special temptation about them, and that is where I chose to conduct my Internship.

Reasons behind choosing this internship were simple yet compelling. As an architecture student,

not only did the Internship meet my Major’s criteria, it allowed me to be engaged specifically in

the field of Interior Architecture, planning and designing interior spaces for Mercedes-Benz

branches, auto houses and dealerships. This proved beneficial as a new experience and a new

challenge. Moreover, things became even clearer after the interview. The introduction to the

tasks, team members and working environment did nothing but encourage the idea even more, as

I found a friendly healthy atmosphere present.

In addition, my predecessor, a fellow architecture student at the GJU, had his International

Internship at the very same company and the very same position. Nothing but positive feedback

was given. The company was highly recommended for offering valuable job experience through

an intriguing learning process as well as providing a clear insight on Career life, aspects of

significance regarding future plans. Knowing that my predecessor had most importantly enjoyed

his Internship encouraged the decision. It was made clear that the company itself was welcoming,

and I had developed some comfort after seeing my fellow colleague’s work samples and desk.

This made the experience easier as it was not difficult fitting in the team.

Generally, my main task was assisting and supporting the team in Sales enhancement of the

various branches or showrooms and galleries distributed throughout Germany, as well as

worldwide. The process began with constructing drawings of the space itself. The proposal,

explained with the client’s needs and budget came next. Planning and designing followed through

integrating the MPS II system pre-designed by Daimler AG. Final Drawings, renderings and

representations of the work were produced for the client as well as for documentation of the

various projects.

The reasons mentioned earlier form a reasonable and firm idea as to why Mercedes-Benz

Accessories GmbH was chosen as the host company for my International Internship.

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Company/Institution Description

“Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG. The company

is responsible for the development, selection and marketing of Genuine Accessories and

Collections for Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, SLR McLaren and smart passenger cars. Mercedes-

Benz Accessories GmbH also offers Collection products and Genuine Accessories for Mercedes-

Benz vans.” 1

The statement above presents the company simply and directly. Mercedes-Benz Accessories

GmbH is a 100% subsidiary of Daimler AG, offering genuine vehicle Accessories and stylish

Collection products, the company no longer restricts “Mercedes-Benz” to the driving experience.

The customer is given the freedom to personalize, customize and become unique. The line of

products falls into two categories: Genuine Accessories and Collection.

GENUINE ACCESSORIES

“The Genuine Accessories allow customers to individualize their vehicle as they please. Covering

the four areas of Exterior, Telematics, Interior as well as Cargo & Care, the product spectrum

provides tailor-made customization options for making any Mercedes-Benz, AMG or smart

model stand out even more clearly.“ 2

As for Genuine Accessories, this category relates directly to the vehicles. The customer has a

wide selection of both hardware and software custom made specifically for each vehicle model

type ranging from Roof boxes, Alloy wheels and Floor covers to Navigations programs and

Parking applications.

COLLECTION

“Nothing but the best – needless to say, this pledge applies to the products in the Mercedes-Benz

Collection, too. All articles are designed, developed and manufactured especially for Mercedes-

Benz.” 3

Undergoing a series of quality as well as safety tests, this category provides nothing but high end

products ranging from textiles, office items, gadgets, gifts as well as model cars. I have conducted

my internship in this part of the company, Collection.

For the duration of my internship, I was enlisted in the “Collection” department as a member of

the CDS team. CDS stands for Collection Direct Sales team, the team responsible for: organizing

various Mercedes-Benz Events, Customer Service regarding products and orders, in charge of the

Online Shop and Retail Management or Point of Sale Management. I was part of the Retail

Management unit which focused on sales-enhancing Presentation of MBA Collection and

technical accessories at Point of Sales in Germany as well as worldwide. This enhancement

featured the appropriate planning, designing and positioning of these terminals while applying

proper presentation techniques.

1 The Website: http://www.mercedes-benz-accessories.com

2 The Website: http://www.mercedes-benz-accessories.com

3 The Website: http://www.mercedes-benz-accessories.com

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Facts & Figures

The company itself works in the manufacturing sector where products are both originally

designed and developed by Mercedes-Benz Accessories. As for its customers, the various

products being delivered attract several customer categories including private customers, retail

customers or event managers.

