You’ve probably heard that for every hour you spend in class you should study another one – two hours. Now, you’ve probably also looked at your class schedule, and the hours are adding up. How is all that studying even possible? Well, I’ll tell you how: hard work, long days, and maybe most importantly, a passion. Passion for what you’re learning gives you the drive to work hard, and the focus to succeed. We understand that there just aren’t a lot of people who can find passion in daily 8:30 am classes or hours of calculus homework. So we’re offering an alternative. Go to class. Do your homework. Then, build a race car.
Every year, the UW Formula Motorsports team designs, builds, and tests a single seat, open-wheeled race car that goes 0 – 100 in about 3.5 seconds and sees lateral and braking accelerations up to two g’s. This year’s car will have a full aerodynamics package and a four cylinder, 600 cc Honda engine that easily makes over 90 HP. In May, we’ll compete against 120 other teams from around the world at the Michigan International Speedway.
Team members have the opportunity to implement principles they learn in class in a real-world design challenge. They learn software programs and design principles and manufacturing techniques that a lot of students haven’t even seen by the time they graduate. Aside from the intrinsic value of this experience, it also looks pretty good on a resume. Employers know that UW Formula Motorsports team members have:
• great time management skills
• dedication and tenacity
• practical skills that complement their theoretical knowledge
• an understanding of the implications of design that can only be gained through hands on experience
Besides all that, the Formula Motorsports team is exactly that: a team. Nobody sails through Waterloo engineering without at least a little strife. Resume critiques, homework help, and tutoring are all examples of how our upper years support our first year members.
So give it some thought. You’ll see how what you’re learning in lectures relates to the real world. You’ll probably have an easier time finding co-op jobs. You’ll learn things you’d never see in class. And you’ll be part of something incredible.
If you’re interested, check out www.uwfsae.ca, email us at uwfsae@gmail.com, or stop by the team bay in Engineering 5.
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