Lottie has been back on tour at the McLaren Technology Centre during the past week, meeting some of our remarkable female role models and "rising stars." We followed her along the way as she got to know some of our most talented young minds, documenting her journey and some of the people she met.

Of course, she experienced way too much for us to cover it all, so we've noted down four of Lottie's favourites so that you can get to know them better as well.

Lottie's tour of the MTC was a part of an annual campaign run by our friends at the Women’s Engineering Society. Organised by the WES Early Careers Board, the Lottie Dolls tour the factory once a year, following female mentors around the business and learning what they do on a day-to-day basis and the part it plays in moving us forward.

This year, we didn't only want to focus on the women working in engineering but have instead tried to cover a wider array of available roles, showcasing the many positions on offer at a global motorsport brand, such as ourselves.

We'll be exploring the time that Lottie spent with 24-year-old Lauren Rheeston-Stewart, a Technical Engineering Graduate. 27-year-old Hannah Allen, the Senior Project Coordinator for the Wind Tunnel Upgrade Project. 23-year-old Charlotte (Charley) Lewis, a Brand Experience Coordinator, and 19-year-old Margo Bondar, a Fan Engagement Intern.

What does your role involve?

Lauren Rheeston-Stewart: My role changes depending on which placement I am in. At the moment, I am in Suspension Design, so there is quite a bit of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) work, which is relatively new to me, but overall, it varies depending on the placement.

Hannah Allan: I work as part of the project management team for the Wind Tunnel Upgrade at the MTC. My role focuses on overseeing the project plan, ensuring critical project activities happen when needed for our internal and external work packages. I also monitor and update the project budget, ensure that information is being shared between all project stakeholders and work with the project teams to capture and escalate project risks.

Charlotte Lewis: Assisting across the Brand Experience team, with a focus on Heritage and Extreme E.

Margo Bondar: Helping the CRM (Customer Relationship Management) team interact with and give McLaren fans the best possible experience with our brand.

How long have you worked at McLaren?

LRS: Just over a year. I had heard about the graduate scheme that I am a part of from several friends whilst I was at university. I was studying Mechanical Engineering with Mechatronics, and it became a goal of mine to come onto this graduate scheme during the final years of the course.

HA: Five years. I started on the operations graduate scheme.

CL: Four months.

MB: Four months.

What does your typical workday look like?

LRS: When working in Control Systems, I had a main project, so most of my day was spent working on that project and then a few race weekends, which were more operational. Race weekends involved monitoring data and analysing it during FP1 and FP2, for example, and applying a tool that I had helped to create for control systems that allowed for data analysis.

I was working one weekend, Strategy Volunteering, when the Control's team came to me and said that my tool had helped identify a potential race-ending issue. Because of that, we could swap out that system before that race, which meant we didn't DNF. That was really nice because they didn’t have to tell me, and we ended up scoring double points that weekend.

HA: Each day varies depending on the project phase and what the priorities are. However, typically it involves monitoring the progress of the activities on site, following up on critical actions and deliveries, and identifying any risks to the project that need actioning or escalating. I also look ahead to plan and coordinate future tasks across the many work streams within the project, helping to make sure that the right people will be in the right place, at the right time, with the tools they need.

CL: Coffee first, always! Every day is unique. One day I’ll be focusing on show cars and event assets, and another I will be assisting in the planning of Heritage Events or Extreme E races. My role includes collaborating with many different people and assisting the team with anything they need. The week leading up to an event is always long days, with everyone pulling together to ensure that all details have been covered.

MB: What I love about my job is that not a single day is the same. Some days I am working with the Content or Social Team to create cool pieces for our channels. On other days I am helping with our charity requests and events. On a daily basis, I reach out to our McLaren Plus winners and send out their prizes and gifts, while also going through all the fan mail and fan art we receive here at McLaren Technology Centre.

What is the most challenging part of your role?

LSR: Moving around! That is both the most rewarding and the most challenging part. You go into a new role every few months and might not know anyone. You also may not have any experience in that particular role.

For example, I worked on Aero Model Design for five weeks – before that, I had never met anyone within that department, and it was a brand new job. You are always learning, which is good because it means you never get comfortable. The team are also great when it comes to teaching you. They give you plenty of time and patience, and they encourage questions.

