Pupils & students

KTM in 3 words: Community, dynamism, innovation
I was fascinated by machines and vehicles even as a child. During my training at Steyr higher technical institute (HTL Steyr), I began to get actively involved in the sport motocross. It was the complexity of the dynamic engine processes in particular which sparked my interest. At this point it was clear to me – my professional life had to start at KTM. I then worked for 3 years in the engine application department at KTM. However, in order to better understand the processes involved, I decided to do a degree. I am currently in the 6th semester of my “Mechanical Engineering” degree at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria in the Faculty of Technology and Applied Natural Sciences in Wels.
It was always clear to me that I wanted to return to KTM to do my final thesis and the associated internship. It was an easy decision for me to make due to the positive impressions I gained, the fantastic experience and the unbelievably brilliant atmosphere during my 3 years of professional experience.
My internship is based in the transmission development department. My job is to investigate shifting processes in terms of speed and shift performance. This is done, for example, on the roller dynamometer where the vehicle is fitted with measuring equipment and undergoes various tests. As a result of my professional experience, my supervisor allows me to work independently and organize the trials and tests required myself. I am very happy with my supervisor!
I gain new experiences every day by working in a wide range of different areas. Since people working at KTM all share the same values, the work environment really is second to none. Research and development is often described as a giant playground for engineers.
For me, it’s always a highlight when the pre-development is completed on the dyno. It’s then off to the test track where specialist test riders check the rideability. This gives me the opportunity to test the developed system myself and to incorporate the knowledge gained directly into my work.
My tip for future interns is to be there at every coffee break, because these are often the most productive places where the best ideas are generated.
For me, Ready to Race means get on, get started, and win!

KTM in 3 words: Loyalty, togetherness, unity
I am currently attending the commercial academy (HAK) in Braunau. I will finish here this year with the higher general school-leaving qualification (Matura). I had my first contact with KTM in summer 2017 when I completed an 8-week internship working in payroll and training & development in the Human Resources department. Since March 2018 I’ve been able to support the team in a small way.
As you have to complete a compulsory internship at the HAK to be allowed to take the Matura, I applied to some companies in the local area. They said that you only have a chance of getting an internship at KTM if you know someone. Unfortunately, I didn’t know anybody, and because I had just moved here from Salzburg, I thought I had no chance of getting an internship anyway. Thank goodness my mum encouraged me to try it anyway and not to believe the rumors. So I applied for a job and some time later I received a positive response. I was very happy about that.
Actually, I have to say that I love my work. Alongside school, it was not only a good balance, but it also allowed me to take a lot of knowledge from practice into my school work. That was particularly helpful in accounting and business administration.
I am very happy with the supervision in my internship. Everyone was very friendly right from the start. If I need anything, my supervisor is always there for me.
The work atmosphere is very informal and relaxed. It is fun to go to work. You are simply involved everywhere. This includes events like the summer festival, the Moto GP and the Christmas party. After the internship you feel drawn to the KTM company and can identify with the KTM brand.
My highlight was definitely the Moto GP. The orange grandstand rose every time a KTM motorcyclist passed by. It was an incredible feeling of togetherness and that was overwhelming for me.
My tip for future applicants: You should definitely apply to KTM because you can identify with the KTM brand in a very short space of time – you take a lot with you, in my case for school. In subjects like business administration and accounting I was able to link what I learned with practical experience during my internship.
For me, Ready to Race means being ready to take on new challenges, seize new opportunities and head full speed towards success.

KTM in three words: young, dynamic, familiar
I am currently in the sixth semester of my computer science degree and have been working in Research and Development at KTM in Rosenheim since February as part of a mandatory internship. Afterward I will write my bachelor thesis at KTM. I chose KTM because I ride a motorcycle myself and so I was able to combine my passion for information technology and motorcycling.
Getting an internship at KTM was less difficult than I had expected. The application process was very straightforward. The large distance between my original place of residence and the location in Rosenheim meant that the initial interview took place via Skype. I traveled to Rosenheim for another personal interview when I was on vacation in the nearby area.
My tasks at the Rosenheim development center are to expand the prototypes for vehicle-to-everything communication to include various functionalities. This includes both the development process and testing on the motorcycle. I also take part in meetings of the Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC), of which KTM is a member, and I contribute to the creation of new use cases there. As a result of my work with the CMC, I have gained many national and international contacts during my internship. All tasks are handled independently, which gives you a high degree of autonomy during the internship.
The coolest thing about my role is that I am working on a topic that is still largely unexplored and which allows me to contribute my own ideas and approaches.
I am very satisfied with the supervision of my internship. My supervisor can be contacted at any time, supports me with questions and also gives me advice on how to prepare my internship report and my bachelor thesis. There is also a very relaxed relationship with the rest of my colleagues – this contributes to the very good working atmosphere.
Since my internship is taking place in 2020, a large part of the internship has been affected by the current situation with coronavirus. This is the reason why the whole team has been working from home for three months. To maintain communication, status meetings have been held daily. This time has shown me that a good team can achieve results and work together successfully from a home office even during a crisis situation.
For me, Ready to Race means pursuing your goals and adapting to the given circumstances without straying from the path you are on.
My tip for future interns: If you would like to write your final thesis at KTM after your internship, then it is better to plan your internship to be a bit longer rather than too short.

KTM in 3 words: passionate, dynamic, exciting
I completed my apprenticeship as an office clerk back in 2014 and 2 years ago decided to move across into the events industry. At the moment, in addition to my internship, I am completing my final school-leaving certificate subject, mathematics, at WIFI Salzburg.
Back in 2017, I completed an internship at an event agency in Germany and got to know the events industry from the point of view of the agency or service provider. I was very keen to understand the perspective of a “customer” and the company as well. This is why I applied for an internship with my favorite company, KTM – with the prospect of being taken on after completing the internship. I was quickly invited for an interview and was accepted 1-2 weeks later.
The coolest thing about the internship is that you get an insight into exciting projects such as Bike Media Launches, Moto GP, EICMA … and you also meet the odd “KTM Star”.
What I particularly enjoy is the huge team spirit at major events and the palpable passion that the employees have for the brand and for motor sports.
Challenges are embraced here, I experience so many different ones that I cannot give any direct examples. KTM’s motto when it comes to challenges is “Nothing is impossible”.
The biggest highlight for me so far was at an internal event in Barcelona, which I organized together with a colleague. We had organized a trial show in front of a restaurant as a surprise for the attendees and on the spur of the moment I decided to make myself available as obstacle. Fortunately, everything turned out well.
The slogan “Ready to Race” is as much a part of KTM as: “Kids and grown-ups love it so – the happy world of Haribo” or “Nike – Just do it”.
The Ready to Race spirit is not only synonymous with motor sports at KTM, but runs through the entire structure of the company. I think this is great!

My tip for future interns: Whether you are a student, pupil or switching career – I think an internship is well worth it in every respect. This is because you can get to know a company or a job without any obligation, and this helps you to become more confident about what you can do and about what you want.