Interview: Fenil Shethia

Full Name: Fenil Shethia Role on Formula Bharat: Design Documents Reviewer & Technical Inspector Company: EROS Elevators Position: Junior Engineer Location: Mumbai, MH, India Biography: (We have covered it below!)

THE INTERVIEW:

Tell me a little bit about your current job role and what you are responsible for?

Currently I am working with Eros Elevators as a Junior Engineer. I am responsible for designing various elevator components as required. This also include the rectification/change in the older designs. Also I am involved in some undergoing development projects.

Could you describe your background, qualification and how you got involved in Formula Student?

I am a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Mumbai University (K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering). My college had a Formula Student team and that is how I got involved into Formula Student.

Why do you think a competition like Formula Bharat is important in India?

It gives students an chance to apply all their theoretical knowledge into practice which in turn helps them becoming a better Engineer. Such competitions in India would help many more students participate and prove their caliber. Also, not every team can afford to go competitions overseas due to many constraints (budget, attendance, lack of support etc.).

What was the reason for which you joined a Formula Student team?

Being an automobile enthusiast, I have always wanted to work with and around cars. Formula Student gave me that opportunity to fulfill my dream.

As a document reviewer, what tips can you give to student teams?

I would advice the teams to first build a good team and that will automatically lead to building a great car (As Claude says, “It is better to have a ‘C’ car with a ‘A’ team rather than having a ‘A’ car with a ‘C’ team). Second thing which I personally feel is that the teams should first get their basics right and then go for all the fancy stuff on the car. For example, wings on the car would be of no use if the the team is unable to clear the Technical Inspection. I would rather invest that much time, money, man power on clearing the Tech inspection and participate in dynamic events successfully.

Are you still in touch with your student team?

Not really in touch with my team, but sometimes I do go to the our workshop and advise the current team as and when required. But I would really love to come back to team as a member and participate again if given a chance.