volvo cars master thesis

Students & Graduates

We are taking responsibility for shaping the next generation of people at work. We passionately believe in the importance of investing in talented young people and preparing them for their careers by offering job opportunities for students. Being offered one of the many opportunities for students, you get the chance to discover more about yourself and your aspirations for the future.

Take the first steps in your career

Volvo employment opportunities are based on trust. We trust you to do your very best, always with the coaching and recognition from teammates and leadership. We want to see your potential, and we believe that is best achieved by enabling you to make an impact. When you grow – we all get better. Volvo Group always needs new ideas and perspectives.

As a truly global company we appreciate your passion and enthusiasm to learn, and greatly value diversity in our teams. Bring everything you are. Together we will shape the world we want to live in.

Graduate programs

With major technological changes ahead, there have never been more exciting times working with transport and infrastructure solutions. 

Join us in driving prosperity 

Whether your heart beats for Operations, IT, Finance or Engineering, our Volvo global graduate programs are tailored to meet your needs and designed to make you excel.

Your ambition to grow – professionally and personally – is what makes our company prosper. And as a truly global organization, through our international graduate programs we offer you a world of career development opportunities to explore! Every year, we welcome 100+ graduates to our graduate trainee programs. Feel free to browse these pages to get to know us and discover which program would suit you best.

Digital & IT Graduate Programs

At Volvo Group, we are about 5,000 colleagues working with Digital & IT, located across more than 30 countries. Be in the epicenter of IT development and create a great foundation for your future career in the IT field. Apply to Volvo Group's IT graduate program today.

Operations Graduate Program

 Are you up for shaping the future of production? Join Volvo Group's Operations Graduate program for an immersive 15-month journey into manufacturing and logistics, where you'll work with cutting-edge technology and contribute to the development of tomorrow's products.

Engineering Graduate Program

Are you an engineering enthusiast hungry for challenging technology projects? Dive into our international Engineering Graduate Program, where you'll utilize your technical skills to solve real-world business challenges and pioneer innovation.

Finance Graduate Program

Eager to shape the future of finance? Dive into our Frinance Graduate Program - an immersive international journey designed to revolutionize our business with your expertise. Gain hands-on experience, refine your skills, and make a lasting impact in just 12 months.

Internships

Each year, we welcome thousands of talented young people to start a Volvo internship or apprenticeship.

Try out your skills in the business world

We believe that the best way to learn a profession in our industry is to closely study and work together with some of the brightest minds within your field. Our internship opportunities range from one month to three years and cover all our professions from engineering all the way to commercial and business administration. No matter where in the Volvo Group organization you choose to do your internship – you will change the future working with our transport and infrastructure solutions.

Top 5 reasons why students choose us

Experience & knowledge.

“It gave me an idea of what I want to do in my professional life.” That is a comment we get all the time when people finish a Volvo Group internship. This shows how an internship can give you perspective and get you started in a variety of potential careers.

Important career step

It is not uncommon that interns stay on once their internship is finished. Just look at the examples in the stories below. Our internship opportunities can be the start of a long-term relationship with Volvo Group. Whatever you choose, a Volvo internship will be a great addition to your resume.

Team integration

Every year we recruit thousands of interns and apprentices. We know how important it is to match every applicant with the right team for the internship to succeed. We also know that diversity strengthens us, and we always try to bring out the best in everyone.

Recognition & trust

A Volvo Group internship is a chance to make your mark and really contribute. It is also a commitment from both sides. We take your internship experience seriously and guide you through it. What we want in return is your commitment and contribution.

Work life balance

At Volvo Group we strongly believe that employees should be in charge of their own work and individual needs. Hence, we offer different programs to make the challenge of combining work and private life easier. Of course, this philosophy extends to the internship opportunities as well.

Learn more about our values

Summer jobs

Summer work with us could be your perfect step into the labour market. These job opportunities for students are a great way for you to gain a hands-on experience to what it is like to work for a global company with operations in over 100 countries. It is also an opportunity for you to apply your skills across many different professions and to explore your ambitions for the future.

Summer Jobs

Explore your potential in a global and diverse company

Are you studying at high school or college? Are you looking for a company where you can start building your career alongside your studies? Applying for one of our Volvo summer jobs could be the perfect first step into the job market. As a student, it is a great way to gain hands-on experience of working at a global company with operations in over 100 countries. It is also an opportunity for you to apply your skills across many professions and start realizing your ambitions. Take the chance to expand your resume. We look forward to receiving your application! 

