motorsport engineering placements

[motorsportbeng]

Hi all, thought I would make a post in here as there seems to be quite a few members involved with the higher ends of the motorsport ladder. I'm currently studying for a degree in motorsport engineering, and next year I have the option to do a year placement out in the industry. The uni look for placements for us but we are encouraged to search for ourselves aswell. I seem to have good motorsport experience compared to the rest of my classmates, although to the level of technology involved with f1, so I am aiming high initially as to where I apply. I have contacted all the f1 teams that have careers sections on their website aswell as Cosworth and Prodrive. My experiences so far have all been in competition engines so obviously that interests me but then again I havent experienced any other areas so I cant rule them out. Do you guys have any suggestions where else to apply?

[TXWRX]

something a bit different would be people like Teg sport or Dom Buckley IRS in rallying (google them), they both look after lots of cars for people on events so could offer some practical experience and if engines are your thing you could well be of use to them, if you are more interested in the research and development side maybe less so but worth a shot?

[rampageturke]

are you at UClan by any chance?

[RenesisEvo]

I was in the exact same position as you a good few years ago. Don't rule out going a bit further afield - major part suppliers to F1 teams (e.g. AP Racing, X-trac, ATL fuel cells, so on), also big automotive OEMs (e.g BMW, JLR, Nissan). Small companies might not pay/support well but may give you far more opportunities to do more. It helps to do a placement in motorsport but you don't have to - I spent a year at BMW (Mini); I now work in F1 (ok, there's more but I don't want to go on). It's better to cast your net far and wide, any placement with an engineering company is infinitely better than none, even if you don't quite get what you want.

Also, I must stress that a placement can be treated just like a 9-5 job - if you want. But I implore you, do more - go out of your way to ask questions, get involved in different areas/different tasks, learn as much as you can. The best excuse for wandering about / sticking your nose in anywhere and asking questions is 'I'm a placement student'. Always be keen and polite and you shouldn't annoy anyone.

Oh, and if you have a report/write-up to do, I strongly advise you get it finished before you go back to uni - it takes a little while to settle back into studying, the last thing you need is yet another assignment hanging over your head as you get to grips with your third year (I assume) - it will be a busy year I guarantee it!

[motorsportbeng]

Thanks for your reply, very insiteful! Will be looking at the suppliers now