After more than a decade since my first time on the Formula Student track, I found myself back in the electrifying atmosphere of the competition, not as a competitor, but as a volunteer design judge (third year running) for the Formula Student 2023. With the event marking its grand 25th anniversary, it was incredible to see how it had seamlessly integrated into its befitting home at Silverstone. Being at the event again, amidst the buzzing energy of young engineering minds, reaffirmed my belief in the value of volunteering and its enormous potential to contribute to personal and professional development.

As a design judge, my primary responsibility was to evaluate the engineering design solutions conceived by the participating student teams. Each solution presented was a testament to the creativity, hard work, and innovative spirit that the event consistently fosters. The blend of inventive design, theoretical soundness, and practical feasibility embodied in the students' work was awe-inspiring, and the sense of camaraderie among them was equally commendable.

Volunteering for Formula Student isn't just about giving back to the community or contributing to an event close to my heart. It is an enriching experience that fosters personal growth and offers a unique perspective on the industry's newest engineering talents. Here are a couple of my key takeaways I derived from the experience.

1. Skill Enhancement and Knowledge Sharing: As an engineer, continual learning is vital to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry. Volunteering as a judge facilitated a unique exchange of ideas and concepts with the brilliant minds of tomorrow, thereby helping me broaden my engineering knowledge. This not only allowed me to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies but also enabled me to share my own experiences and insights with the next generation of engineers.

2. Network Building: The Formula Student competition offers an ideal platform for networking with industry experts, experienced professionals, and promising students. It's not just about exchanging business cards but also about establishing meaningful connections that can lead to collaborative opportunities in the future.

3. Leadership and Communication: Volunteering in a judging role demands strong leadership and communication skills. You need to lead by example, offer constructive criticism, and maintain open lines of communication. This experience has greatly honed my leadership abilities and improved my communication skills, assets that will undoubtedly serve me well in my professional endeavours.

4. Personal Satisfaction and Fulfilment: Perhaps the most significant benefit of all is the sense of satisfaction and fulfilment derived from contributing to the growth and development of budding engineers. Knowing that my input could potentially help shape the future of these students is immensely rewarding.

In conclusion, the experience of serving as a volunteer design judge for the Formula Student 2023 was as gratifying as it was enlightening. It offered a refreshing perspective, a chance to stay connected with the ever-evolving industry trends, and an opportunity to contribute positively to the next generation of mechanical engineers. I would strongly encourage professionals from all walks of the industry to consider volunteering at Formula Student or similar platforms. It's not just about what you give but also about what you get back in terms of knowledge, experience, and satisfaction.

Want to know more about the event or how to get involved, check out the IMechE’s page on the Formula Student event here https://www.imeche.org/events/formula-student