8th December 2020
Virtual Car Team Week 33: An inspiring 'where will CAUC / Greenpower take you?!' evening with two special guests.
This week, we were very excited to welcome two special guests onto our call; CAUC Alumni Lauren Davis and her partner Ross (from The Philip Morant School) to deliver a presentation for our current team members on life after Greenpower.
However, whilst we were waiting for them to finish work and join the call, we decided to participate in the very high brow activity of.......Pictionary!!!!! This seemed to prove just who were the artists amongst us and who, well, let's just say need a little more practise!!!
Mr G's attempt was Mr Grumpy....wonder where he got his inspiration from?!
Before long, Lauren and Ross had joined the call and it was over to them to host the evening.
Having both left their respective teams in 2013, they started by introducing themselves and providing an insight into which Greenpower cars they had been involved with.
....Including reminiscing of the friendly rivalry between our two teams!!!
Next, they spoke to us about their University experience (Lauren reading Product Design Engineering at Loughborough University and Ross, Mechanical Engineering at Nottingham University) before moving on to discuss their career journey.
For Lauren, this is as a Senior Product Design Engineer at Cummins Ltd and Ross as a Mechanic for the Turbo Team in Mercedes Formula 1.
Both took it in turns to describe the projects they have been working on, a typical day in the life, proudest accomplishments and some of the perks of the job - including travel and one heck of a Christmas party!!!
With the brilliant quote "Without Engineers, Science is just philosophy" shared on screen, the call was opened up for questions. Team members took it in turns to ask a multitude of questions; from advice on degree subjects, being a female working in a male dominated industry and the most important question - has Ross had tickets to go and watch a F1 race!!!
I think we can all agree just how insightful and inspiring this evening was. Whilst we are all only to aware of the amazing opportunities Greenpower can provide, listening first hand on how the experience has helped Lauren and Ross was extremely beneficial.
Our main take away comment? This has to be just how much the practical experience and key skills such as teamwork and problem solving will lend itself perfectly to any field of engineering (or career for that matter!)
A huge thank you to them both for giving up their evening to come and talk to current team members. There is always something so special about seeing past team members and hearing about the exciting doors that have been opened for them, largely due to the experiences gained through Greenpower.
Next week, for our last Zoom of 2020, we have a virtual Christmas party planned - so there will be no blog. Therefore, CAUC would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Despite the restrictions, we hope you all enjoy the festivities.
Here's to a better 2021.....and *fingers crossed* a return to the race track.
Take care, and see you all in the New Year.