Infiniti Engineering Academy: The Ultimate Helping Hand
Getting your career into gear when you’re fresh out of university is easier said than done. With little or no experience in their field, young graduates can sometimes have a hard time convincing an employer that they are the ideal candidate for a job.
And for those who want a career in the automobile industry or in auto racing, it’s even harder. The number of spots are limited and you have to know the right people.
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For a handful of students, however, the road will be that much smoother thanks to the Infiniti Engineering Academy.
A career at stake
The Infiniti Engineering Academy is a competition, but there’s no prize money for the winners. Instead, they are offered a job in a luxury-car factory or with a prestigious Formula 1 team.
This is the third edition of this contest used to recruit engineers that are simultaneously qualified and passionate. Here’s how it works:
First, the candidates must apply. To be eligible, you have to be studying engineering (or be a recent, unemployed graduate), speak fluent English and be available for a competition over the summer. This year, Infiniti hopes to attract no less than 5000 candidates. As we approach the June 28th deadline, there are already more than 3000 candidates registered.
Next, an outside firm examines all the résumés and select the students that stand out from the pack. If you have experience in the automotive, racing or performance fields, this is the time to highlight it.
Ten students are chosen per region (China, Europe, United Arab Emirates, Asia and Oceania, Mexico, Canada and the United States). These 70 finalists will then have to answer skill-testing questions in addition to rising to the technical challenges that will evaluate their knowledge. During these tests, the judges will analyse results, working methods and the students’ ability to work as a team.
Winners will receive a golden opportunity: a year-long position in which they will have the chance to work for Infiniti for six months before making to the jump to Renault Formula 1 for the remaining six months. Furthermore, the future engineers will work in the same departments in both enterprises. For example, one graduate who talked to us about his experience, Daniel Sanham, worked on electronic systems for Infiniti products, then, he found himself having to change mental gears when he was transferred to Renault Formula 1, where the goal wasn’t to design systems for the average buyer, but to optimize electronics to beat lap times.
The position offered is in Great Britain, but don’t worry: Infiniti will pay for your trip, provide you with a place to stay near your office and take care of all the necessary work permits. And how’s this for the cherry on top: they’ll even provide you an Infiniti company car!
At the end of the year – who knows? – one of the brands that you worked for may just want to keep you.
The ultimate helping hand
For engineers wanting to make their mark in the automobile industry, the Infiniti Engineering Academy is an opportunity to start your career in spectacular fashion. If you think you have what it takes to catch someone’s eye in this competition, you can apply directly on the Academy’s website.
