There are many exciting career opportunities to think about within the Motorsports Industry. We have summarized a few key areas below, however, careers are available in other areas not listed, such as Media, Hospitality,Administration, Medical, Quality and Parts. Entry requirements are generally similar to other mainstream industries and it is worth remembering that in smaller organizations, some of these roles may be combined. Below you will find some tips and a resume template.

GAINING EXPERIENCE- Whatever path you choose, gaining experience is very important, and there are lots of opportunities for you to get involved with the sport as much as possible. This will give you valuable Motorsports related experience, which helps to demonstrate passion and commitment to employers. It will also help you to open doors and meet people, which can pay dividends later on.

• Use every opportunity for work experience through school, at weekends, evenings or unpaid holidays. Try to pick an activity which will help you gain knowledge relevant to your future career and make sure you include this in your resume or application, even for informal/unpaid apprenticeships or Internships.
• If you live near a local race track, pop along and see if you can volunteer to get involved - it may just be washing cars or cleaning at first, but this could lead you to other things.
• Browse through the various websites or trade journals available on the news stands to identify all the companies within easy reach of you and write to them offering to volunteer to gain experience of any kind.
• Please click for RESUME TEMPLATES

TOP TIPS 

• Write to the main race car clubs, circuits or race venues to see what you could do at the tracks as they run or at their events. You can find clubs listed on the Internet.
• Attend as many race events as possible, network with as many people as you can. have your personal profile or resume to hand out with contact details and gather as many business contacts as possible, then FOLLOW UP.
• Consider marshaling at race/rally events at your local race or kart track. Volunteer race Marshall’s are always in demand and can help you learn the rules of the meeting, meet people at various events and build your contacts.
• Ensure you have good background knowledge of the industry, regularly reading trade and specialist magazines.
• Consider competing at “grass roots” level; for example auto test, trials and certain cross country events. Some can be fairly cheap to compete, will give you good experience of how the industry works and help you learn what is expected of people in the sport.
• Think about what you can do to make yourself more employable than other people you may be up against and how you can demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to progress your future career. The more involvement you have with additional activities the greater your chances are.

ENGINEERING -As an  Engineer in Motorsports, you can work with some of the most advanced technology in the world. Opportunities exist with a  wide range of organizations involved in design, development, manufacturing, supply and preparation. Core Engineering qualifications are highly desirable in this area to get started, you can later specialize in areas such as:

• Research and Development
•  Trackside Development
• Testing
• Production
• Design
• Mechanical / Technical
• Electrical
• Car Preparation or Restoration

To enter Engineering or Manufacturing roles, there are broadly two approaches;

Engineering Route -Studying degree programs at Universities in a related subject, primarily mechanical engineering ( other areas could include electrical, aerodynamics or aeronautical engineering). Remember to bolster this with practical experience in your spare time. This route is popular R&D, Testing, Design, Electrical roles

Technician Route -Vocational or Apprenticeship programs involving completing further education or an Apprenticeship scheme, which combines study with practical work experience. A popular choice for Mechanic, Technician and some manufacturing roles.

MANUFACTURING - Within Motorsports, manufacturing consist of different areas such as:

• Composites
• Model Making and Testing
• Machining
• Fabrication
• Quality and Inspection

Components tend to be complex, low-volume, high precision and high value. Roles span involvement with one or more elements of the manufacturing process, ie programming, setting or operating machinery, painting, welding, assembling, using materials such as carbon fiber.

SALES -Acting as the first point of contact, sales people provide advice and actively sell a range of products and services by helping customers to find what they need, solving any problems along the way, then following up to ensuring customers are satisfied with their purchase. A sales person would generally be expected to generate new inquiries and business opportunities, with an element of any sales made often linked to a commission structure, which can enhance earning potential. The hours can require some flexibility, and quite often this role will involve some travel, sometimes internationally, depending on the company and products you are working with.

Motorsports and similar, you may find Business Development/Account Management opportunities. These Generally involve looking for new sponsors and partners who offer an appropriate fit to their organization, then developing and maintaining these relationships. Entry requirements for sales can vary widely between employers. More specialist areas, such as composites or technical product sales usually require individuals with relevant technical qualifications and experience.

MARKETING - Marketing involves looking at methods to promote organization’s products and services to increase brand awareness and business opportunities. This is mainly achieved through promotional techniques such as advertising, sales promotions, publicity, event and public relations. It can also include making arrangements and entertaining existing and potential sponsors/partners at various events. Like sales, this role can involve some travel, possibly even internationally depending on the organization and product.

To enter a marketing role, employers generally look for a professional qualification such as a Business or Marketing Degree, however, solid experience within this environment can also prove acceptable in some instances. Evidence of involvement with in motorsports will also help you to stand out from the crowd.

ACCOUNTING & FINANCE- These functions are the same as within any other industry. Typically you would be involved with the smooth running of the accounts function,ranging from sales and purchase ledger, invoicing, producing and analyzing management accounts, month end routines, reporting and returns. Roles are usually office based and in some smaller organizations you will find roles are combines with other duties, such as administration and payroll. For all three areas above some employers will seek individuals who are professionally qualified or studying toward the relevant qualification.

PURCHASING - Generally involves finding a provider who can supply a specific product or service to a certain standard and negotiating prices, timescales to suit the needs of the organization. Some buyers can have purchasing specialties like Engineering/Manufacturing. This role can be highly demanding and competitive, with tight lead times and various changes to designs along the way.

LOGISTICS & STORE MANAGEMENT- is as varied as the different companies associated with motorsports. If you work for an Engineering or Manufacturing Supplier of components, then your roles can be very similar  to that of Logistics or Store Manager in any other Company. You will be responsible for ensuring a regular supply of parts to the factory floor and arranging deliveries to and from the factory. Track components and their attributes is also a key part of most stores roles. I on the other you work for a race team, expect to be more involved with organizing parts and/or people to be in the right place at the right time. It means anticipating needs and having back up plans for product and alternative suppliers so that the race isn’t lost for want of a simple component. A degree can be an advantage, bit is not essential as often experience within an associated role is valued. For Stores/parts related roles, often relevant stores automotive experience is more desirable.