A seamless link between R&D/Design and Production ensures that the proposed design concepts can be efficiently and consistently executed in a manufacturing setting.

Apoorva Joshi, our next pathbreaker, Technical Manager – New Model Manufacturing Feasibility (Launch) at Bentley Motors (UK), works as part of the Design for Manufacturing (DFM) sub-department within the Launch Quality Centre (LQC) for their luxury cars and SUVs.

Apoorva talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about the defining moments during her final year project when she was part of the team that built a functioning car model with the image of the legendary Ariel Atom in mind.

For students, don’t let anyone limit your dreams solely because they can’t comprehend it. It’s your dream not theirs. 

Apoorva,  what were your initial years like?

Originally from Garhwal, Uttarakhand, I was raised in the historic city of Varanasi—also known as Kashi or Banaras—famous for its rich heritage of art, culture, and spirituality, located along the banks of the Ganges River. I come from a family of academicians and scholars who ingrained in me the values of education, hard work, and perseverance, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence.

In my 11th and 12th grades, I studied Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Science, with a particular fascination for physics, automobiles, and aerospace from a young age. Since there were limited options for quality aerospace engineering programs in India at the time, aside from a few IITs, I chose Mechanical Engineering to keep my future opportunities in aerospace open, opting against a specialized degree in automobile engineering.

Throughout my upbringing, I actively engaged in extracurricular activities such as dancing, drawing, and sports like basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and swimming, as well as event management (related to school functions). These experiences helped me develop essential skills in time management, coordination, and project management from an early age.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

After completing high school, I pursued a BTech in Mechanical Engineering at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, from 2012 to 2016. The rigorous four-year program provided me with a solid foundation in engineering and led to a job opportunity in the automobile industry.

After gaining nearly 4.5 years of experience in the field, I decided to pursue higher studies abroad. I completed my Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in International Management at CBS International Business School in Cologne, Germany, from 2020 to 2022.

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in Automotive Engineering?

I’ve always been fascinated by the automotive and aerospace industries. During college counseling sessions, many people told me things like, “Computer science is better for girls” or “Mechanical engineering isn’t for girls.” However, I never let those opinions influence me, and I’m grateful that my parents didn’t either. They supported my choice to pursue what I was passionate about, rather than pushing me to conform to societal expectations.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with remarkable individuals who have shaped my thinking and broadened my perspective.

Although I had my eyes on going into aerospace at some point, my final year project led me to really consider a career in automotive. Towards the end of my third year, some friends and I formed a group to attempt to build a functioning car model with the image of Ariel Atom in our minds.

The Ariel Atom is a road-legal high performance open-wheel car made by the British Ariel Motor Company based in Crewkerne, Somerset, England, and under license in North America by TMI Autotech, Inc. at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia.

There have been eight Ariel Atom generations to date:.

Initially, the idea faced resistance and wasn’t taken seriously as a project, but we persisted. Over six months, we brought the concept to life—from creating a CAD model to full-scale modeling, sourcing the frame, dismantling an old car for parts, mounting the engine, and finally driving the car. In the end, we presented it successfully and even earned an SAE certification for the project. During this phase, I made the automotive industry my main focus.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path

I’ve always had the ambition to pursue my master’s abroad and work in Europe. During my third year of BTech, I made a plan: if I secured a job in the automotive industry after graduation, I would gain work experience before moving abroad for higher education. If not, I would pursue my master’s first and then find a job.

Fortunately, I landed a position in an automotive company before graduating and, as planned, began my professional journey in my dream field. I started as a Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET) in the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) department, where I had the chance to work directly with the VLM (Vehicle Line Manager – manufacturing) on a key project. (A VLM works closely with all departments to bring the project concept to production and is a single point of contact from the manufacturing side). This experience introduced me to project management on a business scale. Over the next 4.5 years, I worked at FIAT India Automobiles Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture between TATA Motors and FCA (now part of Stellantis), gaining extensive knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes. I was involved in long-range planning for new projects and model launches, managing key aspects such as product and plant feasibility, investment, change management, process optimization, and project tracking. I regularly presented at steering committee meetings for both internal stakeholders and FCA global teams.

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, I took the IELTS and started thinking about moving abroad again. In 2020, amid the pandemic, I relocated to Germany to pursue an MBA in International Management at CBS International Business School where I was honored with the Valedictorian Award for securing first rank (batch of 2020-22).

While in Germany, I connected with seniors and peers from various universities who provided insights into the job market for international students. Through their feedback and my own research, I realized that to secure a role in the German automotive industry equivalent to my previous experience, I would need near-native fluency in German, which wasn’t realistic in a short time. Faced with this, I decided to explore opportunities in English-speaking countries. To my delight, Bentley was the first to respond. After completing the interview process, I secured a permanent position six months before my MBA graduation, which gave me ample time to handle visa and documentation formalities. In August 2022, the same week as my graduation, I relocated to the United Kingdom.