Located in Stuttgart Germany, the headquarter of the company serves as the center stage for

designing, developing and promoting the Genuine Accessories and Collection products. The

diagrams below provide a better understanding of the company’s organization, hierarchy and the

team which I was part of:

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4 Daimler Mitarbeiter-Portal, Mercedes-Benz Accessories Intranet – Services „Organigramm-MBA“

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Below are some facts and figures about the company:

Legal name: Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH

Legal form: German Limited Liability Company

Registered office: Am Wallgraben 125, 70565 Stuttgart

Management: Christian Boucke (CEO), Martin Meuser

Certification DIN EN ISO 9001:2008 and VDA 6.2:2004

Year established: 2000

Employees: around 2206

Company Address:

Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH

A Daimler AG Company

Horizont 2 Building

Am Wallgraben 125, 70565 Stuttgart

Germany

5 Daimler Mitarbeiter-Portal, Mercedes-Benz Accessories Intranet – Services „Organigramm-MBA“

6 The Website: http://www.mercedes-benz-

accessories.com/content/mba/mpc/mpc_mba_website/en/mpc_home/mba/home/company/themenuebersicht/facts.html

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Internship Activities

Usual Working day

Working conditions within a company set the tone for success. Optimum working conditions

generate a healthy atmosphere with the desire and motivation to work, consequently leading to

optimum results. At Mercedes-Benz Accessories, great care is taken to provide ideal working

conditions.

The offices provide the required space for equipment, movement and storage space. Office

design offers natural light and proper ventilation at all times, therefore the conditions are kept

fresh. These conditions result in the entire floor being a healthy atmosphere for carrying out the

daily tasks and activities. Well planned and distributed, both offices and facilities help the

employee work at ease. The social relationship between the employees is enhanced by the fact

that their offices as well as their team leaders’ are close to each other. Being engaged in social

activity actually helps the work flow. If help or approval is required then it is a single pace away.

The work itself is interconnected and thus the friendly, flexible atmosphere is achieved as it is

relatively simple to work in a team as well as with other teams. Facilities such as printer rooms,

kitchenettes and rest rooms are distributed to be easily accessible as well. Combining these

elements together, the working day starts joyfully.

Attending an introductory meeting on the first day, company policies and internship

requirements were thoroughly explained. Internship criteria require the intern to complete 8

working hours daily in addition to 40 minutes allocated for the lunch break. Hence, 40 working

hours are completed weekly. Entering the company in the morning has no fixed time, but

generally employees should be at work 9:30 a.m the latest. The working day starts with logging in

using the personal ID. Automated Log in – Log out keeps track of the employee’s working

hours, over hours, holidays and sick days. This is followed by logging in on the main server

through the individual workstations of employees in the offices. Using Microsoft Outlook as the

main communications tool, up-to-date E-mails as well as Calendar Events provide the tasks and

projects needed to start the working process of the day.

As the day progresses, tasks are being accomplished and projects are being completed. Working

within a certain time frame and pointing efforts in the right direction is important. Delays create

serious problems. Daily tasks fall accordingly into monthly schedules, quarter schedules and

yearly schedules, hence time management is vital. The diversity of tasks mixed with new learning

experiences helps to maintain the enthusiasm and motivation in this relaxed working

environment.

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Unusual Working Day

Working for an international company brings about exposure to diverse learning experiences.

The usual working day routine is often interrupted with various activities. For the duration of the

internship, participation in team meetings, feedback and training sessions, team build-up exercises

and special tasks was extremely rewarding.

An important aspect in the field of interior architecture is understanding the space itself. Spatial

arrangement and relationships are crucial as there is a considerable amount of detail given to

interior works. When possible, site visits provided the best means of establishing that

understanding ultimately making the working process easier. Visiting old projects was helpful as

well; it creates a visual relation between the existing work and what needs to be done. On

occasions, clients or project managers offer more insight on the project from their own

perspective as well as providing project restrictions such as trends and budget. However,

harmonizing these elements together determines the success of the project.

Being a member of the team meant participating in team activities. Ranging from meetings and

feedback sessions to extracurricular activities, these activities are nothing but essential. The team

meeting conducted every two weeks keeps track of the work in progress. Additions, alterations

and problems are all discussed to ensure the smooth continuity of the work. Listening as well as

contributing was extremely beneficial. Monthly, a department meeting was conducted which

discussed goals and targets apart from individual tasks; a greater scale and a greater responsibility.

Team spirit was stimulated through these meetings as well as through team building exercises.

Whole day team building exercises portrayed the importance of social activity outside the

working environment. Not only are they great ice-breakers, these exercises expose potentials and

alter perspectives. Employee satisfaction is a valuable asset to any company. Not to mention, the

bond created between employees through activities such as weekly scheduled football matches

and birthday celebrations.

