Kelsie Osborne, Drivers of Change Technology Award Finalist 2020 shared her experience of reaching the final of the Drivers of Change competition and the subsequent mentoring opportunities generously offered to her by members of our sponsor organisations.
Kelsie said:
“Since competing in the Autocar Driver of Change Award I have received a huge amount of support from many of the judges for which I’m very grateful and built some brilliant relationships which I hope to grow as I embark on my professional career.
The competition provided me with some invaluable exposure to the automotive industry and I have since secured professional mentorship from one of the judging panel. Jo Evans from the APCUK has very generously offered her time as an official mentor, and although we are still in the early stages, she has helped me navigate some difficult career decisions and boosted my confidence greatly, as I set out from education and into industry. We have established some set goals for me to work towards, and over the new few months we will be identifying my individual strengths and addressing areas where I could improve to aid my professional development. Jo has been a wonderful sounding board for my ideas and her mentorship has only further encouraged me to pursue a career in the automotive industry. I’m already looking forward to our next session!
In addition to the help I am receiving from Jo, I have also had the privilege of meeting with (remotely of course) a further inspiring female leader, who was able to give me some great insight into the automotive industry and guidance on the specific areas that might best suit my interests. I have since subscribed to her organisation and receive regular updates about industry activities and upcoming webinars. This sponsor provided me with some brilliant feedback on my performance in the competition and what extra activities I can do to make sure I stand out as an applicant.
I have also been able to expand my professional network thanks to Lynda Ennis, the Founder of Ennis & Co the award sponsors, who has offered her assistance as I look to break into the automotive industry. Lynda has very generously shared with me some of her industry contacts, who I’ve been able to reach out to regarding their early careers recruitment processes, and offered her support in interview preparation to help me secure a position in the current climate, for which I cannot thank her enough.
I was also fortunate enough to receive some kind words of encouragement from Steve Fletcher, the Director of Body, Trim, Chassis & CAE at Group Lotus, who also provided me with some great advice and insight into his early career.
The whole experience has been extremely positive, and I encourage everyone to get involved! You never know what is going to happen, and regardless of the outcome I can guarantee a really rewarding experience. I have gained a huge amount of confidence, some great insight into the automotive industry and a truly supportive network of industry professionals.”
A huge thank you to Kelsie for sharing her experience and to our sponsors for going above and beyond to support this initiative and our talented finalists.
