When Aarabhi Krishnakumar (MechE 2T5 + PEY) was entering her fourth year of undergraduate studies, she thought she was done with internships — but then the opportunity of a lifetime came along. 

Krishnakumar had already completed three work experiences in various fields, and was looking forward to completing her coursework and graduating as a MechE 2T5 + PEY. 

But her thinking completely changed when she got an interview with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, based in Oxford, U.K.

“I did the first interview, and it went really well, but then they told me the job would be for a year,” says Krishnakumar. 

“I didn’t know about taking another whole year off from school, and I went back and forth quite a bit before accepting the position.” 

Krishnakumar had previously taken a gap year when she got an 8-month internship with Bombardier Aerospace after her second year. When it was over, she rolled right into a different role with Lockheed Martin. The two positions ended up counting as her PEY Co-op.  

At Bombardier, Krishnakumar worked as an operations strategy intern on manufacturing processes for private jets. Her position at Lockheed Martin focused not on planes, but on boats, and she had the opportunity to contribute to the design of Canada’s naval ships. Prior to those roles, Krishnakumar had already completed a summer internship at Canada Post as a process engineering intern helping to streamline the efficiency of the mail sorting systems. 

“Both times, I had concerns about taking a whole year off, but at the end of the day, I realized I came to U of T to get experience, exposure and be part of cool builds,” says Krishnakumar. 

“I thought achieving my goals took precedence over everything and I’m glad I had the flexibility to make it happen.” 

In October of 2024, Krishnakumar packed her bags and headed to Oxford. It was a major step for her, as she had never before traveled outside of North America. 

“It was such a shock, and it was a bit difficult adjusting at the beginning,” she says. 

“But I eventually got used to it. I ended up really loving it.” 

As a build and test intern, Krishnakumar’s job at BWT Alpine was to act as a liaison between the technicians in the design and build teams, helping to improve the drawings as well as the overall build. 

“It was interesting because I got to see both the design and the technical perspectives, and that’s what I really loved about it,” she says. 

“Plus, F1 is super cool; so I got to learn a lot and see several neat gadgets and parts.”  

In addition to her work, Krishnakumar was able to attend several events with her team. She went to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix race as well as to the track to watch the first initial shakedown test.Krishnakumar was also one of five members from Alpine to mark F1’s 75th anniversary at an event hosted by U.K. Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. 

Krishnakumar credits her many work experiences with giving her a better sense of her interests and what she wants to do in her career.  

“Design is a big portion of mechanical engineering, and I tried to make that my interest as well. But personally, I just don’t enjoy sitting in front of the computer all day,” says Krishnakumar. 

“I’m quite a social person. I love talking and working with people and seeing things in sight. I realised, through my work, I really want to go into manufacturing. I’d like to be on the floor and working with parts.”  

Despite taking time off, Krishnakumar was still able to fit in several extracurriculars and social activities into her undergrad.   

“I was elected first-year and later served as fourth-year chair of the Engineering Society,” says Krishnakumar.  

“In first year, I worked with faculty to support students through the academic and social challenges of COVID-19, and later, I helped organize the Iron Ring Ceremony and ensured students met the requirements to participate.”  

Krishnakumar was also involved with Engineers Without Borders, serving as events director for the Indigenous Reconciliation portfolio, where she organized initiatives to raise awareness and fundraise. Additionally, she was a member of U of T’s Formula Racing team, which sparked her interest in motorsport. 

As she finished up her final courses over the past year, Krinakumar still found time to fit in one more part-time internship, this one with the Canadian Space Agency. That role, along with her time at BWT Alpine, helped her to land a job as a process engineer with Tesla Toronto. 

“I think my internships definitely helped set me apart,” says Krishnakumar.  

“My boss actually told me the reason he was intrigued about my application was because of my F1 experience, because he’s also an F1 fan.” 

Her new position starts in late May, but first Krishnakumar will be taking some well-deserved time off to travel in Asia with her mom — she plans to visit Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.  

“I’m excited to work in the automotive industry, especially at a company focused on supporting the transition to sustainable energy,” she says.  

“I hope to apply what I’ve learned from my degree to make a meaningful impact on the world.”