Embarking on a career in motorsport can seem as challenging as it is enticing. The adrenaline rush of a roaring engine, the strategic planning behind each race, and the sheer dynamism of the industry can easily draw you in. However, the road to becoming a part of the industry begins with diligent preparation, thoughtful decision-making, and persistent effort. This guide aims to look into how the right degree and internships can play a key role in carving out your motorsport career.
1. Choosing the Right Degree
Motorsport, as an industry, offers a wide variety of roles that cater to different interests and skills. From engineers and technicians who ensure optimum vehicle performance, to strategists who craft race-winning plans, to business managers who handle sponsorship and marketing – there’s a place for everyone.
Mechanical and Motorsport Engineering Degrees: If you’re keen on contributing directly to the racing action, a degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical or Motorsport Engineering is a great place to start. These degrees equip students with an in-depth understanding of vehicle dynamics, propulsion systems, materials, and aerodynamics, among other things. Universities like Oxford Brookes in the UK offer specialised Motorsport Engineering degrees that provide an in-depth understanding of the specific requirements of motorsport.
Business-related Degrees: If you’re more drawn to the business or management side of motorsport, degrees in Sports Management, Business Management, or Marketing could be more suitable. These degrees help students understand the intricate commercial aspects of the industry, including sponsorship, branding, event management, and media relations. Graduates with these degrees often find roles in commercial departments of racing teams, motorsport events companies, and sports marketing agencies.
2. The Value of Internships
Once you’ve chosen a suitable degree, it’s time to get some practical experience. Internships in motorsport can be an effective way of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world industry experience.
For Engineering Students: For those pursuing engineering degrees, internships within racing teams or automotive companies can offer invaluable hands-on experience. These internships allow students to apply their academic knowledge to practical situations, understand the dynamics of working in a team, and get a first-hand view of the latest developments in motorsport technology.
For Business Students: For students with a business-oriented focus, internships within motorsport associations, racing teams’ commercial departments, or sports marketing agencies can be extremely beneficial. These internships expose students to the nuances of managing a sports brand, executing marketing campaigns, securing sponsorships, and handling event logistics.
3. Transferable Skills
In addition to academic qualifications and industry-specific skills, there are certain transferable skills that can significantly enhance your employability in the motorsport industry. Skills like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and adaptability are highly valued. Motorsport is a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry that often requires swift decision-making and adaptability. Being a good team player is crucial too, as successful racing is often the result of a well-coordinated team effort.
Charting a career in motorsport involves a fine balance of acquiring the right qualifications, gaining industry-specific experience, and developing a broad set of transferable skills. Every assignment, every internship, every networking event is a stepping stone towards your dream career. The motorsport industry, with its competitive spirit, values determination, resilience, and a continuous desire for learning and improvement.
Always remember, as in motorsport and life, it’s all about the journey, not just the finish line.