Currently, I work as a Technical Manager in the Design for Manufacturing (DFM) team within Bentley’s Launch Quality Center. My role focuses on conducting manufacturing feasibility studies and influencing product design to ensure DFM principles are implemented, delivering improvements in quality and cost. In my two-year tenure, I’ve led cross-functional teams to resolve manufacturing feasibility issues, challenged product designs through benchmarking and technical expertise, and supported design and concept changes in the early project phases.

I am now living the dream I once envisioned. I believe there’s no single “right” path—only the one you choose for yourself at a given moment. The key is to do your best wherever you are, and that will guide you to where you’re meant to be.

How did you get your first break?

My first exposure to a manufacturing environment came through an internship opportunity at Cummins India Ltd., which I secured during a campus drive. Later, I was fortunate to be one of the four students from my 2012-2016 batch to secure a placement at FIAT India Automobiles Pvt. Ltd., the only automotive manufacturing company conducting campus recruitment at our college at that time during BTech.

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

Challenge 1 : Gender Diversity in the Manufacturing Sector: While the landscape for women in manufacturing has improved significantly over the years, when I began my journey nearly a decade ago, it was still considered unconventional for a woman in India to pursue mechanical engineering and work in a manufacturing plant. In a male-dominated environment, differences weren’t always embraced—setting healthy boundaries was often seen as “being emotional,” and ambition was sometimes labeled as “aggressive.” However, consistency, patience, and persistence have been key to my success in this field, along with the support and guidance of some remarkable mentors I’ve met along the way.

Challenge 2: Adapting to diverse work cultures and managerial styles has been invaluable in shaping my career. Staying flexible and open to new approaches has not only made transitions smoother but also helped me develop my own unique management style.

Challenge 3: As an international student during my master’s in Germany, the primary challenge I faced was the language barrier. To overcome this, I took the initiative to start learning the language and bridge the gap.

Challenge 4: When I was in Germany, years of not taking care of myself finally caught up to me. It was in 2021 when one day, suddenly, I experienced immense pain and was not able to sit or walk. I was miles away from my family in a foreign land with limited language proficiency. I was ultimately diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc. It was mentally exhausting to think that I might not be able to do the things I love (like dancing, trekking, being independent) . I didn’t inform my parents because I didn’t want them to be worried about me. I am not saying to keep things from your family, I am just referring to how I always prefer to figure out the next steps on my own before I involve others in it unless absolutely necessary. Fortunately, I had some good friends that were there for me. That incident was an eye opener. My will to get better and take control of my well-being kept me going. It has been three years since, and the journey from barely being able to walk to finally being able to return to swimming, dancing, and trekking has been challenging. It is essential to have the right mindset in such situations.

Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?

I am currently based in the UK working as a Technical Manager in Bentley Motors Ltd..

Bentley, part of VW group, is a luxury automotive manufacturer and marketer of luxury cars and SUVs.

What problems do you solve? 

I work in the Design for Manufacturing (DFM) sub-department within the Launch Quality Centre (LQC), where we serve as the link between R&D/Design and production. Simply put, our role is to ensure that the proposed design concepts and engineering behind component assembly can be efficiently and consistently executed in a manufacturing setting.

What skills are needed for your role? How did you acquire the skills?

Being in any industry requires a combination of technical, management and people skills. 

  • ⮚Problem-Solving Skills: Every design brings its own set of challenges, so it’s crucial to approach each feasibility study and concept with a fresh perspective. The ability to analyse and gather information, make informed decisions, and ensure the highest quality standards for the product is essential for success.
  • ⮚Proactive Risk Management: In this role, it’s fundamental to think ahead and plan activities in order to address potential issues proactively. This involves identifying early signs of risk and implementing effective risk mitigation strategies.
  • ⮚Project Management: Effectively managing multiple activities simultaneously within a defined timeline is crucial for this role.
  • ⮚Coordination and Collaboration: The capacity to work closely with engineers, designers, quality assurance team, and production teams to achieve optimal results. This involves understanding each person’s style, motivation, and interests to bring out the best in them.
  • ⮚Decision Making: Taking ownership of executing and leading a project while aligning with the organization’s goals. This includes prioritizing tasks and resources based on the project’s needs.

Then there are some other transferable skills like: 

  • ⮚Command over Microsoft applications such as Word, Powerpoint, Teams
  • ⮚Understanding of product feasibility with respect to part-to-part interference, part to equipment interference, part to part tolerance stack up, RPS strategy.
  • ⮚Working knowledge of CATIA, VRED . 
  • ⮚Production/manufacturing best practices.

