Beyond The Competition

SAE International
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As the official must-listen podcast of SAE University Programs, you can expect authentic, engaging (and often amusing) conversations about all things related to SAE's collegiate programming, as well as other industry-driven topics from SAE International. Our guests will include SAE International staff, former competitors, volunteers, organizers, and occasionally industry professionals! Topics range from ruleset discussions to career advice and everything in between. This is the perfect podcast to listen to in the shop.

  1. MAR 19

    Student Leadership in Engineering: Bridget O’Connell Wins the Max Rumbaugh Leadership Award

    In this episode of Beyond the Competition – the SAE University Programs Podcast, hosts Mike Sorg and Scott Schultz are joined by Gretchen Urenek and special guest Bridget O’Connell, president of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Women’s Baja SAE Team and winner of the Max Rumbaugh Outstanding Student Leadership Award.  Bridget shares her journey from building and innovating on her team’s experimental tracked “tank-style” Baja vehicle to leading a student engineering team through design challenges, competition preparation, and leadership growth. The conversation explores how SAE competitions shape engineering careers, what it takes to lead a successful Baja SAE team, and how hands-on competition experience helped Bridget land a career as a test engineer at Northrop Grumman after graduation.  In this episode • The Max Rumbaugh Outstanding Student Leadership Award and what it means for SAE student leaders • Bridget’s experience leading the Embry-Riddle Women’s Baja SAE Team • Designing and racing a tracked Baja vehicle that pushed competition innovation • Lessons learned from team leadership and engineering decision-making • How SAE competitions help students prepare for real engineering careers • Advice for students stepping into leadership roles in engineering teams • Why Baja SAE competitions are some of the most exciting engineering events to attend Whether you’re a student competitor, engineering leader, or future SAE participant, this episode offers insights into leadership, innovation, and the real-world value of engineering competitions.

    21 min

  2. MAR 3

    Aero Design East 2026 Know Before You Go

    The official Know Before You Go episode for SAE Aero Design East 2026 is here. In this episode of Beyond the Competition, event leadership provides essential information for teams competing in Lakeland, Florida at Lakeland Linder International Airport. You’ll hear important guidance from Program Lead David Sander, Contest Director Michael Bereswell, Air Boss Glenn Cashin, Deputy Director Sydney Hollis, and the SAE operations team as they walk through: • Event schedule and daily timelines • FAA-controlled airspace procedures • Inspection process and compliance expectations • Flight operations for Micro, Regular, and Advanced classes • Safety briefings and required attendance • Airport entry/exit rules and transportation requirements • Field logistics, power availability, and equipment rules • Heat safety, hydration, and Florida wildlife precautions • Engagement Lab details for registered teams This episode is designed to ensure every team arrives prepared, informed, and ready to compete safely and professionally. Make sure your documentation, Fast Track roster, and required materials are finalized before arrival, and download the Aero Design app for live updates during the event weekend. We look forward to seeing you in Lakeland — stay safe out there and good luck at Aero Design East 2026.

    38 min

  3. FEB 19

    Unlock SAE Membership Perks: Chapters, Sections & Career Connections

    In this episode of Beyond the Competition, Mike Sorg and Scott Schultz welcome Zac Pace, SAE Membership Specialist for Community Engagement, to break down how Sections and Chapters work together to support students and young professionals. We explore how SAE involvement can help you build real industry connections, access mentoring opportunities, host industrial lectures, and even unlock dues reimbursements for your chapter. Zac also shares common mistakes schools make, why becoming a registered chapter matters, and how students can get more value from their SAE membership. Whether you’re already competing in Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Aero Design, or just getting started — this conversation highlights resources that can accelerate your academic and professional journey. 👉 Learn how to start, reactivate, or engage with your SAE Chapter 👉 Discover networking & mentoring advantages 👉 Understand young professional membership benefits 📌 Have questions? Reach out: membership@sae.org ⸻ 👍 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe for more insights, competition updates, and student success stories from SAE University Programs. ⸻ SAE #SAEInternational #SAEChapters #EngineeringStudents #STEMCareers #Mentorship #ProfessionalDevelopment #FormulaSAE #BajaSAE #BeyondTheCompetition ⸻

    24 min

  4. JAN 22

    Baja Beginnings With Dr. William Shapton

    Beyond the Competition marks a major milestone as Baja SAE celebrates 50 years of innovation, competition, and hands-on engineering education. In this episode, hosts Mike Sorg and Scott Schultz are joined by Dr. William Shapton, one of the original contributors to the creation of Baja SAE. Dr. Shapton takes listeners back to the early 1970s, when experimental design competitions like REV 73–75 laid the groundwork for what would become Baja SAE. He explains why traditional senior design programs needed change, how building and testing real vehicles reshaped engineering education, and how student competition became the catalyst for deeper learning. The conversation covers the practical challenges of launching the first events, including keeping costs low, securing industry support, and organizing competitions that schools could realistically enter. Dr. Shapton also shares memorable stories from early Baja events—from desert riverbeds and motocross tracks to nationwide expansion and international participation. This episode explores how Baja SAE influenced accreditation standards, strengthened ties between students and professional engineers, and helped inspire other collegiate competitions such as Formula SAE and Supermileage. It’s a reflective look at how a student-focused idea evolved into a global program that continues to prepare engineers for real-world problem solving. Whether you’re a current competitor, an alumnus, or simply curious about the origins of collegiate engineering competitions, this episode offers rare insight into the history, impact, and legacy of Baja SAE.

