Jake's story: Driving innovation

'This competition and the work leading up to it has absolutely shaped my future career.'

For second‑year engineering student Jake, taking part in the Formula Student Competition was a dream come true and a once-in-a-lifetime experience made possible by a grant from the college. 

During his first term at Emmanuel, Jake joined a team of 30 University of Cambridge students who worked together to design and build a single-seater race car. The students’ car went on to compete against more than 80 university teams from across the UK and Europe in July. 

When applying for the competition, Jake was encouraged to seek help from the college as he believed the experience would complement his academic studies and provide vital professional experience. 

Fuelling ambition

The support he received opened the door to the competition and gave Jake confidence to rise to the challenge.  

‘This funding absolutely gave me the drive to apply myself as much as possible. I was working on the car from 7.00am to 11.00pm every day and then either celebrating or commiserating with my team members the rest of the time.’ 

The funding Jake received covered the competition entry fee, travel and subsistence. Jake spent a week camping at the world-renowned Silverstone circuit alongside the other teams, living in the thick of it with other ambitious engineers. 

‘It was a brilliant experience. You’re camping together, relaxing together, just hanging out with everyone. Looking around at all the other cars, talking to other teams, you learn not just about your own designs but take away ideas from the other teams’ cars.’ 

Going into his second year, Jake has been able to apply everything he learned to his academic work.  

‘Whenever we have a coursework project or a software modelling project, I feel more confident with my skills, and I can jump straight in.’ 

In preparation for the competition, Jake gained hands-on experience working with technicians in the Department of Engineering to manufacture parts. His software skills, including CAD and FEA, developed through the design process, and he also worked on softer skills, learning how to approach sponsors. 

Jake's future plans

Now approaching the end of his second year, Jake has secured a highly competitive industry placement with the Williams F1 team. He will be working in their Suspension Design Team as a suspension, steering and brakes intern, in a role closely aligned with his work on the student team. 

Jake now leads his own group of students as they prepare for this year’s competition entry. As Head of Vehicle Dynamics, he supports and organises a team of 15 students during the week and directs them on build days. 

‘I’ve always been a Formula One fan, but before this opportunity I didn't know what working in a motorsport team would involve. Now I feel I can go into next year’s placement knowing quite confidently what my role is going to be, what my responsibilities will be and what I will be able to do in myself.’ 

With two more years of engineering at Emma ahead, Jake plans to specialise in mechanical engineering, or perhaps aerospace. 

‘My experience at the Formula Student Competition was a fantastic opportunity to learn from other students, to learn from the competing university teams and to get to know people and sponsors in the motorsport profession. It has given me a stepping-stone working next year for the Williams F1 team.’