I acquired these skills through education, hands-on experience, continual professional development and by adopting the skills of people in the top management / leadership positions.

What’s a typical day like?

A typical day involves facilitating reviews, defining project feasibility and methodology, and planning ahead towards project milestones.

What is it you love about this job? 

I love the feeling of overcoming challenges and working towards launching an incredible product for our customers. I get to continuously update my skills and collaborate with an exceptional team. 

How does your work benefit society? 

As part of Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, in 2023, Bentley supported more than 320 charitable donations and projects across all regions of the UK. The projects have been carefully selected, to improve people’s access to services, empower and improve the quality of life, and support a better future. 

Designing feasible vehicles ensures that Bentley can produce Battery Electric Cars to the highest standards and enforce its reputation as the leader in sustainable automotive luxury. This reflects the global ambition to reduce climate change and cater to the needs of a more environmentally conscious customer group.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

There are many moments that will always be with me, but to name a few:

  • ⮚I was the first one from the India manufacturing plant to receive FCA certification for reactive green belt (Shainin Methodology), which involved completing three industrial / on-the-job issue resolution/ improvement projects. I enjoy learning new things that enhance my abilities in the work environment. Executing those projects broadened my knowledge on the subject and was an experience I cherish to this day. 
  • ⮚In my previous job, I was associated with the Early Product Management Pillar within the WCM (World Class Manufacturing) methodology . WCM is based on the principles of continuous improvement, where every aspect of the production process (including tool, equipment and technology) is continuously evaluated and improved. It is a management strategy that helps companies produce high-quality products and services in a timely manner. WCM is based on two pillars, technical and managerial, and each pillar has 10 central points, one of which is Early Product Management (EPM).  During that time, as part of the EPM deliverables, I co-developed a vehicle teardown room for competitor benchmarking, idea generation workshops, technical cost reduction opportunities’ workshop and brainstorming sessions. I, along with the team, conducted over 14 theme-based workshops involving external partners such as tier 1 suppliers and production colleagues to leverage their expertise as part of idea generation activity for the upcoming projects. The next stage involved developing a system for effective management of these ideas. I undertook development of an online data management system for knowledge management, progress tracking and implementation of product improvement ideas, reducing overall idea implementation time. In 2019, I was named as the pillar leader for EPM – leading a team of over 12 colleagues. I was the youngest and first female pillar leader representing Early Product Management (EPM) – World Class Manufacturing (WCM) from the India manufacturing plant. 

That entire phase, from being an engineer with limited knowledge on how the business functions to gradually expanding in the field, means a lot to me. I was fortunate to have had some remarkable individuals/seniors during those years who invested in me and gave me confidence plus opportunity to grow, for which I will always be grateful.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

1. Don’t let anyone limit your dreams solely because they can’t comprehend it. It’s your dream not theirs. 

2. Self-awareness is your most valuable asset. It will assist you in navigating your journey in the real world and through challenging situations.

3. Approach everything with a learning mindset. Expertise in any field or skill is not innate but rather earned through learning, practice and perseverance. Sometimes we don’t start something fearing that we won’t be perfect in our first attempt, to which I just want to say that– It’s okay. It’s okay to make mistakes. You will learn and adapt as you go along.

4. DON’T ever neglect your health (both physical and mental). Seek help when things get overwhelming. Verbalizing your emotions and challenges makes you strong and not weak.

5. Make good choices when it comes to making friends. I always say this and mean it with all my heart that- I have been blessed with some of the best individuals as my friends. You don’t need a crowd, just a few good people by your side.

6. If you don’t like the situation you are in, do something about it. Make a plan and change your course. It’s not ok to stay in a certain situation just because it feels familiar. Change is frightening but it is also rewarding.

Future Plans?

I aim to enhance my business, strategic, and technical skills, all the while working towards unifying art and technology together. 

In addition to enhancing skills in my field I would like to pursue:

1. PhD : mainly focusing on digital transformation and management.

2. Chartership :  I never thought of being a chartered engineer when I was in India, as it is not something that you often encounter in India. However, after finding out about it in the UK and researching more details about it, I believe that is something I would like to achieve.

As for my personal life, at this point in time, I have my eyes set on Ben Nevis peak (the highest peak in Scotland and the whole of the UK). In the last two years since I have been in the UK, I managed to climb to the highest peak in England (Scafell Pike) and Wales (Snowdon).  This year, I also began canvas painting (acrylic), something that I am really fond of and wish to keep improving my skills in. I am also aiming to get back into dancing – my form of freedom and healing.