In our earlier Torque Theory piece, What Makes a Good Mentor?, we explored the psychology and structure behind effective mentoring relationships. Engineering contributor Blossom Fernandez offers a first-hand account of what that relationship looks like in practice — and what it gives back to the mentor.
From Theory to Practice
Through the RMIT Mentoring Program, I had the privilege of supporting my very first mentee — and my first female mentee — Jessica Hailes-Bradley, an exceptionally driven automotive engineering student determined to make her mark in motorsport.
From the beginning, her ambition was unmistakable. She aims to build a long-term career as a performance and strategy engineer, supported by future postgraduate study, including a Master’s in Motorsport Engineering and eventually a PhD. In the shorter term, she is actively seeking an internship within the automotive or motorsport sector to strengthen her hands-on experience alongside her bachelor’s degree.
What impressed me most was her tenacity and initiative. She independently mapped out an extensive range of career pathways spanning race strategy, vehicle performance, aerodynamics, R&D simulation, powertrain design, thermal engineering and more — demonstrating not just curiosity, but genuine commitment to exploring every avenue the industry offers.
Guiding her as my first mentee has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing her determination reinforced why mentorship matters, particularly for emerging women in motorsport. She is well on her way to building a strong and influential career, and I’m proud to have played a small part in the early stages of her journey.
The impact of mentorship is often measured in the mentee’s growth — but the development of the mentor is just as significant. Mentorship builds more than careers — it builds leadership capacity across the industry.
Blossom Fernandez is an automotive engineer specialising in electric vehicle systems and standards. She contributes to EV standards committees and supports emerging engineers through mentoring and STEM engagement. Blossom is a relentless learner committed to growth, challenge, and constant evolution.