Thesis work

Volvo Group has a long and successful tradition of working with students from various universities. 

Why choose us for your thesis project?

A Volvo thesis project can be a great step forward in your career, and also the start of a long relationship with us.

Tutoring thesis workers comes natural to us. Many of us have done our own thesis projects – some of us even here at Volvo Group. We understand the challenges you face, and take pride in answering your questions.

Doing Volvo thesis work often involves the opportunity to be on site. Not only does that give us a better understanding of your skills; you will get to know us better as well. We believe that a strong relationship leads to better thesis projects for all parties.

Thesis projects are posted on our  job portal . We offer projects on different levels – Master thesis, Bachelor thesis and PhD thesis. If you do not find a project suitable for your area of interest, we are open to define other opportunities together with you.

Thesis student Andreas Karlsson

“A great chance to put learning into a practical context.”

Johanna Herstedt and Daniel Gustafsson

Thesis students

Benefits of writing a Volvo Master Thesis

At Volvo Group, we are working with sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions. We are reshaping the cities of tomorrow working with areas such as Automation, Connectivity and Electromobility. There are around 11,500 employees in our research and development department. By doing your thesis project at Volvo Group, you become a part of our exciting journey towards the future.

Volvo Group has a long experience in joining forces with thesis workers. In Sweden, around 200 theses are written every year together with us. We have many senior hiring managers and tutors. Their knowledge and skills will help you develop your ideas and sharpen your findings.

Regardless if you want to do a Volvo Bachelor thesis, a Volvo Master thesis, or a Volvo PhD thesis – we believe that our aspiration to move forward and constantly working together to improve will appeal to you.

Explore thesis openings 

Lets keep in touch

Get the latest information on available summer jobs, graduate programs,

thesis work and get notified when we have recruitment events!

Employee portraits

Meet some of your potential colleagues!

2024-03-05 4 mins 4 mins

Noora wants to help get more women into cybersecurity

Noora Hammar is the Head of Security Assurance at Enterprise IT Security, an organization under Volvo Group Digital & IT. She loves working with cybersecurity – and with the new initiative Women in Cybersecurity, she wants to help get more women into the field.

Meet Loic Boudarel, Project and Commodity Buyer at Volvo Group Purchasing

For Loic Boudarel it was never obvious that he would pursue a career as a purchaser. But now, three years down the line, he is very clear that he doesn’t want to change path any time soon and is thriving in his role as a buyer within Volvo Group.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance

Juggling work with a private life and family isn’t always easy. At Volvo Group we believe that good communication and trust, together with supportive employee benefits, provide the basis for a healthy work-life balance. Sarah Townsend, Analyst, Parts & Services Financing, is very happy with the work culture at Volvo Group – a company she’s proud to describe as socially conscious.

Meet Maria Kalimanjira, Competence Sourcing Manager at our Tuve plant

“The best thing about working at Volvo Group is the diversity, which I think is beneficial to our business and increases the commitment of employees. Here at Tuve, we have colleagues with different backgrounds and skills - you can be yourself and everyone is equally welcome.”

Diversity, Sustainability and Solidarity experienced in Volvo Brazil factory

“I started working at Volvo as an apprentice when I was 14. The work environment, the relationships we establish with people, the opportunities for development that I have are things that make me come to work and want to develop more every day” says Christian De Jesus Camilo, Factory Operator, Volvo Buses, Brazil

Meet Tianita Copple, Business Solutions Manager, Volvo Group IT – Digital Centre of Excellence

Meet Jeremy Rosario, Strategic Product and Profitability Analyst – Price Management

Meet Scott Cowley, Customer Service Supervisor

Richard Oncena

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Richard Oncena moved to the USA in 2002. In 2014, having worked with Architecture and Engineering design firms specializing in high-tech laboratories for many years, he was the perfect candidate for the vacant position of Property Project Manager at Volvo Group in Hagerstown.

“Volvo Group is part of my DNA”

After applying for a position in 1995, Ronette Stoner’s long journey with Volvo Group has taken her from the US to China, Belgium and Sweden. Her career in finance has involved taking a wide range of roles and challenges. “I can do anything, go anywhere, just as long as I’m brave and willing to try,” she says.

