Automobile Division

A day in the life of...Stephanie Hobeika, Bentley Motors

Formula Student Team

As part of celebrating #INWED2024, we hear from Stephanie Hobeika, a Design Engineering student on placement at Bentley Motors, who shares her experience as a woman in engineering and her experience with Formula Student.

For further details about a career at Bentley Motors, current opportunities and the applications process, be sure to visit them online.

What inspired you to pursue a career in design engineering

I have always been very academic but also really enjoyed art such as painting and drawing. I believe design engineering combines them very well. It is a balance between innovation, technology, and creativity.

What was your experience of joining Formula Student like in your first year? What motivated you to get involved?

I love being part of a team working close together to compete across Europe. I am a racing driver myself so I am competitive in nature. I wanted to be part of a very passionate and motivated team with the goal to build the best car possible.

In my first year I mainly completed small tasks that would enable the older students to work on the more advanced parts but also helped the team to get the most out of test days. All the students were very welcoming and very helpful. They were always there for support and guidance when needed!

How has your role in Formula Student changed over the years?

I went from mainly helping them out by being a driver to getting more involved with the building phase. I am hoping to progress into one of the leading roles and be involved in team organisation.

What aspects of your experience at Formula Student do you find most transferable to your role at Bentley?

I find that being part of Formula Student equips students with important soft skills required in companies such as Bentley. I was part of a big team that had to come together to achieve one goal. A lot of teamwork, project management, budgeting, and business planning takes place in a formula student. These skills are crucial when working in industry and getting a taste of what it’s like while still at university has been very beneficial in my role here at Bentley.

How does Bentley support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for women in engineering?

Bentley is committed to increasing the proportion of women in engineering. Its BeInspired network is aiming towards 30% women in management by 2030. It is very inspiring to see so many people come together to work towards this goal. We often have speed networking sessions as well as teams meetings where everyone is updated on the latest insights from other employers and sectors. I am very happy to be working in a company that is motivated to increase Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your future career in engineering? Where do you see your career in 10 years?

I really enjoy planning and organising technical projects and would like to progress and develop myself to be a team leader. Either of a big project such as building a new car in an organisation similar to Bentley or maybe a leader in motorsport.

Any advice for students looking to apply for a placement or graduate role at Bentley?

I would encourage everyone to apply. I have found that it is a very welcoming environment. I am happy to say that my manager has been very supportive in my development. As part of the early careers program, I am not expected to know everything, I am expected to have the motivation and will to learn and further my development which is exactly what I need at the start of my career.

For further details about a career at Bentley Motors, current opportunities and the applications process, be sure to visit them online.

Plus, if you are joining us at Silverstone this year, be sure to visit Bentley in the paddock to get hands-on with their line of vehicles and to speak with representatives about placement and graduate opportunities

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