Mark W.
About me
| Mark W. | |
| Computer Science | |
| Computer Science w/ Artificial Intelligence | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Langwith | |
| 2017 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Specialist Software Engineer | |
| McLaren Racing | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Engineering and manufacturing | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2019 |
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A day in the life of a Specialist Software Engineer in the United Kingdom
I’ve always followed Formula One and been a big admirer of McLaren... The opportunity appeared, so I had to give it a go.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
McLaren is one of the most historic motorsports organisations in the world. Since being founded by Bruce McLaren in the 60s, McLaren has won several Formula One World Championships along with the legendary Triple Crown (which is where a team or driver wins the F1 Monaco GP, 24 Heures de Le Mans, and the Indy 500)
What do you do?
I’m a software engineer creating tools for the operation and analysis of the team’s aerodynamic development of its Formula One cars. My team works across a wide range of tools and technologies, both web and desktop through the entire stack.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
When I graduated I first worked for the BBC, on their fantastic Software Engineering Graduate Scheme which allowed me to develop a range of skills on a broad set of really impactful products. At the end of the two year scheme I was offered a permanent role, but it wasn’t quite the right fit for me and vice versa, even though the organisation and people at the Beeb were such an extraordinarily good fit. I feel that you have to really enjoy what you do to be satisfied and perform at your best.
I’ve always followed Formula One and been a big admirer of McLaren as a team and organisation. The opportunity appeared, so I had to give it a go, even though I didn’t rate my chances of getting through the application process.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
The motorsports sector is one I’ve always been keen to explore, but after graduation I started in the media industry. The brilliant thing about software engineering is the range and breadth of opportunities available across industries.
Describe your most memorable day at work
The celebrations after finishing first and second at Monza were very special. The team hasn’t fought at the front for many years now, and while we’re still not back, it was hugely rewarding for everyone to be a part of that moment of brilliance and all get to celebrate in it together, congregating as a team for the first time since before the pandemic.
A close second would be the first time I was in Mission Control (the remote race team back at the factory) for a Grand Prix. I had put my name down to help contribute to the team's direct action on track and was assigned to the 2021 Belgium GP, which ended up being the shortest race in F1 history. It was hugely unusual in terms of what a race would typically be, but perhaps offered greater insight as a result.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
Formula 1 is an arms race and the stakes, relative to sports, are high. There’s a delicate balance to strike between getting new upgrades (whether for the car or for the tools used by the team) out as rapidly as possible while maintaining a high degree of quality and reliability.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
McLaren has had a bit of a mixed past, culturally, but with new leadership instated in recent time it’s a very rewarding and pleasant place to work, where one is surrounded by incredibly bright and passionate people. The McLaren Technology Centre is an unbelievable facility to go to work to as well, and it's been great to move to a more hybrid way of working that affords flexibility to make the most of the facility while helping to ease the burden of the commute.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I was a member of the Boat Club (UYBC) and the rigour of training and competition alongside a demanding degree was great for developing discipline and proving determination and motivation to employers, as well as being one of the most demanding environments requiring the most robust team working.
What would you like to do next with your career?
I’d like to make a strong contribution to McLaren returning to the front of the Formula One pack, and hopefully winning Grand Prix and World Championships again.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
The most valuable things for me during my time at university were completing a placement year in industry and my time with UYBC. The industrial placement, while for a company and industry I didn’t want to return to, was invaluable in demonstrating that I already had a lot of employable and professional qualities. It also reinforced to me what was important and unimportant in a career, which was invaluable when it came to considering potential roles at the end of my degree.
Next steps...
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