Garry Chow went straight to Formula 1 on graduating from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College working for as a design engineer.
What did you learn at your time at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, in class and out?
"I learnt how to work in a team, how to deal with difficult situations, and how to negotiate through conflicting interests; all of that has been useful in my career."
Can you tell me about your studies at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø?
"I appreciated the lecturers and the way the subjects were taught and I relished the projects I worked on. It was hard work, a challenging course, and I quite liked the fact that I was being challenged both by the course and by other students. It’s a productive environment to be in when you’re amongst other people who can challenge you as well."
What is your fondest memory of your time here?
"I was in a band, I remember that very well, I very much enjoyed that. Also in my final year I was working in the racing team racing motor cars which was great fun."
What jobs have you done since graduation?
"I’m in the same job that I was in when I left college – I’m working in Formula 1 for McLaren racing as a design engineer. Essentially I design components for the racing car. My job is partly design, partly thermodynamics, partly fluid mechanics. I also work with lots of systems, for instance engine systems, hydraulics, heat transfer, structural engineering, simulation modelling – so it’s quite broad really. I’ve worked with lots of different teams as I’ve moved through the company and quite a lot of the things I learnt at university I still use now."
What has been your career highlight?
"Going to Formula 1 races and seeing the things that I designed helping the car go quicker."
What are your plans for the future?
"I’m slowly moving through the company and probably I’ll move into more of a managerial position. I’m looking to develop my technical skills and learn more about the different aspects of the car. Also I’d like to go and travel a bit too - I’m hoping to move to another team in another country at some point."
What would be your advice for current students?
"When I was a student I didn’t think too much about what I would do in the future, I just did my courses and made the most of everything that wasn’t to do with my courses as well, because you only get one shot at being a student. You want to make the most out of living in London. Going to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø you’re probably a reasonably competent student anyway, so you’ve got to make the most of your three or four years living that lifestyle. At the end of the day you’ve got to get a good job but I think just as long as you enjoy your subject and the experience of going to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, that’s the most important thing."
What are you most proud of in your life?
"I guess getting married and having a home, they’re very important to me."