Summer Work Experience/ Internship

[danick1991]

I am highly motivated undergraduate currently studying Motorsport Engineering at UWE in Bristol. After completing my first year, I am looking for work experience to develop my practical skills as the course is heavily theory based.

Any experience I can gain in the Motorsport industry would be highly beneficial to me but I am also interested in any other engineering/science related industries.

I am confident in using and designing parts in Solidworks and competent in numerical theory using Excel. Although I am proficient the computer/software side of engineering I thoroughly enjoy the more practical side of fabrication, building and maintainance.

My course will not resume again till late September so I am available full time until then and part time there after. I will be very greatful for any help on finding a job/placement and will be happy to negotiate on details. For the right work experience I'd be prepared to work for two weeks without pay.

Daniel Nicklin.
[e-mail]

Edited by danick1991 on Friday 29th June 16:31

[edc]

I may be able to help with work in a project / programme office but in aerospace lighting. Based just outside south west London.

[danick1991]

Thank you for the offer but the location is unsuitable for me. I currently have accomodation in Worcester and Bristol so anything round these general locations or inbetween would be ideal.

[crazy about cars]

Can't be too picky if you are genuinely looking for work experience mate.... Good luck regardless

[crazy about cars]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

This is what I wanted to say in my head but I'm glad someone else put it forth more...vocally

[BrabusMog]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

SW London isn't a cheap place to stay for a few weeks if you don't have the financial backing...

[BrabusMog]

Seriously, drop the arrogant attitude.

As for your suggestion of a Travelodge in Farnborough and commute, that would be more expensive (I know, I live in Clapham and work in Farnborough, the train is expensive).

I am not defending the guy but attitudes like yours are not exactly encouraging.

And what if he doesn't have £1k behind him and parents cannot help? I was lucky and my parents always sorted me out, it doesn't happen for everyone.

[Burrow01]

OP wants to get into Motorsports - how competitive is that as a field of work?

If you really want to get into it, you need to be able to demonstrate that you are completely committed and will do anything it takes to make it

I've lived in garden sheds in London because it got me into jobs that meant I could move forward to better things (/yorkshire mode off )

If the OP is really interested in the offer, he should be looking around for things to make it possible - student mates who live in London that he can doss at, Great Aunts in the Home Counties etc

[arguti]

I am with Tonker on this one - depends on how hungry you are really

New employees often ask how i got to where I am career-wise.

My standard reply is "Not by mistake"

We deal with immigrant workers relocating to the Uk and the attitude varies tremendously:

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.

Teach him how to fish and you feed him for life........ Six months later he will tell everyone how he was self taught.

I was desperate to get ahead and that desperation was recognised by people who took me under their wing as it were. I do the same but only if they really want it.

Philosophical rant of the day over

Edited by arguti on Saturday 30th June 13:55

[Burrow01]

Not to lay it on too thickly, but the OP states:

I am highly motivated undergraduate currently studying Motorsport Engineering

First interview question:
"Can you give me an example that demonstrates your high level of motivation"

[BrabusMog]

Fair enough guys, I can actually see your point of view now.

Apologies for my earlier tone.

Edited by BrabusMog on Saturday 30th June 15:31

[Engineer1]

I remember being told about a guy who wanted to get into motorsports so he built his own turbo system for his car. A better option may be to look at helping with a local motorsports team or event, Marshalling, Pit Crew any job round the track as a step to getting a leg up and further into the field hell if you are really lucky that great cart driver may be then next big thing.

[danick1991]

I am grateful to those that have posted helpful advice and will certainly step up the effort this week. But the general tone of the replies has been brash and unnecessary. It amazes me how "professionals" can mis-read my post and have such a downgrading stereotypical view of students. One of the greatest industries left in the UK is the automotive and Motorsports sector. But it requires more graduates and young people to get involved to keep it from disintegrating like almost all industries that have moved abroad. The attitude that many of you share to students in whole is counter productive, it would make much more sense to assess on an individual basis.

I am under no illusion that gaining experience, let alone finding jobs, in such a competitive field will be anything but easy. I admit that in the past I have been lazy when handed great opportunities, but I have learnt from these mistakes and recently in the last few years I have put an increasing amount of effort into all commitments that I have made.

I fully considered the lead of an internship in South West London but every option would not be possible in my current situation. As stated in the original post, I am an undergraduate. I am currently in great debt with very little financial support from family members. The suggestion that I don't to leave my "mother's home cooking" or my "student digs" is idiotic to the point beyond belief. These are my only affordable options for accommodation at this point in time, I stated that I would be more than happy to travel to any locations around Worcestershire, Somerset and everywhere in between.

For the past month I have had full-time hours at two pubs back home to try to pay off the debt I have accumulated during the first year of University. Over the weekend I worked full-time and still managed to visit Shelsley Walsh hill climb on both days to experience marshalling. This seems to be a great way to meeting the competitors, race officials and a good starting place to get further in Motorsports.

Currently I am working as part of my University's Formula student team, which I have had to take unpaid time off work for (not ideal considering my financial situation). Next week we will be heading to Silverstone to propose our presentations and meet other teams and high-profile race engineers.

I will welcome any of you to further question my dedication, but at the end of the day I'd be appreciative of any engineering related work experience or useful advice.

[Slyjoe]

Formula student is one of the best ways to get in. FACT. As you're already doing that, and visiting Silverstone next week, I know for a fact that there will be recruiters there.
Speak to as many people as you can, have an armful of quality CV's to hand out.
I got in through working in the real car, then prototype car business.
Catia V5 is the industry standard CAD package, so if you can blag some training in that it would be helpful.
Above all really though it's about making yourself known, and showing ability and aptitude.
Also have you written to all of the teams, and made youself known?
Hope it works out for you.

Edited by Slyjoe on Monday 2nd July 20:32