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Challenges & Difficulties

The presence of challenges and difficulties is quite normal in any working environment.

However, adapting to and overcoming difficulties is an important part of the learning process

and extremely beneficial. During my internship at Mercedes-Benz Accessories, I have

encountered a few challenges nonetheless I have gained experience dealing with them and turned

them into my advantage.

Working in an international company blurs the lines between cultural differences. Having dealt

with projects in various regions of the world, employees acquire a better understanding of

cultural aspects. The relationship with my supervisors and co-workers was actually a mutual

learning experience in which interest was present from both sides. Sharing cultural trends made

my stay much more comfortable and I was engaged in several social activities. Not to mention

that my predecessor was a student from the same university. I was surprised as to the amount of

knowledge my new colleagues already had regarding social, political and religious aspects of my

very own culture. Consequently, the atmosphere was more accepting and welcoming which

reflected better on the working process.

Although the tasks and responsibilities were introduced by my supervisors thoroughly and clearly,

enough time was allocated to becoming well acquainted with the system and flow of work. Tasks

were immediately explained, examples from previous works were provided and it was never

difficult to ask or inquire. Not only supervisors, other team members as well, provided all the

help necessary in completing the tasks given. Familiarizing with the tasks was dealt with smoothly

however some aspects of the work needed more effort to achieve. Working simultaneously on

more than one task and distributing effort in between needed practice to accomplish. The same

can be said for time management as they are both equally important. Through practice, these

aspects improved and became even clearer. Mistakes, when present, were dealt with

professionally through constructive feedback and presented a motivation to improve. All in all,

every aspect of the internship is part of the learning process.

Language and communication skills form the basis on which the work can be accomplished.

German skills have greatly improved at the end of the internship as a result of the continuous

practice. The working environment exposes new levels of language skills as it is more formal and

professional oriented. Business terms and phrases offer new vocabulary and speech skills;

preparation is needed in presenting accomplished tasks and ideas appropriately to avoid

misunderstanding. Moreover, participating is equally important to practicing. It became quite

clear that the presence in meetings or discussions aids to the improvement of these skills.

Observing co-workers engaged in everyday situations proved to be very informative and

beneficial. Having taken part in several meetings on various occasions helped me realize the

importance of observation. Combining both observation and practice assists in acquiring the

maximum amount of information.

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Team & Supervision

As mentioned in the ‘Company Description’, the company is divided into departments and

divides further into teams and teams sections forms the hierarchy and structure. Of the various

departments, my internship was conducted in the ‘Collection Department’ which divides further

into product licensing, product management and direct sales. I was part of the Retail management

subdivision on the direct sales section, Team CDS, and the nature of my tasks included the

enhancement of ‘Point of Sales’ terminals through planning and re-design as well as proper

presentation. The team is led by Mr. Peter Kabitzke (Team Leader/CDS) and my direct

supervisors were:

Mrs. Claudia Zoller

Ms. Dorothea Mielcarek

Reporting to my supervisors and team leader at all times was necessary and part of my

responsibility as an intern and when working in a team. Assistance was always provided regarding

the tasks given, inquires and any challenges or difficulties which may have risen. This aspect was

made comfortable since day one, as we shared a professional respectful relationship to create a

healthy working environment. Guidance as well as advice for future was also offered through the

various situations encountered. The same relationship was shared with all co-workers and other

team members as acquaintance was established through teamwork and other social activities.

During the interval time between projects I was introduced to various tasks while assisting other

team members. This added much experience and insight to the internship as well as opening

opportunities for the future.

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Assigned Tasks & Work Experience

The main goal of the internship was to assist my supervisors in completing as much projects as

possible during my 6 month stay at the company. Projects were organized in a yearly program,

prioritized and then distributed among both supervisors. Variation existed between projects in

terms of scale, nature of requirements and location. The diversity among projects consistently

brought about new challenges.

As each and every project is different from the next, projects were mainly of two types: new

installations of MBA Product Presentation or modifying previously existing locations, both the

responsibility of the Retail Management department. In order to ensure the best revenue, careful

planning and ideal presentation techniques needed to be applied. The means in where and how

the products are presented is essential, therefore exploring the different options and finding the

optimum solution is quite challenging. However, during the process of data collection, a general

idea of the preferred outcome is formed.

