60 Seconds on building a career within automotive with Kelsie Osborne, Master of Mechanical Engineering and Graduate Trainee Engineer at Rolls-Royce
Welcome to our latest “60 Seconds with Ennis & Co” series, bringing quick-fire interviews with selected individuals from the automotive and mobility industry on a regular basis.
This month looks to the future of automotive talent as we speak to Kelsie Osborne, Master of Mechanical Engineering graduate, Drivers of Change finalist and industry enthusiast on her race towards her formula one dreams…
What drew you to the wonderful world of automotive?
I was introduced to engineering quite late, in hindsight – but I am so glad it happened. Initially, I was interested in studying law yet decided to attend a STEM Day at school where automotive engineering was being showcased. This was where I spoke to graduates about car aerodynamics and was instantly fascinated. I thought – I could really do this. I then changed my academic path to study Mechanical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University.
What were your first impressions?
When I walked into my university on day one of classes, there were over 100 students, yet less than 10 females. I thought it was a shame… yet I also saw it as an opportunity. I feel that women do have to work harder to prove themselves in this area, but this isn’t always a bad thing. As time went by, I began to recognise that I didn’t see anyone like me doing what I do, so really the chance to stand out was bigger and better. Diversity and inclusion are really important to me in this respect and it’s not just about “getting more girls” into engineering – it’s about getting the right ones.
How did you look to progress and stand out?
I was always looking for ways to continue my development, because if you don’t, you’ll never discover the opportunities. In 2019, I took part in the Female Undergraduate of the Year Award, of which I was shortlisted for. It was here that the door opened to my first internship with Rolls-Royce in Defence. I then saw Autocar and Ennis & Co’s Drivers of Change advertised and thought – another opportunity to break into the industry. I was delighted to make it to the final, and it boosted my confidence hugely. It was a great experience and I received mentoring from some amazing industry experts along the way, which led me to my next venture – the Ferrari F1 Engineering Academy. I made it through to the final 12 after an extensive process and sadly didn’t gain a place, yet the experience has now spurred me on to pursue my dream in becoming part of the F1 family.
What’s next in the pursuit of a dynamic career?
I was obviously disappointed that the Ferrari dream didn’t become a reality, but to make it in this industry, you cannot give up. I wouldn’t deserve a place in the industry otherwise. I am now looking ahead to my next venture at Rolls-Royce, which I have just started in the field of aerospace as Graduate Trainee Engineer. There is a crossover in skills between aerospace and F1, and I believe I have the mixture of skills and the dynamism to combine this. I always believe hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard…
Ennis & Co
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