From Brazil to Dubai, and now into one of the most prestigious names in the automotive world, BMW, William Garcia Takahashi shows how passion, persistence, and strategic preparation can drive international career success. A Master’s in International Business student at Hult Dubai, William shares how he broke into the industry he loves and how Hult helped him turn his dream into reality.

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current role and industry?

William: I’ve always been passionate about cars; it started in childhood. Before joining Hult, I was already working in the automotive sector in Brazil, at Bosch and a company supplying wire harnesses to brands like Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. So, entering the Product and Sales team at BMW Group Middle East felt like a natural next step.

Q: How did you discover the opportunity at BMW and what was the application process like?

William: I found the opportunity through Hult’s Careers team, they have a partnership with BMW. The process was competitive. After the initial application, 15 of us were shortlisted from a large pool, then invited to an assessment center with candidates from various universities. We went through three rigorous rounds. Securing the role was incredibly rewarding—especially coming from Brazil, where opportunities like this are harder to access. For me and my family, it validated years of effort and commitment.

Q: How did the Hult careers team support you?

William: In multiple ways. They helped me tailor my CV to international standards. What worked well in Brazil didn’t translate in Dubai. The Careers team guided me in adjusting the structure, refining the presentation, and better showcasing my achievements. That made my applications more compelling to both human recruiters and applicant tracking systems. They also encouraged me to think more strategically about job targeting and market positioning.

Q: Did you take part in any networking events or extracurricular opportunities?

William: Definitely. I attended AI Everything, one of the world’s biggest AI events, which helped me explore how tech is evolving across industries. I also joined Techstars EDYC, a government-supported pitch competition for startups, where we built and pitched a product for kids. It pushed me out of my comfort zone. I pitched to 150 people in my first international public speaking experience. That challenge helped unlock a new level of confidence.

Q: What about the Hult curriculum? How did it prepare you for the real world?

William: The Hult curriculum is hands-on and practical, unlike the theory-heavy programs I saw back home. We had to present constantly, work in diverse teams, and develop solutions under real-world pressure. That builds communication skills, adaptability, and confidence—exactly what I needed for a fast-paced company like BMW. The coursework wasn’t just academic; it was deeply applied and aligned with today’s business needs.

Q: What projects have you worked on at BMW that you’re especially proud of?

William: One highlight was supporting with an AI-based forecasting model. They were using manual Excel-based forecasts, and I applied a model I’d learned in a Hult class just weeks before. It significantly improved forecasting precision. Another exciting project involves working with the motorcycle marketing team to use AI tools for social media engagement, creating better visuals and enhancing outreach. These projects are meaningful because I get to apply my skills immediately and see real impact.

Q: What’s been the biggest lesson or insight from your experience so far?

William: If you go beyond what’s required, beyond just what professors say, and stay curious about the real world, you’ll stand out. Keeping up with new technologies, understanding industry needs, and putting in extra effort is what truly makes the difference.

Q: If you could give your past self one piece of advice, what would it be?

William: Grab every opportunity. Talk to people—even if you don’t think you need anything from them. You never know what will come from a simple conversation. Keep yourself open to new experiences and connections.

Q: And finally, what advice would you give Hult students looking for internships and jobs?

William: Start with a plan. Pick 10 big companies, 10 medium, 10 small—and understand where you fit. Use reverse engineering. Find someone in a similar role, study their profile, see what they have that you don’t, and work on developing it. Know what hiring managers are looking for, what problems they’re facing, and how your skills—especially new technologies—can help solve them. And most importantly: believe in yourself and stay humble.

William’s story is a testament to how passion, preparation, and a global mindset can accelerate your career. With the right support system—like Hult’s practical curriculum and career coaching—ambitious students like William are redefining what’s possible.

Find out how you can start your journey with a Hult Master’s.