Garry Chow went straight to Formula 1 on graduating from Imperial College working for Mclaren as a design engineer.
What did you learn at your time at Imperial, 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 Imperial?
"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 Imperial 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 Imperial, 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."