Graduate employer profile: JLR

Sam Parkin, Early Careers Recruitment Lead at JLR, shares what it is like to work for the company and the opportunities that it offers for recent gradates and young engineers.

JLR

Tell us about JLR.

We’re JLR, the company behind brands like Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, and Jaguar. We create modern, sustainable and luxury vehicles engineered with cutting-edge technology and innovative design.

Globally, JLR employs over 40,000 people. This year, we are excited to welcome more than 570 graduates and undergraduates to our team. They will work on projects ranging from designing new car models to developing advanced electric vehicle technology. Thanks to our agile working environment, we continually take on new and exciting projects, each offering opportunities to innovate, create, and drive transformation.

Want to know more about life at JLR? Check out our latest blogs from current graduates on our website: https://www.jaguarlandrovercareers.com/content/JLR-Life-Blog/?category=early-careers.

What career opportunities do you have for graduates and young engineers? 

We offer a variety of roles for undergraduates and graduates, covering different degree disciplines. To apply, you’ll need to be on track for or have a 2:2 degree.

Some of the business areas you can work in at JLR include: Engineering - including Software, Electronics and Complex Systems, Future Propulsion Systems, Hardware and Mechatronics; Industrial Operations - Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain & Logistics, Procurement, Digital; Corporate - encompassing People (Human Resources), Commercial, Data Analytics, Business Strategy, Project Management; or Creative (Design).

We’re looking for students who combine curiosity and creativity with the technical skills they learned at university. We also value softer skills such as communication techniques, problem solving and resilience. Our vision for the future is full of ambition and innovation, so when it comes to engineering, we look at more than just your exam results. We want to know what you’re passionate about and what makes you unique.

- JLR

What other qualities are you looking for?  

At JLR, we’re guided by our Creators’ Code. Here’s what we’re looking for in you:

Customer Love: Be passionate about our vision, our products, and our customers. Most of all, be passionate about the part you can play in delivering the most desirable, sustainable and luxurious vehicles of the future. You don’t need to be a car expert, just love what we do and our vision for the future.

Unity: We’re all about teamwork. Building the cars of tomorrow, today means working together, building strong working relationships, and taking the time to learn from each other.

Integrity: Be your true, authentic self. We celebrate diversity and believe our success can only be achieved when we embrace the many unique qualities each person brings to the team. Whatever your background or experience, we value your input.

Growth: We’re looking for people who never stop learning and finding new ways to improve. We’re looking for determined individuals who want to grow with us and make an impact in their career.

Impact: Make a difference, big or small. Take responsibility, strive for better, and inspire others. Having an impact is about getting involved and driving change, not just being a passenger.

- JLR

As a potential applicant, how can I make myself stand out from the competition?

We don’t expect you to have tons of experience – it’s all about potential! 

Prepare well: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to talk about your experiences.

Be confident: Think about the interview questions and how you’d answer them. Highlight your teamwork and other skills that match our values.

Showcase your experiences: Whether it’s a part-time job, volunteering, sports, or university projects, tell us how these experiences have helped you develop key skills.

Why should I consider a career at JLR? 

Our people are at the heart of our business. That’s why we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture in which everyone can thrive. We want you to be your authentic self and thrive here. With 11 employee networks, including JLR Pride, the Working Parents Network, and the JLR Islamic Society, we are committed to creating a welcoming space for everyone. 

What makes JLR a great place to work is the combination of talented colleagues and cutting-edge technology.  We have a collaborative environment that encourages curiosity and continuous learning, with everyone ready to support each other's growth.

We offer competitive salaries, great benefits (like vehicle lease schemes, high street discounts, and more), and fantastic career development opportunities. Our graduate and undergraduate programmes are designed to deepen your curiosity, transform your thinking, and give you real-world experience. Many of our leaders started in these programmes, so there’s no limit to how far you can go!

Sam Parkin, Early Careers Recruitment Lead at JLR.

The Student Engineer is a special channel of The Engineer aimed at educating and inspiring engineering undergraduates about the career opportunities in engineering and also offering practical advice on how they can access these opportunities. 

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