FSAE & Formula Team: Student Experiences

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Participation in the Formula Student (FSAE) team can be a demanding yet rewarding experience, heavily dependent on personal passion for motorsport and engineering. While some participants report negative experiences due to poor leadership and time management, others find immense value in the hands-on knowledge gained and the camaraderie developed among team members. The commitment required is likened to a full-time job, consuming significant free time, but many believe this investment is worthwhile for career preparation. Ultimately, motivation and genuine interest in the field are crucial for a positive experience. Engaging in FSAE should be driven by a love for motorsport rather than merely fulfilling academic requirements.
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Were any of you on the formula team while in school? How did you like it?
 
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Mine was full of egotistical cocks who were 'running' it. Which generally consisted of sucking the fun out of everything, spending the money in frivolous ways, and getting nothing done. Therefore my experience was horrible. I got my motorsport buzz from elsewhere.

From my discussions with friends from other Universities, it takes up all your time, it's hard work, there's little reward whilst you are doing it. But the level of camaraderie of working with your mates on something you love is more than worth it (a sentiment I share).The bottom line is: Do not do it if it's just ticking a box for you, only do it if you genuinely love motorsport. The only way to tell if you'll like it is to suck it and see.
 
I had a different experience than Chris did. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience I had with FSAE at the University of Washington. I went to the Detroit competition 3 times (01-03), once as team captain (hopefully I was not people Chris was reffering to :) ). I felt that I gained so much hands on knowledge that helped prepare me for real world engineering that my typical classes did not teach. Not just engineering, but cost management, dealing with team member issues, business plans etc...

It will suck up all your free time, it is not a part-time gig, think about it as a full-time job. You must really be interested in engineering (and motorsports) to stay motivated. But I promise you, it will prepare you for your career. I couldn't get enough, but many people couldn't hack it either. I wouldn't trade those late nights opening the machine shop for anything. It was quite the sight to have 15 pieces of shop equipment fully manned and building the car everyone had designed.
 
Why is everyone talking like FSAE kills all your "free time"? That is the among best uses of free time there is because it is fun. What else would you do, especially around here where it rains all the time?
 
Curl said:
Why is everyone talking like FSAE kills all your "free time"? That is the among best uses of free time there is because it is fun. What else would you do, especially around here where it rains all the time?

Haha, I would have to agree. That "free" time most likely would not have been used to advance my career, probably would have spent more time partying.
 
Curl said:
Why is everyone talking like FSAE kills all your "free time"? That is the among best uses of free time there is because it is fun.

Becuase once you've made the commitment, that time is no longer yours to do with as you please, ie it's no longer free. If you love motorsports you've merely allocated free time to something you enjoy doing.

Which is why it's important that you are wanting to do it for the right reasons.
 

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