Former student, Justin Rivera, shares his journey on how Formula SAE and Texas Tech University contributed to advancing his career at Bell Flight, a prominent global manufacturer of military and commercial vertical-lift aircraft.
When did you graduate from Texas Tech University?
I graduated from Texas Tech in May of 2011.
What attracted you to come to Texas Tech for engineering?
To be honest, what drew me to Texas Tech was the people. The individuals of West Texas,
whether they were fellow students or local residents, exuded a warmth and down-to-earth
demeanor that set them apart from the communities I had encountered during my college
search at other institutions.
What attracted you to Formula SAE?
From my early days as a child, I held an unwavering fascination for automotive and motorcycle racing. You know those classic questions people ask kids about what they want to be when they grow up? Well, I dreamt of becoming a race car driver or a fighter pilot. When the time came for me to explore higher education options, fate led me to discover Formula SAE. Remarkably, Texas Tech University didn't have a Formula SAE team when I began my journey there in 2006. So, when I arrived at Texas Tech and caught wind of an initiative to establish a Formula SAE team, my curiosity surged, and the realm of possibilities beckoned me with irresistible allure.
What kind of job opportunities did being in Formula SAE and Engineering give you?
There's no other organization quite like Formula SAE, where academic theory seamlessly transitions into practical real-world applications. This involves activities such as fundraising, collaboration with sponsors who could potentially become employers, coordination with diverse teams, the intricate process of designing and manufacturing a car within a tight 9-month timeframe, rigorous car testing, thrilling racing events, and even the presentation of the car as a comprehensive business proposal, among various other tasks. It often felt like I was operating a nonprofit enterprise, given the immense responsibilities and critical decisions that needed to be made. These invaluable experiences have now come full circle in my career at Bell Helicopter, where I've been engaged in projects related to composite airframes and rotor blades. I've also been instrumental in securing contracted research and development projects and the associated funding, further underscoring the practical utility of the skills I honed during my Formula SAE involvement.
What would you tell future students or incoming students that are just coming to Tech?
Paraphrasing a famous quote, it is your life, edit it ruthlessly and often! Do not go at it alone, the world is vast and full of opportunity!
Texas Tech's slogan is “From Here It's Possible”, when you first started school until now, how do you feel you have grown?
In my earlier years, I was a reserved, introverted individual. The prospect of assuming leadership roles within college organizations or addressing large audiences at industry conferences and professional gatherings was something beyond my wildest imagination. This slogan holds a special place in my heart, as I frequently incorporate it into my everyday conversations. It serves as a constant reminder of how Texas Tech played a pivotal role in shaping my journey, both on a personal and professional level.