^{In Global Responsibility and Leadership (GRL), we find passionate and impact-driven students who come and seek for the creativity and skills needed to imagine and create local solutions to global problems.}

^{Lill Sophie is a third-year GRL student who used her minor space to complete an internship at Audi, working in a topic she was passionate about: the automobile industry sustainable transition. The following article compiles some of her answers to some questions that came up about her successful internship experience.}

A brief introduction: who am I, and what brought me here?

My name is Lill Sophie Neubauer, I am 21 years old and originally from Hamburg, Germany. When I chose to study Global Responsibility and Leadership (GRL) with a major in Energy, Ecology, and Climate, it was driven by a deep conviction: that the challenges of our time are interconnected, and that real solutions require exactly that kind of interdisciplinary thinking.

From early on, one sector captured my imagination more than any other: the automotive industry and its transformation towards sustainable mobility. Electric vehicles, alternative fuels, the reinvention of how we move through the world: these are not just technical questions, but some of the most pressing challenges of our generation. So when it came to choosing my minor, the answer felt clear. I had the incredible opportunity to complete an internship in the outbound logistics department at Audi, one of the world's leading automotive manufacturers, where my work centred on sustainability in the transportation of finished vehicles from production plants to customers, with a focus on emissions reduction and the potential of alternative fuels and transport solutions.

Why did you choose to do an internship for your minor?

For me, there was never really a question. I have always loved working, being active, contributing to real projects, and building something tangible. Both the experience of supporting a Legal Tech start-up before and during university as well as my Living Lab at the Global Center on Adaptation gave me an early taste of professional life in an international environment.

After two years of studying, I felt genuinely ready to step into the full-time working world. I wanted to test myself to take everything I had learned and apply it in a real corporate setting. A semester abroad is a wonderful experience, but for me, the internship path aligned perfectly with where I want to go: building a career, making an impact, and growing as a professional. I believe that starting early is the best foundation you can lay for yourself.

What was the application process like?

Honestly, I was fortunate to have a very smooth experience. I knew I wanted to gain experience in the automotive industry, so I reached out to people in my network, did my research on Audi's career site and within the wider Volkswagen Group, and found two internship opportunities that genuinely excited me. After an interview with the outbound logistics team at Audi (which was both informative and encouraging) I was offered the position, and we finalized all the details from there.

I am aware that this kind of straightforward process is not the norm for many young people today, and I don't take it for granted. Many talented students apply extensively and face rejection despite their best efforts. I feel very grateful for the opportunity I was given.

What were the first days like?

Stepping into the headquarters and production site of a global automotive manufacturer is like entering its own world. Every corridor, every department, every conversation holds something new — and even now, I continue to discover new places and learn new things daily.

The beginning was, to be honest, a lot. You are constantly absorbing information, trying to integrate your existing knowledge into unfamiliar tasks, and establishing yourself as a young professional — all while adjusting to the rhythm of a full working day. It can feel overwhelming. But what I remember most vividly is also the warmth of my team. My colleagues welcomed me with open arms, explained things thoroughly, and made me feel valued from the start. Audi provided an environment where I could grow with confidence, and for that I am genuinely grateful. What could have been intimidating quickly became energising. The overwhelm gave way to enthusiasm, and the curiosity just kept growing.

What are some of your biggest learnings?

The most important lesson I took away is this: be curious, and be vocal about it. If someone around you is working on something that interests you — say so. That openness will open more doors than almost anything else. I had never specifically planned to work in logistics before this internship, but I embraced it wholeheartedly, and it turned out to be one of the most fascinating and rewarding experiences. I met remarkable people, learned about aspects of the automotive industry I had never considered, and came away with knowledge and connections I will carry with me for a long time.

How did the internship complement your GRL learning path?

GRL prepared me in ways I only fully appreciated once I was in the field. In a professional environment, I quickly understood that curiosity and the ability to think critically matter far more than having all the answers. GRL taught me to look at the bigger picture — to understand the interconnectedness of global transitions and to approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset. My major gave me both a broad foundation and targeted expertise in energy, alternative fuels, and the transformation of the mobility sector.

The internship, in turn, gave me the chance to bring all of that to life. I could apply my academic knowledge to real corporate challenges — contributing to discussions on emissions reduction, exploring the potential of sustainable logistics solutions, and working within a team navigating one of the most dynamic transitions in the industry. The two experiences reinforced each other in the best possible way.

Did the internship shape your vision for the future?

It confirmed and expanded it. I came in with a strong interest in the automotive industry and renewable energy technologies — and that passion only deepened. But what the internship also taught me is just how many extraordinary opportunities exist that you simply cannot anticipate from a lecture hall. Working in a large, dynamic corporation means encountering fields, roles, and ideas you never knew existed. And every one of them is an invitation.

I still have a clear direction and ambitions I am working towards. But I have also learned to hold that vision with open hands — to stay ambitious and focused, while remaining genuinely open to where the path leads. The people I met during this internship have already shaped my thinking, and I am excited to keep meeting more. Therefore, I am very excited to be writing my bachelor thesis with Audi as an extension of my internship.

Any advice for future GRL students considering a curricular internship?

GRL is one of the most versatile programmes you can study. Its interdisciplinary nature means it is relevant across an enormous range of fields: ecology, policy, research, consulting, corporate strategy, and beyond. Whatever direction you want to go, GRL gives you the intellectual foundation and the mindset to get there. The most valuable skill it builds is not any single piece of knowledge, but the ability to think critically, see interconnections, and approach complex challenges with clarity and purpose. I experienced first-hand how powerful that skill set is in a professional environment.

As for doing an internship: I could not recommend it more highly. It is not just about gaining experience in a field you think you want to pursue — it is equally valuable for understanding what you do not want. Every working experience teaches you something about yourself, about what you value, and about what kind of professional you want to become. That self-knowledge is priceless.

Take the leap. Stay curious. And trust that there is so much waiting for you — you just have to be willing to go and find it.