What’s your big idea?

We take the future of our students very seriously – and we love your ideas and energy. You’re the next generation of employees, so our student offers provide you with what you need to contribute from day one.

Volvo Cars Internship Programme​

Do you have a passion for Software, UX, Sustainability, Electrification and Data Science and want to gain job experience during your time at university? The best way to learn is to work with some of the most successful people in the field. Our 5-month program offers you that chance. Applications for the program starting in February, 2025 will open in April 2024.

Imagine: a head-start in global mobility.

We see opportunity. Electrification. Sustainability. Autonomous drive as an enabler for next gen safety.

We see opportunity.

Flexible student work at Volvo Cars Torslanda

As a student in Volvo Cars Flexpool, you’ll work part-time with our manufacturing team in our Torslanda plant. You’ll be a part of a dedicated team – working as a production operator or material handling operator – ensuring the cars we build meet the demands of our customers.

Working in the Volvo Cars Flexpool helps you to get to know our company. We work with smart, clean and flexible manufacturing solutions – with focus on people and continuous improvements. Recruitment to the Flexpool is ongoing continuously during the year.

Meet Zijihan

“So much fun getting to know this city with my bike and camera, and at work we developed a simulator to achieve autonomous driving software-in-loop testing.”

Zijian Han – functional architecture and simulation

Volvo Cars Summer Work

Every summer, June to August, we welcome students to several of our sites around the globe. Spending a few weeks in our teams offers great insights into life at Volvo Cars – and access to a career-enhancing network. Applications for summer work open during February.

Thesis work

Prepare for your future career collaborating with us on your thesis. Immerse yourself in a topic that interests you in Volvo Cars. Opportunities for enthusiastic students to work and learn with us arise throughout the year, and are advertised most frequently between October to December.

FAQs on student work at Volvo Cars

Where does the Internship Programme take place?

The program for 2023 takes place at Volvo Cars in Gothenburg, Sweden.

How many students are hired each year?

The number of students to the program varies each year based on the demand of the business. The 2023 program accept up to 50 interns.

How long does the Internship Programme last?

Can I also apply for the Internship Programme if I come from abroad?

The internship program is open to applicants worldwide, who fit the profile. You can apply regardless of your citizenship. A potential offer however would always be pending on the approval of the local residence- and work permit.

Do i have a temporary or a permanent contract?

Our interns have full-time temporary employment (4-6 months) within Volvo Cars.

What do I benefit from the programme?

During the program, the student will benefit from excellent mentoring, onboarding days, work life experience, personal development, building networks and career development.

How is the Internship Programme compensated?

The interns within the program receive a monthly salary according to the standard market rate.

Summer Internship

During which time period does the Summer Internship take place?

The timing and length of our Volvo Cars Summer Internship varies depending on location and the area of work. The Summer internship in Sweden takes place in June, July and August and the length is between 4 and 10 weeks.

In which language should I write my application to the Summer Internship?

Please write your application in English.

What type of documents should I attach to my application?

Please upload your CV, a personal letter and your grades from gymnasium/high school and university, plus a description of the grading system. No written references are required in this step of our recruitment process.

When uploading documents such as my CV/resume, personal letter and grades, I get an error message. What should I do?

Please try to save the documents together in one PDF file. You can Google “Merge PDF” for tips on how to do this. If your document is still too heavy, please write us a note in your application and a recruiter will follow up on this during the process.

I get an error message when I send in the application, what should I do?

The error message may be due to system maintenance, please try again later. Please also ensure that when applying you use Google Chrome as your web browser.

When does the recruitment process to the Summer Internship start?

Job advertisements concerning Summer Internship positions are published continuously from January each year and onwards.

All positions are published in our Job Portal .

What does the recruitment process look like? Any important dates?

Ads for the Summer Internships are published during January and February each year. The selection of candidates takes place during the spring and interviews will be held ongoing during the same period. Feedback to applicants will be given in the middle of April at the latest.

Who can apply to the Summer Internship?

Production: You can apply if you are a student, minimum 18 years old, and able to speak Swedish. Warehouse/Storage: You can apply if you are a student, minimum 18 years old, and able to speak English. Office: You can apply if you are a university student in IT, engineering or business.

Do I need to speak Swedish to apply?

As a Summer Intern working in the office, English is mandatory but you do not need to speak Swedish.

