Vivien: Fast Track at Porsche

Students at 42 learn soft skills, innovative thinking, and independence—but they don’t graduate with a traditional degree. Four years after the school’s opening, it’s clear: this is not a disadvantage. More and more 42 students are landing internships and full-time jobs—and are in higher demand than ever on the job market. This is also true for Vivien, who has been completing an internship at Porsche since February.

Porsche stands for speed and excellence. The company is one of the most innovative players in the automotive industry. Since February 2025, 42 student Vivien has been strengthening the production department at the Zuffenhausen site—the headquarters of Porsche AG. This is where both the all-electric Taycan and the iconic 911 roll off the production line. Vivien: "I was never really a car nerd. But the production processes—how thousands of individual parts come together to form a car—that fascinates me." In fact, around 300 vehicles are produced daily in Zuffenhausen, each consisting of thousands of components. Customers can configure their Porsche down to the finest details, from seat design to rims—no Porsche is like another.

One thing is clear: the automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Economic and geopolitical conditions are becoming increasingly challenging, which also affects Porsche. To future-proof the company, decisive action is needed to adapt structures and consistently reduce costs. Vivien’s department supports IT-related initiatives to optimize production processes. One of her tasks: improving spare parts management through data-driven solutions. Franziska Haase, Vivien’s mentor at Porsche, explains: "In production, we manufacture innovative and future-proof products that excite our customers. To ensure stable processes, replacement parts for production facilities must be available immediately when needed." AI can play a crucial role in this. In the future, an AI-powered system should not only notify when parts are running low but also predict when specific spare parts will be required. Franziska: "Especially in production, we constantly need to explore new approaches to make our processes even more efficient. Vivien brings the right mindset for this and isn’t afraid to think outside the box."

From Theory to Practice

Vivien’s choice of 42 reflects her preference for hands-on learning. Before joining 42, she started studying environmental sciences but quickly realized: too much lecture-based learning, too little practice. Vivien: "I would cram everything before an exam and forget it just as quickly. It was incredibly frustrating." Things were different at 42. Here, knowledge isn’t taught as an end in itself but developed through project-based learning. It’s an approach that builds real problem-solving skills that have lasting value. Her work at Porsche aligns perfectly with this mindset. Vivien: "That workshop smell and the feeling of seeing a Porsche roll out of the factory—knowing that I played a small part in making it happen—that’s just incredible!"

Jumping into the Workforce

For Vivien, the smooth transition into her internship is a relief. "At first, I was worried that I wouldn’t have enough to offer companies." No professors, no official bachelor’s degree—just the certificate and the skills. Would that be enough? At Porsche, she quickly realized: companies often prioritize different qualities. Franziska confirms this: "42’s learning concept is extremely future-oriented. And one thing that shouldn’t be underestimated—Vivien immediately integrated into the team." Traditional universities often teach teamwork only in theory, whereas at 42, it’s a core component from day one.

This week, Vivien will be attending the Student Development Day where she will share her experiences with other students. Her goal: to ease their concerns and encourage them to apply. And come September, her next opportunity is already lined up: an internship at Schwarz IT.