Information magazine of the Department of Industrial Engineering
Università di Trento
Information magazine of the Department of Industrial Engineering
Università di Trento
Reflecting on his university years, one might picture blurry images of crowded lectures, tough exams, and friendships formed in the hallways. But as Andrea Colavero’s story clearly shows, he was never a student without direction. His journey was marked from the start by deliberate choices and a passion that took root well before university:
“Luckily, I’ve always had a clear idea about my path, even during high school. While researching degree programs, I discovered the Formula SAE project, still for the most part unknown, and I was instantly fascinated. I knew I wanted to be part of it during my studies.”
His attention was immediately drawn to the E-Agle TRT university team, which he joined shortly before completing his bachelor’s degree.
“Having always been passionate about sports, and especially Formula 1, I saw in this project the perfect opportunity to combine my interests with my studies.”
Within the team, he specialized in the Dynamics & Control division and became its leader the following year.
“Thanks to this experience, I had the chance to work closely with Professor Francesco Biral, whom I must thank for supporting me during my thesis project and for fueling my passion for the subject even further.”
This was the beginning of a professional journey built on creativity, competition, and ambition, the pillars of his career development.
His university experience culminated in a thesis project that was the highlight of his academic path.
“My thesis was definitely the most exciting project, the natural conclusion of a five-year journey that ended in a result I never could have imagined. My time in Formula SAE was crucial, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge I hadn’t had the chance to use before.”
The international context of the competitions broadened his cultural and professional horizons. These events not only brought together students from around the world but also offered direct exposure to major industry players.
“And sharing those experiences with a close-knit group of friends made it even more fun and meaningful.”
His thesis was developed in collaboration with a major Italian Formula 1 team. Thanks to his prior experience, he integrated smoothly:
“Having direct knowledge of the automotive world really helped me transition into the workplace. I didn’t face major challenges joining the team, also thanks to the support of my colleagues. However, working in such a large organization means you have fewer chances to work across different areas, and the pace is very fast.”
A solid technical background is essential in highly specialized sectors. His Mechatronics Engineering degree equipped him with expertise in mechanics, electronics, and computer science, making him a versatile professional.
“Even the interdisciplinary subjects outside my main field gave me a strong theoretical foundation to explore new topics. Once you understand the core principles, switching between different software becomes relatively easy.”
Equally important is the ability to communicate effectively, especially in teams handling complex projects. Andrea emphasizes the need for clear organization and well-structured communication flows.
“Keeping key information among a few people also helps optimize work time. Time is critical, both on the track and in the office, and when presenting results, it’s essential to focus on the key points, be concise, and speak with confidence. Even body language matters: looking comfortable helps convey confidence to your audience.”
Public speaking wasn’t always easy for him, but the E-Agle experience helped shape his confidence:
“Participating in events with E-Agle really helped. I used to get nervous speaking in public, and that’s still relevant in my current job. Sometimes you feel unqualified next to people with more knowledge, and every day you have to prove you’re up to the task.”
What excites him most about engineering is working at the edge of scientific knowledge, solving problems that textbooks don’t cover, a daily stimulus for creativity and problem-solving.
Another source of motivation comes from working alongside world-class experts:
“Collaborating with them feels surreal. Just observing how they communicate and approach problems helps me grow both professionally and personally.”
Then there’s the emotional side: the atmosphere of the racetrack and the pride of being part of a national and global leader:
“Walking out of the office and seeing fans waiting all day for famous drivers or team members feels surreal. I’m proud to be part of an Italian excellence, a world leader that inspires so many.”
To those aspiring to follow a similar path, his advice is clear:
“Follow your passions, they’re what bring the greatest satisfaction. Eventually, the opportunities will come, even if those worlds feel far away.”
Another key trait is curiosity, the drive to dig deeper and truly understand things:
“Curiosity helps you go beyond surface-level knowledge, to understand the deeper why. This mindset is contagious; showing enthusiasm and a desire to understand inspires those around you.”
Finally, a practical tip: get involved in hands-on university projects, without losing sight of your degree.
“If you want to work in motorsport or the automotive sector, there’s nothing better than joining a Formula SAE team. By now, I think you can tell how attached I am to it.”
Andrea Colavero’s journey shows how passion, curiosity, and determination can transform youthful interest into a fulfilling and tangible career. From discovering Formula SAE to the circuits of Formula 1, his story is proof that believing in your instincts, surrounding yourself with inspiring people, and constantly pushing your limits can take you far.