As a Summer Intern in Production or in a Warehouse/Storage – Swedish is mandatory.

How likely is it to be employed after the Summer Internship?

We’re always looking for talented people who want to grow with us – a Summer Internship at Volvo Cars can open doors for a career with us.

Do you offer Summer Internships in countries other than Sweden?

Internship opportunities outside Sweden vary each year. All our job opportunities around the globe are advertised in our Job Portal .

How does it work with accommodation in during the Summer Internship?

Finding accommodation during the internship is up to each individual.

Will the internship be paid for?

As a Summer Intern you get a salary according to market standards in Sweden. You’ll get more information about the offer during our recruitment process.

Learn more about how we want to provide people with the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way.

The Volvo Way to Market: A Case Study of Private Company Valuation under Different Exit Scenarios

Student thesis : Master thesis

In recent years, Volvo Cars AB (‘Volvo’) has taken several actions that outset the rumours that its current owner was planning for an exit via a market introduction. While an initial public offering (IPO) is the consensus exit option amongst financial journalists, little attention has been devoted to the value of the company or whether there is an alternative exit option. Thus, this thesis sought to answer a research question that covered both aspects; firstly, value Volvo Cars AB on a stand-alone basis (as in the case of an IPO) and, secondly, to explore whether the company was an attractive investment case to a third party, and if so, a valuation from the perspective of the prospective acquirer would be performed. As the research question entails flexibility and requires subjective judgements, a pragmatic case study strategy was taken on. In the quest for finding reliable answers, numerous well-established theoretical models and primary methodologies related to the subject were applied. The matter was investigated by, firstly, researching and understanding critical aspects of Volvo, such as its value proposition, market position, historical performance, and the competitive landscape in which it competes. Secondly, based on the fundamental analysis of Volvo and its peers, a value of the company was derived using both a discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis and comparable companies analysis. Finally, using the fundamental analysis and investment rationale from an alternate buyer perspective, an exploration of likely exit options was performed. The strategic analysis illustrated the challenges of navigating the automobile industry; increasing intensity of rivalry, heavy capital expenditures, technological disruption, and government regulations were, among other factors, identified as the micro-and macroeconomic factors that profoundly influence the industry and its future profitability. However, despite the company’s disadvantage in size in an industry characterised by economies of scale, it has successfully penetrated the market, primarily driven by a rich heritage that has created a strong brand. From this, the company’s stand-alone IPO-range was estimated to €16.245 - €20.364 million. A thorough assessment of Volvo as an investment case, both from the perspective of a financial and strategic buyer, recognised Volvo as an attractive investment for the strategic buyer. After sourcing for a potential acquirer, Renault was identified as the most likely party. By adjusting the DCF analysis for synergistic benefits, the investment value of Volvo to Renault was estimated to €23.536 million. Lastly, by weighing the different options against each other, taking current market conditions into account, it was concluded that a strategic buyer would assign the greatest value to the company and, therefore, this represents the value maximising exit strategy.

BASE seminar: Volvo Cars/Uppsala University Joint Master Thesis Projects

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We are pleased to invite you to a BASE seminar 12:00-13:00 on 16 June to listen to final presentations of the three master thesis projects performed jointly by Volvo Cars and Uppsala University as part of the research activities in BASE. The thesis work has been performed between January and June 2023, and it is now time to report back the results of these projects:

Impact of increasing Ni ratio in cathode in LIBs and optimal usage, Bereket Admasu Mamo

A systematic study of NMC cathode using electrochemical and material characterization methods to investigate the aging impact from the increasing Ni contents and to determine the optimal state-of-charge window of operation for durability and life performance.

Optimal state of charge window for full cells with mixed graphite - silicon oxide (SiOx) anodes, Jan Schuster

A systematic study of different graphite-SOx mixtures using electrochemical and material characterization methods to determine the optimal state-of-charge window of operation for durability and life performance.

Operando detection of Li-plating by online gas analysis and acoustic emission, Inti Ramos

Development of experimental methods based on gas analysis and acoustic emission to study and quantify lithium plating in Li-ion cells and to identify signals that are available during use in an electric vehicle that can be used to monitor lithium plating.

Each student will give a 15 min summary of their project, followed by 5 min questions.

This will be a virtual seminar only. Teams link will be sent out in confirmation email after you register. 

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