Elspeth Rodgers

What is your name and job title?

My names Elspeth Rodgers and I’m a hospitality assistant for Aston Martin Racing for the World Endurance Championship (WEC)

Could you give us a summary of your job role?

We provide the VIP and team hospitality for AMR on event, essentially keeping the team, drivers and guests fuelled for their weekends racing!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a fighter jet pilot in the RAF, unfortunately my eyesight had other ideas!

What’s the best thing about your job?

Being a part of a successful race team, when the team wins its down to everyone involved playing their part so you feel a part of the success. You also get to see behind the scenes and meet a lot of great motorsport legends along the way.

What subjects and courses did you take?

I have a degree in Applied Economics and took Physics, Chemistry, PE and Maths at A-level, GCSE’s were a long time ago but from memory I took 9.

Did you do any work experience?

I didn’t do work experience as such, but ever since the age of 16 I worked alongside my studies, I found this to be invaluable as practically working brings about situations that help with class based learning by putting everything into reality.

What has been your biggest challenge?

It’s more of an overall challenge with hospitality in motorsport (that encompasses all roles in motorsport really) and that is the time away from loved ones, but I would add that when you’re part of a great team it really is fun and you come back with great stories!

What was the best thing you ever did to help you get to where you are today?

Working hard, and there’s still a long way to go! But also always throw yourself into new experiences, when opportunities present themselves take them and even if you need to learn fast or are nervous then that’s no bad thing, it’s almost always worth it!

What would you say to inspire someone to follow their dreams?

Behind every successful person is a mountain of hard work, up and downs, nerves, good days, bad days, doubt and joy. It’s that mountain that makes achieving your goals and reaching your dreams totally worth it and so rewarding. Life would be boring if everything was easy.

Any other information you think might be helpful to someone looking to do what you do?

If you’re studying hospitality then supplement it with a job in the industry, there really is nothing better than being on the ground and working to help teach you all you need to know. For example I have had someone complain to me before that their ice cream was too cold, dealing with that (once I realized they were serious!) can’t be taught in a classroom!