Through client sessions and site visits, data and information essential for the completion of the

project were collected. Projects were directly delivered from my supervisors, analyzed, explained

and immediately put into work. The process of obtaining the results was systematic and the tasks

were accomplished step by step. The nature of the tasks was to implement the newly planned

design and present it in a suitable method for communicating with the client. Every project

undergoes the following tasks in order to reach the final outcome:

Creating the space housing the Mercedes-Benz products.

Planning and redesigning the zones in which the products will be displayed.

Presenting the ideas and proposals in plans and 3-Dimentional representations.

Preparing cost estimations calculating the project budget.

The starting point of any project is the space itself. The data collected from the project needs to

be visualized and simulated to enable further implementation of the designed proposal. Using the

architectural program, Nemetschek Allplan 2013, the floor plans are inserted or imported and an

initial print out is produced for the planning process. Printouts along with pictures were used in

the briefing session with my supervisors in which the client’s needs were clarified and an initial

proposal was suggested. Sharing opinions and thoughts, preferences and solutions a final decision

about the design is agreed upon. The next step is installing the Mercedes-Benz furniture

predesigned and installed in the Allplan program.

The diagrams below are extracts from the data collection process of the Mercedes-Benz Store

Den Haag, Netherlands project. Upon my supervisor’s site visit, I was briefed about the

project, client needs, and a discussion was conducted to determine the suitable solutions that we

will be offering as proposals. The client provided us with a presentation as well as documents and

plans necessary for commencing the project.

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The following slides

obtained from the

client’s presentation

aim at providing an

overview of the

project itself such as

location, number of

floors, floor

area…etc. aspects

that should be taken

into consideration

before deciding the

course of action.

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This slide includes

both exterior and

interior shots of

the project which

aid in visualizing

the space itself.

Along with the

photographs taken

by my supervisor,

these shots give

information about

spatial

relationships and

construction

works as well.

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This is all part of the briefing process which precedes any project and intends to establish general

information as well as being familiar with the project itself. Next, the planning process begins by

introducing the plans and proposals are immediately being discussed, taking into consideration

the information obtained from the slides above and client needs.

7 Overview, Client Presentation Den Haag, Netherlands (Property of Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH)

8 Client Presentation Den Haag, Netherlands (Property of Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH)

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9

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9 Plans, Client Presentation, Den Haag, Netherlands (Property of Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH)

10 Ground Floor Plan, Client Presentation, Den Haag, Netherlands (Property of Mercedes-Benz Accessories

GmbH)

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After the plans have been studied carefully and a decision has been reached for the proposals, the

plans are then imported into the Allplan 2013 program where the design process starts. This

phase includes refining the 2-dimentional plans in terms of representation, editing the plans so

that they resemble, as accurately as possible, the actual situation revealed through pictures,

installing the pre-designed Mercedes-Benz furniture and display units as part of the proposal. The

diagrams below represent the finalized Ground Floor and First Floor plans of the project:

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12

Notable differences can be established between the old and the newly produced plans. The new

plans are intended to be as clear and as readable as possible for the client, they include both the

installed furniture as well as text and lettering elements describing the proposal.

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Ground Floor Plan, Mercedes-Benz Store Den Haag, Netherlands (Property of Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH) 12

First Floor Plan, Mercedes-Benz Store Den Haag, Netherlands (Property of Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH)

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Communicating ideas with the client is extremely important. It also determines the success or

failure of a project. For this reason, to enhance communication 3-Dimentional representations

were produced in parallel to the 2-Dimentional Drawings. These 3-D images help visualize the

proposal and give a clear idea of how the space will look like upon implementation.

13 14

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The diagrams shown above are samples of the finalized renderings produced for this project.

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Technical Accessories section, Mercedes-Benz Store Den Haag, Netherlands (Produced by Nemetschek Allplan 2013) (Property of Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH) 14

Collection section, Mercedes-Benz Store Den Haag, Netherlands (Produced by Nemetschek Allplan 2013) (Property of Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH) 15

Bistro & Waiting Area, Mercedes-Benz Store Den Haag, Netherlands (Produced by Nemetschek Allplan 2013) (Property of Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH)

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A cost estimation sheet is usually produced alongside the graphical representations. This sheet

add yet another valuable dimension and presents the client with a simpler decision process as to

implementing the proposal or making further changes. An example of this sheet is included

below.

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Preliminary Cost Estimation, Mercedes-Benz Store Den Haag, Netherlands (Property of Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH)

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Theory vs. Practice

After conducting my internship at Mercedes-Benz Accessories, both similarities and differences

were drawn between university education and practical application. Both are equally important

and complementary. The knowledge acquired during university education prepares the student

for career life, and in career life university knowledge is directly implemented.