HA: As it's impossible to give equal time to all work packages at all times, it is always a balancing act to monitor the progress of critical activities and make sure nothing is missed. Thankfully we have a great team on this project, including work package owners who help keep each one on track!

CL: Keeping calm when things don’t go to plan, and then finding a solution. Anything can happen with events, and when you have a short space of time to find an alternative plan you need to keep your head together and think creatively and clearly.

MB: I would say the most difficult part of my job is physically not being able to respond personally to everyone and send out signed gifts to every dedicated fan. Reading some of the letters where you know you can’t send more stuff because your inventory is very limited, and there are so many requests, is hard. I want to respond to everyone, tell them I read their letter, tell them a personal thank you for their support or tell them how amazing their story or artwork is. Unfortunately, there is just not enough time in the day to go through every request, but I try to do my best and reach out to as many of our fans as possible.

What is the most rewarding part of your role?

LRS: Getting to know so many people. Working in different departments, like Aero, means that you get to meet so many people. The factory is massive, but you can go into different areas, and there is regularly someone around that you have worked with previously and know. You also get to see a lot of different things: tools, car parts, areas, and the simulator, amongst much more. You are learning about such a wide array of things.

HA: When things don't always go to plan, it is most rewarding when the team are able to come together to create a solution that allows the project to get back on track.

CL: The people. I couldn’t be more grateful for the team I’m in. They have encouraged and supported me during my time here, and the opportunity to learn from such talented individuals is a real privilege.

Seeing an event I’ve been part of organising come to life has been a real highlight. So far, I’ve been a part of MRC (McLaren Racing Club) and the Family and Friends weekend and then got to see Velocity and the Austin Demo on TV – that was a real pinch-me moment.

MB: Just seeing how passionate and talented our fans are. I feel so privileged to be able to interact with them every day and represent McLaren.

I am also lucky enough to work with so many amazing and talented individuals. Every day I try to learn something new from them, and they have contributed so much to my personal and professional growth. So much teamwork goes into what we do, so having a team like mine makes me want to come into the office every day and give it my best, because I know they are doing the same.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to work in a similar role to yours?

LRS: Try everything. When you're at university, I would always suggest that people try lots of different things. If you're a part of Formula Student, a UK-based educational engineering competition, then don't stick to one area, be adaptable and move around. You learn a lot more and make yourself a lot more employable, as opposed to only being able to do this one job.

HA: Don't be afraid to put yourself forward for opportunities and make the most of the ones presented to you. Learn as much as possible from the people you work with, ask questions, challenge ways of thinking and always keep on top of your priorities list!

CL: You don’t need to be the biggest racing fan, but you do need to love the job you do, having a passion for your job makes life far more enjoyable, and it shows in the results you produce. Additionally, regarding your work ethic, you need to take pride in the standard of work you deliver and always look for ways to learn and grow. It’s those qualities that will get you noticed and opportunities to gain experience.

Most importantly, be your own biggest fan. You’ve got to believe you can achieve your goal – when I first told people I wanted to work in motorsport, I was met with a lot of disbelief and doubt. I decided to still go for it anyway and believed that if I worked hard enough, I could make my goal a reality. Be realistic, educate yourself on what teams look for in that role and then try to gain experience in that area. Formula Student at universities is a great way of gaining some relevant experience. Be prepared not to get the dream job straight away, but don't let that stop you. You need to believe in yourself before anyone else will.

MB: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes it can be overwhelming starting a new job, and in our fast-paced environment, things change 10 times a day. It can sometimes feel intimidating to ask a lot of questions, but it will impact your work and team relationships so much. It’s better to ask five times and then be confident that you know what you are doing, this way, the team knows they can rely on you, and there is less stress. Communication is an important part of any job, especially dealing with fans, but communicating with your colleagues to be able to do your best on the job is crucial. So, no matter where you start off, ask questions and listen to the answers and you will be able to reach your goals.

WES is a charity and professional network of female engineers, scientists and technologists offering inspiration, support and professional development to other women who hope to achieve their goal of working or progressing in the engineering industry.

Our partnership with WES is part of the McLaren Racing Engage alliance, which has been designed to drive forward a programme of initiatives aimed at opening opportunities and diversifying talent in motorsport.

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