Like many of the students applying for university admission, I find myself caught between the perpetual debate over keeping a high-grade point average (GPA) or participating in a wide variety of extracurricular activities. However, my current path as a PhD student in Material Science and Engineering and my journey into motorsport engineering provides a different view to this long-running dialogue.
Naively, I thought that my commitment to my academic career and my capability can be seen in my integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s in material science and engineering, with my GPA guaranteeing that I perform at high standards. However, it is not as simple as that.
Soon after I started university, I find myself struggled to land a role within the motorsport-field – where there are countless talented individuals, and purely being academically educated is simply not enough to prove my capabilities. Now, I know from a young age, I wanted to pursue work within the motorsport engineering field, but how do I get there?
Luckily, a mentor gave me a pointer that changed my trajectory. They said that high GPA is good for getting me an interview within a corporate or even a start-up, but real-world experience is the most important to motorsport teams. With that thought, I applied to the University FSAE Team, which gave me valuable experience with design, manufacturing, vehicle set-up, workflow, that I could not buy with money. This has eventually landed me within professional motorsport categories, demonstrating the importance of practical experience when applying theory to real life.
Furthermore, being a Race/Data Engineer and a Machining Technician alongside my roles as a Casual Academic and Research Assistant emphasise my continued efforts in learning and exhibiting my skills and practical approach to learning. Over the years, my skills are put to the test in a practical way and are visible to others in the motorsport community, which has eventually put me in an engineering position in Formula One.
It is clear that my experiences showcase this balance and the intersection of my academic achievements with hands-on experiences, that undoubtedly set me apart. The ideal candidate, as portrayed through my journey, is one who not only excels in academics but actively contributes to their field through practical applications and a passion for continuous learning.
My unique blend of academic pursuits and motorsport engineering experience not only answers the GPA versus extracurriculars debate but confirms that there needs to be a balance between the two aspects of student lives.