The university acts as a preparatory stage, building up the student’s knowledge semester by

semester, course by course. This stage is essential as the more knowledge the student possesses

translates into the level of preparation and ultimately efficiency in career life. Better preparation

means better results. Time management is a clear example in this matter. During university

studies, time management is a skill introduced and a topic in need of being accustomed to,

however, this skill is implemented, put into practice and therefore further developed in everyday

life.

Furthermore, the level of responsibility is somewhat transcended during career life as projects are

realistic, actions and decisions have consequences. As an architecture student, this picture is quite

clearer as projects are no longer virtual; they are actually planned and implemented. In designing,

real life standards and conditions are taken into consideration; if the project is not implementable

then it is considered as a failure, needless to say that actually building a project and seeing the

work being constructed is much more rewarding. Another perspective is visualized when the

project is realized as a new field of knowledge is experienced including restrictions, limitations

and after effects. This perspective is necessary in completing the picture and complementing all

the work and preparation in the previous stage.

University education and practical application are quite similar and related yet a difference lies in

the outcomes and implementation. A person can achieve only a certain level of knowledge

theoretically; however, practice also needs preparation and a strong basis to build on. Situated in

a close relation, combining both theoretical and practical aspects expand one’s knowledge.

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Evaluation of the Internship

Questions:

What skills and qualifications do you think you have gained from the internship?

Reflecting back on my Internship, I believe that I have acquired valuable skills and qualifications

that will definitely prove useful in my future career plans. This experience gave me a clear insight

on professional career life, what it feels like to be part of a team and how to work in one, the

importance of time management, establishing an efficient working process and being responsible

enough to take care of the tasks I was entrusted with. As an architecture student, communicating

and understanding the client’s needs as well as establishing a clear method of expressing ideas and

proposals were valuable skill additions. Not to mention, the clear improvement of my German

skills.

Did the internship meet your expectations?

The internship definitely met my expectations. Bearing in mind the outcomes of the Internship in

terms of skills, qualifications and experience I would definitely say that it was successful. Being

able to take part in cultural experience as well as team work would be regarded as fruitful.

What kind of responsibilities were you entrusted with during the internship period?

Individually, my main responsibility was accomplishing my required tasks. I was entrusted to

complete the tasks which I was given in the allocated time frame. As a team member,

responsibilities were focused towards the entire team, where individual work becomes part of the

overall team performance therefore it needed to be presented and well explained. Attending team

meetings and feedback sessions was very important. Furthermore, the main showroom, regarded

as the center stage of the company including the highlight products, was a responsibility for every

team member. The condition of the showroom very much reflected the company itself, therefore

at all times great care was directed towards it, in addition to keeping track of the items and

products constantly being brought in and out.

How do you think the internship will influence your future career plans?

Having acquired a much better understanding of professional and career life, I believe this

internship will be very influential in terms of my future career plans. Combining the set of skills

and qualifications which I possess with working in a new field of my studies is a real eye-opener

to new opportunities laying new paths ahead of my future career plans.

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How do you think your internship activities are correlated with your university knowledge?

University knowledge acts as a preparatory stage forming an idea of what a working environment,

tasks and responsibilities are. Therefore, internship activities convert this hypothetical

atmosphere into an actual one, where these tasks and responsibilities are real and accounted for.

The student actually practices what he learns at university.

What were the main challenges/difficulties?

I believe as part of any job there are always challenges and difficulties assigned to it. As to my

internship the main difficulty would be German skills. Being the main method of

communication, the level of German greatly influences how smooth the working process is;

nevertheless my German skills have greatly improved as a result of this internship allowing for a

much more fluent flow of work.

How was the relationship with the internship supervisor and colleagues?

Throughout the entire internship, my relationship with my internship supervisor and colleagues

was professional, friendly and everyone showed the utmost respect towards each other.

Would you recommend this company for other GJU students?

I would definitely recommend this company to other students. Not only does this company live

up to its name, the amount of experience it offers is valuable. It was a well- rounded experience

with nothing but positive outcomes, an aspect which every student must seek to realize.

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Report Conclusion

After completing my internship at Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH, I have built up a better

understanding and a better mindset towards professional career life. Consequently, I have drawn

a few conclusions from my personal experience.

Firstly, as an intern at any company, the intern is immediately faced with responsibilities.

Compliance and work ethics are issues entrusted to the intern and are to be regarded with utmost

importance. Clarifying this issue from the very beginning is vital for a seamless healthy working

environment; the intern understands both entrusted responsibilities and personal rights.

