• << Previous testimonial
• Next testimonial >>

Daniel Herrera

Colombian, 24 years old. 
General mechanical engineering degree from Universidad de Los Andes (Bogota, Colombia) and Masters degree in automobile engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. 
Methodology engineer for engine bench tests. 
Personal details: this globetrotting car enthusiast didn't speak any French at all on joining Renault. 

"Renault's a very well-known brand in Colombia. My family has owned just about every model you can imagine! I remember when people referred to Renaults as "Colombia's cars" and the Renault 4 was a "loyal friend". Cars have been my passion since I was a boy, and I always dreamed of working for Renault… in France. 

As part of my American Masters degree I had to complete an internship with an automaker. I didn't think twice and immediately applied to Renault's internships department in France. I arrived in France for the first time in February 2003 to visit the site, find a flat, and meet my supervisor, who'd recruited me after a phone interview. 

My internship proper began in May 2003 with the department tasked with testing engines and gearboxes. I'm part of the methodology team for powertrain mechanics trials. 

It wasn't easy at first as I didn't speak a word of French. Now I do, thanks to continually being in a French-speaking environment. I've also learned the highly specific terminology that's part of my everyday working language. I must say I was shown a very warm welcome. People went out of their way to help me find my feet in the company, and settle into life in France. 

The internship fuelled my passion for Renault: the positive atmosphere, how work is organised, the level of expertise, the resources available to engineers and technicians (including trainees) and the international exchanges. To the point in fact that I applied for a permanent job: in early 2004 I began my new function as a roadholding engineer with Vehicle Engineering. The start of a new adventure…"  

• << Previous testimonial
• Next testimonial >>