Shriyam Mehrota shares her thoughts

Shriyam Mehrota is an undergraduate student at the University of Bristol, studying Engineering Design with a specialisation in Aerospace Engineering. Named as this year’s winner of Ricardo’s Prize for Most Promising Female Engineer, she is currently on a year-long placement in the business, learning more about what engineering in practice looks like and working on innovative projects for our customers.  

Q: What inspired you to follow a career in engineering?  

“It is difficult to pinpoint a single moment that led me towards engineering, as I have always been drawn to cars, building things, and questioning how things work. From LEGO and cardboard projects, when I was younger, to 3D modelling as I progressed through school, I enjoyed being creative and problem‑solving.

“I actively started looking at pursuing engineering when I had the opportunity to pilot a light aircraft in a flight experience when I was in secondary school. I found myself fascinated by how it worked and how the aircraft responded to control inputs. The experience made me realise that I wanted to be able to design machines that have made transportation easier and are at the forefront of innovation. As I moved through my academic choices, I naturally gravitated towards subjects related to engineering. Studying them at university confirmed that I was in the right place, and I’ve continued developing my skills and exploring different areas of the discipline since I realised I enjoy it.”

Q: How did you hear about the Most Promising Female Engineer Award?

“I first heard about the award from one of my university professors, who told me he wanted to nominate me. He had seen my determination to learn and progress within the automotive and aerospace fields and felt I demonstrated strong potential. It was an honour to be considered.

“The initial application was straightforward, requiring my CV and a reference from my university tutor outlining why he nominated me. I was delighted to be shortlisted as one of eight finalists, who were then invited to an assessment day at Ricardo’s Shoreham Technical Centre (STC).

“This was a highlight, as I met other students who shared similar interests, spoke with current Ricardo graduates about their experiences, and had engaging discussions with the interviewers on both technical topics and wider business aspects. We also received a tour of the facilities at STC, giving me a valuable insight into what working at a global engineering consultancy business would be like; where no two projects are the same. This appealed to me as I would have the opportunity to explore many aspects of engineering and learn more about engine design, vehicle dynamics and sustainable energy systems, which were my main areas of interest.

“Receiving the phone call confirming I had been selected as the winner was an unforgettable moment. It gave me confidence in my abilities to pursue my passion and trust that I will enjoy engineering work.”

Q: How are you finding your placement so far and what are you hoping to achieve during your time at Ricardo? 

"Since starting my placement, I have already learnt new software and adapted to various projects, which has been exciting. Meeting colleagues who share a commitment to delivering high‑quality engineering solutions has been inspiring, and I’ve enjoyed discussing technical topics and learning from their experiences.  

“During my placement, I would like to learn more about the design methodology for different powertrains, vehicle performance and sustainable energy systems. I also hope the experience will help guide my academic focus when I return to university and clarify which areas of automotive and aerospace engineering I want to pursue further.

“Additionally, I am keen to learn more about Ricardo’s global projects and the broader business aspects of engineering consultancy. I am looking forward to what the rest of my placement holds because there is an opportunity to learn a lot and apply my studies to meaningful projects.”

Q: Would you encourage others to apply for placements at Ricardo and where possible put themselves forward via the Most Promising Female Engineer Award?

“Absolutely.  

“A placement at Ricardo offers an excellent opportunity to learn, develop, and gain exposure to a wide range of engineering challenges. Ricardo is doing a fantastic job encouraging female engineers through this award scheme, providing one of the few such opportunities in the industry. For students already studying engineering or looking to gain experience, I would strongly encourage them to apply for competitions such as the Ricardo Engineering Prize.  

“Regardless of the outcome, the process encourages you to reflect on your strengths, interests, and aspirations. It helps you understand which areas you may want to explore further and provides valuable experience in presenting yourself and your work. You have nothing to lose by applying, so go for it!” 

Shriyam will be supporting Ricardo's 'Engineer Your Career' one day free event for female undergraduates on Wednesday 04 November 2026. To find out more and register your attendance, click here.