Secondly, communication is key. Working in a team, work efficiency depends on how well

different members of the team communicate. Communicating allows for a much better

understanding of the tasks given, progression of work, anticipating and dealing with problems as

they arise. Therefore, it is necessary at any given time to be able to give an idea on the current

tasks; time needed for completion and inform whenever difficulties arise. When present, these

communications skills create the healthy working environment increasing the work efficiency.

Thirdly, topics such as time management, coordination and multifunctioning are real, put into

practice and have consequences. Having the ability to manage time properly and multifunction

impacts all aspects of work. Failing to accomplish tasks on time has negative consequences which

are real. This is where these skills come into aid. Allocating appropriate time for each task while

simultaneously progressing through others requires preparation and organization. All of which

fall under the importance of having a well-structured efficient working process. Through

scheduling regular team meetings, discussions and feedback sessions the points mentioned above

can be achieved. Moreover, it is equally important to have extra team activities outside the

working environment. Having taken part in several, these are significant in their role of

encouraging team spirit, providing freedom of expression and breaking the ice.

Finally, dedication and devotion is a point worth mentioning. Devotion reflects positively in

one’s work and satisfies the supervisors and team members involved. Consequently, this aids the

entire team, when its members are producing high quality work, brings about more responsibility

and is the main reason for career advancement.

References

1. Daimler Mitarbeiter-Portal http://portal.e.corpintra.net/wps/myportal, Daimler AG

Intranet.

2. The Website: http://www.mercedes-benz-accessories.com

3. Documents produced during the internship at Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH

4. Information received during the itnernship period from my supervisors: Mrs. Claudia

Zoller/ Ms. Dorothea Miecarek

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Summary in German

Mein Praktikum habe ich im Zeitraum vom 01.03.2013 bis zum 31.08.2013 bei der Mercedes-

Benz Accessories GmbH am Standort Stuttgart-Vaihingen im Bereich Collection, Team CDS

absolviert.

„ Die Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH ist eine 100-prozentige Tochter der Daimler AG und verantwortet die Entwicklung, Auswahl und Vermarktung von Original-Zubehör und Kollektionsartikeln zur exklusiven Individualisierung von Fahrzeugen der Marken Mercedes-Benz, AMG und smart“. Im Jahr seiner Gründung in 2000 begann das Unternehmen mit einem kleinen Produkt-Portfolie für MB PKW. Heute, nach 12 erfolgreichen Jahren, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH beschaeftigt circa 250 Mitarbeiter und stellt Produkte sowohl im Geschäftsfeld Zubehör (MB PKW, Vans und smart) als auch in der Collection (z.B. MB PKW, MB NFZ, AMG Durch mein Praktikum konnte ich wertvolle praktische Erfahrungen sammeln. Meine Aufgaben waren zum sehr grossen Teil interessant. Meine Hauptaufgabe war der Präsentation von MB Accessories und Collection im Autohaus, auf Messen und Veranstaltungen. Zu meinen Aufgaben zaehlte die Vorbereitung von 2-D Plaene, 3-D Ansichten (Renderings) und manchmals Kostenschaetzungen, die alle zusammen als Vorschlaege fuer Kunden benuzt werden. Für meine Aufgaben war die Anwendung mehrerer Programme wie Microsoft Word. Excel, Powerpoint und Outlook notwenig. Dazu habe ich die MBA-internen ETAS und SAP Programme angewandt. Um meine Hauptaufgabe erfüllen zu können, habe ich mir Kenntnisse im CAD Programm Nemetschek Allplan 2013 angeeignet. Am Anfang meines Praktikums war die Sprache die größte Herausforderung. Das Verstehen meiner Aufgabe sowie die Verständigung mit meinen Kollegen hing von meinen Sprachkenntnissen ab. Ich stellte fest, dass Praxis der beste Weg ist, um meine Sprachkenntnisse zu verbessern. Nach 6 Monaten der Praxis während meines Praktikums ist mein Gebrauch der deutschen Sprache sehr viel besser geworden. Meine Erwartungen und Ziele an das Praktikum haben sich voll erfuellt. Es hat mich als eine Person geändert, und die Art geändert, wie ich an Architektur dachte. Abschliessend moechte ich besonders meinem Chef Herr Kabitzke, meinen Betreuerinnen Fau Zoller, Frau Mielcarek und dem Team CDS danken. Ich empfehle die Abteilung Collection als Praktikumsstelle. Ein Praktikum dort war für mich eine sehr schöne Erfahrung.