Formula Student
How were you involved in Formula Student?
In my First Year of university, I joined the Staffordshire Formula Student Team aiding the Manufacturing Department. I then progressed in the following year, the second year of my studies, to lead this department amongst various other roles that I was involved with upon the team. In my second year, whilst in the Manufacturing Lead role, our team placed 1st in the First Year Vehicle Class and 2nd overall at the Competition. Whilst undertaking my placement role with Mercedes, I have been allocated a Team Advisor role to all departments in the Team and aiding the Team Leaders throughout. Due to the commitment I have shown and the development I have portrayed in my skillset and knowledge, as well as my determination, I have been promoted to Team Leader 2023 upon my return to University Studies and the Formula Student team.
Tell us about your experience on the Student Schemes at Mercedes AMG HPP?
When I joined University, I had planned to undertake a placement year in between my studies to further my skillset and develop my knowledge. When receiving the offer of placement with Mercedes, it was more than I could have hoped for when I joined University and then began applying for placements. The opportunities that Mercedes have provided me with are second to none and have challenged and honed my learning, applying my University education to a fast paced, working environment. The motivation of Mercedes, as a team, towards an exceptional and innovative goal in the field of Motorsport has inspired and guided me towards striving for excellence and to challenge myself.
What have you learned so far during your time at Mercedes AMG HPP?
I think the better question would be, what haven’t I learned in my placement with Mercedes? I have always been encouraged whilst working at HPP, with opportunities to excel and further my knowledge. The environment has pushed for more from me, especially in terms of my Project Management and Time Keeping skills which is a necessity for the role. These skills are life long and will be carried throughout my career. The fast paced, ever changing environment and time sensitive tasks allocated to me have aided these traits incredibly. The Mercedes moto, ‘Right First time’, has steered me in a direction of wanted to do better and make more of the opportunities and projects I am involved with. Alongside this, team building, personal communications and liaising with experienced engineers contribute to my experience at Mercedes. The contacts and industry experienced gained is unparallel and a once in a lifetime opportunity.
What have you enjoyed most from your time at Mercedes AMG HPP?
Mercedes is a leading F1 team and is known worldwide for its excellence and attention to detail in a majorly competitive field. The opportunity I have been given with the company, as well as being involved and seeing the progress and production of these championship vehicles and being able to walk past and bear witness to the previous iterations of winning F1 cars is phenomenal. There are not many who are allowed a chance to have an opportunity such as this, and seeing the passion, drive and determination of the team in all conditions is astonishing. Seeing the team take the ending of the 2021 season and use it to fuel our drive was eye opening and nothing but admirable. A personal highlight of mine would be successfully organizing and shipping out the trackside kits for all 4 supplier teams for Bahrain testing at the start of the year.
What would you say to anyone looking to apply to Mercedes AMG HPP’s student schemes?
When I applied to Mercedes, it was a nerve-wracking process due to the enormity and scale of the company and the successes they have accomplished. However, I found that there are so many opportunities that they offer, with differing levels and variations. All I can suggest is to apply, as you never know and to give yourself the chance to achieve something and undertake a role that you are interested in and would like to work in. Despite the competitive nature of the application process, confidence is always key and makes a resounding difference during interviews as your willingness to learn and adapt greatly outweighs pure talent. It is such a key thing to remember that you are a student and not yet a fully trained engineer and that opportunities like that are a steppingstone on the journey to your goal. Initially create a CV that stands out to others, this one document can make you stand out. Show all your experiences gained by formula student ranging from teamwork, project management and design work as well as what you have brought to the team. Show the interviewer that you are an enthusiastic and dependable, don’t read off of scripts, you want to show that you can be reactive and think on your feet.
What advice would you give to this year’s Formula Student competitors?
As an individual and team to even make it to formula student is a huge achievement! Organisation is key for the event, preparing the car, ensuring pits and static event documents are ready and are up to the standard called for needs to be your number one priority. When at competition, always be the first, for example, being first in the scrutineering queue as the longer you wait the busier it will be, saving yourself valuable time and allowing yourself points to attend events. Preparation and knowing what you have is vital.
Most importantly, however, enjoy yourself and the event. These are valuable times to gain lifelong memories and network with fellow students or companies who often scout out formula student competitors! Not many have this opportunity, and you’ll never forget your experiences. Go round to kiosks with a USB stick or copy of your CV to make a name for yourself, as later these may be the people employing you! Good Luck in the competition and if you have any further questions come find me at the Staffordshire Uni Racing Pit!
Once again, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains are excited to be involved in this year's Formula Student event. If you are attending this year and would like to find out more about their Graduate or Placement opportunities for 2023, please visit the Mercedes Marquee to talk to someone from the team.