Kirsty Allan

Course: MSc Motorsport Engineering and Management
Graduated: 2008
Occupation: Composites R&D Project Engineer, Williams F1

I'd always dreamed of working in Formula 1 and Cranfield turned this dream into a reality. There are many different engineering degrees on the market but what makes this one different is the combination of practical experience, teaching which has been specifically tailored for the F1 industry and the high quality mentoring. I also got the chance to mingle with people already working in the industry.

I particularly enjoyed the Composites Material module where we built a wing for a sports car. By the end of the course, I'd been employed by Williams F1.

In my job, I am a link between the Composites Design department and the Composites R&D group. I'm managing a number of R&D projects and get involved in all aspects from design through to manufacturing and final testing. Once the project ends, I write up reports and present the results and conclusions.

I am starting to get involved with the design of car parts as well as carrying out my own R&D projects and test programmes. This is giving me invaluable experience and gaining lots of knowledge that will stand me in good stead for eventually becoming a Composite Design Engineer at Williams F1 - which is my dream.

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• Specialist Energy MSc opportunities

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