Kia’s relationship with the University stems from a connection to its CEO – alum Paul Philpott (Banking and Finance BSc, 1988). Paul said:
“As a Loughborough graduate, I’ve seen first hand how collaboration between education and business can spark innovation and create opportunities for the next generation.”
Kia UK offers a well-established 12-month undergraduate placement programme across multiple business areas.
The company later embarked on a philanthropic journey to support students from low-income households to excel in their education journey.
Coupling philanthropy with placement opportunities, Kia’s support goes well beyond a financial contribution. Alongside targeted scholarships, Kia UK offers career development opportunities, opening doors for talented students – especially women in STEM and those from underrepresented groups – to springboard into successful careers through a well-rounded programme of support.
Paul added: “Supporting future talent is central to the continued success of both Kia and the wider automotive industry. Our partnership with Loughborough University enables students to gain meaningful, hands-on experience that builds the confidence and skills needed to drive the industry forward.”
Opportunity Scholars who are supported by Kia have been invited to weeklong work placements, offered CV advice, career tips, and practical guidance on how to apply for year-long placements – creating a joined-up pathway from the lecture room to their career. Kia’s support of scholars really builds on their experience with placement students and widens their reach to students who may not have otherwise ever crossed paths with the organisation. Students get access to mentoring and the chance to be part of an early-talent community.
It’s an incredible opportunity to really kickstart a career either within the automotive industry – or within one of the many functions that supports it.
Reflecting on Kia UK’s goals to diversify their workforce, Gemma Benbow, Director of People and Organisation at Kia UK, said:
“Supporting women in STEM and early talent is central to Kia UK’s commitment to building a diverse, resilient workforce for the future. We have a dedicated Inclusion plan internally along with clear goals for our wider network – such as ensuring 30% of leadership roles and future apprenticeships are filled by women.
“This isn’t just about meeting targets; it’s about fostering a culture where diverse perspectives drive innovation and where every individual feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.”
Kia’s undergraduate placement programme offers 12-month roles across marketing, finance, web, and people and organisation. Each placement student joins a structured development pathway with clear objectives, a buddy system, and mentorship.
This year, nine interns are on placement from a range of universities, with recruitment underway for nine roles again in 2026/27, including a new Social Media Assistant role reflecting Kia’s increasing focus on content and digital storytelling.
Current student Emma is on a placement with Kia in brand and communications. She said:
“Working at Kia has far exceeded my expectations. I’ve been actively involved in campaign planning for key launches, social media strategy, product placements and more. One highlight was stepping onto the Kia Oval field at halftime during a cricket match to throw T-shirts to the crowd! The experience has given me insights I’ll take into my final year and my future career.”
Our scholarship students have had the chance to visit Kia and gain advice. One student, Janetbest (pictured), commented:
“I am so grateful for the opportunity and I’m certain it’s an experience I only could have gotten at Kia. I have seen the impact of internships on student’s prospects and I have been convinced that it is something to involve myself in. I have gained contacts in the professional world, a chance to put my best foot forward and an unforgettable experience.”
Another student gained a lot from a two-day visit to Kia. She added:
“We had multiple conversations with graduates, interns, and other employees that took the time out of their busy day to give us the insight into a plethora of roles that we would love to explore further. Thank you to Paul Philpott for taking time out to also have a lovely conversation with us – that I know particularly resonated with both of us as he is a Loughborough alum – and also for embedding an amazing work culture at the Kia HQ. Overall, the two days were unexpectedly fun and informative and I would definitely visit again.”
What’s in it for the organisation? There are plenty of opportunities to unleash new talent, give back to the community by building early career pathways, and to gain fresh new perspectives from colleagues they may never have otherwise crossed paths with.
Kia’s internship scheme, alongside the support offered to Loughborough students through the Opportunity Scholarship programme, provides a well-rounded set of development opportunities not only for the University, but for Kia UK.
Whether you’re an organisation looking for new talent, to diversify a workforce, or to do something to support the next generation, by supporting a programme in a similar way to Kia UK, organisations can bolster corporate social responsibility, outreach, and improve a workforce in the process. This well-rounded and holistic approach can benefit the whole organisation.
At Kia UK, people across the business see the benefits that partnerships such as this bring to the organisation.
George, a Junior People and Organisation Business Partner at Kia UK said:
“Our collaboration with Loughborough enables us to support new talent, particularly women in STEM, by providing exposure to real and authentic business environments, mentorship, and professional growth.”
Lebo Matima, an IT Security and Risk Manager, added:
“For Kia, it’s an opportunity to nurture future talent and foster innovation that benefits both the automotive sector and society. Students gain invaluable experience and exposure that accelerates their careers.”
With Kia’s internship scheme now six-years in, the organisation has had several placement students return to the business for permanent positions. New graduates have gone into roles across marketing, public relations, web, and more. Kia UK is building an early-talent pipeline that aligns with their future needs – with particular emphasis on digital, data, and EV transformation.
Thank you to Kia for championing Loughborough talent and for the incredible support offered to our students.
To find out more about how you or your organisation could contribute, please contact the team or check out more information across our website.
