Formula Racing

By: Sadab Bahar

            One of the best things about college is the opportunities that it provides to its students. In the short time I have been here, Michigan State has given me chances to attend career fairs with big companies, practice for them with mock interviews, and even help build your resume. In addition to these opportunities, Michigan State also has many clubs for students to participate in. Many are for fun and there also many that deal with majors and interests. In the case of engineers, Michigan State offers clubs such as the Society of Women Engineers, Leadership Advantage, and the Society of Automotive Engineers Formula Racing Team. The SAE Formula Racing Team of MSU has really interested me and I was able to attend a few meetings which I found very exciting.

Picture Credit: egr.msu.edu/fsae/

            The Society of Automotive Engineers Formula Racing Team is a club at MSU specifically for engineers who have interests in vehicles and cars. This club gives students the opportunity to build a formula one car from scratch. While the design is done by a leader of the club, the members aid in the building of the car. This is a long process as the leader’s design over the summer, build from the fall through winter, and finally being testing in spring. One of the most exciting thing about the club is driving the finished car. The club also represents Michigan State as they travel and compete with other race cars built by other colleges. 

The SAE Formula Racing Team offers student very valuable, hands on, experience that cannot be found anywhere else. These are skills that major automotive companies such as Ford, Chevrolet, and General Motors look for when they are searching for students for internships or jobs. While I was there, the team had announced that one of their leaders had been offered an internship for Space X. One of the factors that landed him this amazing opportunity is his experience from being on the SAE Formula Racing Team. The club also featured some returning members that had graduated. These alumni are now working for companies such as Ford and Bosch. When a company sees you were part of the SAE Formula Racing Team, their interest in you immediately peaks. Having this club on your resume is a huge benefit. 

However, this club does have a few inconveniences. Members who end up joining the team end up working roughly sixty hours a week. This a lot of time that a student will be sacrificing and one of the reasons I did not join the club, although I really wanted to. I did not know whether I would be able to balance the scheduling. I hope to be able to join next year and participate in the competitions.