MAHLE will be joining us at the 2025 STEAM Job + Internship Fair this fall and Catherine has some insights and advice to share!

Tell us a bit about you and your journey to MAHLE?

My journey to MAHLE started just one year ago! After graduating from Oakland University with a major in Human Resource Development, I spent time as and HR Coordinator but found that what I really wanted to do was work with young talent! My position as a University Relations Specialist at MAHLE enables me to do just that and more.

What is your organization’s primary focus within the tech, data, or engineering sector?

MAHLE is a leading international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry with customers in both passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors. Founded in 1920, the technology group is working on the climate-neutral mobility of tomorrow, with a focus on the strategic areas of electrification and thermal management as well as further technology fields to reduce CO2 emissions, such as fuel cells or highly efficient combustion engines that also run on hydrogen or synthetic fuels. Today, one in every two vehicles globally is equipped with MAHLE components.

In what ways does your organization support continuous learning and development?

MAHLE’s learning and development department provides extensive trainings for both technical and business learning in addition to personal growth. MAHLE employees have access to all of LinkedIn Learning on top of over 1000 curated courses within MAHLE’s learning platform.

How do you stay current with rapid technological advancements in your field?

Continuous advancement is huge for MAHLE. Encouraging innovation and new ideas is something that MAHLE continues to do. Staying competitive is important, but staying true to the company’s foundation and values continues to show through the new developments we are making within the automotive and mobility sector.

What qualities or experiences do you look for when hiring in tech and engineering roles?

We really look for students who are eager to learn and grow. The standout students are those who can communicate well, whether that be their experiences, what they are looking for, or just having a casual conversation. Having a previous internship experience is a plus, but students who are involved on campus through student organizations, research labs, and extracurricular activities thrive at MAHLE as well since there are so many transferrable skills.

What types of projects or internships are most beneficial for aspiring professionals?

The most beneficial internships and projects for aspiring professionals at MAHLE are those that offer hands-on experience in engineering, manufacturing, and R&D. Opportunities in areas like thermal management, mechatronics, and continuous improvement allow interns to work on real-world automotive challenges, collaborate with experienced teams, and develop practical skills that align with MAHLE’s focus on innovation and sustainability.

Want to meet Catherine and her team from MAHLE? Their on-campus event: “Meet Up with MAHLE” will be taking place on September 16th, 2025 in the Davis Atrium. Register Here!