    35 min

  5. 10/16/2025

    Women in Motorsports @ Baja SAE Carolina 2025

    In this special episode of the SAE Beyond the Competition Podcast, we spotlight an inspiring Women in Motorsports panel discussion held at the Baja SAE Carolina event. Join us as a group of dynamic women share their experiences navigating the world of motorsports engineering, from breaking stereotypes and balancing team dynamics, to finding mentorship, tackling imposter syndrome, and leading innovations in vehicle design and leadership. Whether you’re a current competitor, alumni, or prospective team member, this panel offers valuable insight and encouragement for all genders working in STEM and motorsports fields. 🎧 Hear from passionate leaders, students, and professionals as they reflect on: • The importance of representation and visibility • Unique challenges faced by women in motorsports • Advice for the next generation of female engineers and teammates • How Baja SAE and similar programs have shaped their personal and professional growth 📍Recorded live at Baja SAE Carolina, this episode captures the energy, challenges, and triumphs of women paving the way in a competitive engineering landscape. 🔗 For more information on Baja SAE and upcoming events, visit https://bajasae.net

    1h 8m

  6. 09/24/2025

    Baja SAE Carolina 2025 Know Before You Go

    Headed to Baja SAE Carolina 2025? This special Know Before You Go episode of the SAE: Beyond the Competition Podcast is your essential audio companion to prepare for the event! 🎙️ Join the SAE team as we walk through everything students, faculty advisors, and volunteers need to know before arriving in South Carolina. From on-site registration procedures to technical inspection expectations, event safety, and team logistics, this episode is packed with important insights, reminders, and tips to help your team succeed on and off the track. 📍Whether you’re a rookie team or a seasoned competitor, this is your chance to get a head start on the competition weekend. ✅ Topics include: • What to bring (and what not to!) • Event site layout and pit etiquette • Static and dynamic event walkthroughs • Safety rules and enforcement • On-site support from SAE and volunteers 🔗 For maps, schedules, and official updates, visit: https://www.bajasae.net Don’t show up unprepared — listen in and share with your whole team!

    25 min

  7. 09/18/2025

    Celebrating STEM Leadership: Anish Srivastava and the Max Rumbaugh Award

    In this episode of the SAE Tomorrow Today podcast, we spotlight Anish Srivastava, recipient of the SAE International Award for Outstanding Student Leadership in STEM Honoring Max Rumbaugh. Anish shares his path as a student leader, the impact of volunteering within SAE, and how mentorship and service have shaped both his career and community. Listeners will discover: • The significance of the Max Rumbaugh Student Leadership Award • How Anish balanced academics, leadership, and service in STEM • Why mentorship is vital for the next generation of engineers • Insights for students looking to get involved with SAE International 🔗 Nominations are open through September 30. Learn more and submit here: https://www.sae.org/participate/awards/sae-international-award-for-outstanding-student-leadership-in-stem-honoring-max-rumbaugh

    14 min

  8. 08/21/2025

    Women in Motorsports: Formula SAE EV 2025 Panel

    In this special episode from Formula SAE EV 2025, we sit down for the Empowering Women in Mobility panel featuring leaders from General Motors, PACCAR, Kenworth, and Rivian Volkswagen Technologies. Panelists Jessica Swan, Jackie Zimney, Zuzana Pankovcin, Tasha Krug, Emily Wilson, and Gayathri Gatla share their journeys into STEM and the mobility industry, the challenges they’ve faced, and the opportunities that shaped their careers. From launching electric vehicles at Rivian to recruiting top engineering talent at PACCAR, each story highlights resilience, mentorship, and the importance of diversity in driving innovation. Key topics include: • Career pivots and unexpected opportunities in mobility • Overcoming high-stakes technical and cultural challenges • How diversity improves product design and engineering teams • Inspiring the next generation of women in STEM and motorsports This panel offers candid advice and empowering stories for students, professionals, and anyone passionate about the future of sustainable mobility.

    1h 1m
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About

As the official must-listen podcast of SAE University Programs, you can expect authentic, engaging (and often amusing) conversations about all things related to SAE's collegiate programming, as well as other industry-driven topics from SAE International. Our guests will include SAE International staff, former competitors, volunteers, organizers, and occasionally industry professionals! Topics range from ruleset discussions to career advice and everything in between. This is the perfect podcast to listen to in the shop.

Information

  • Creator
    SAE International
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SAE International
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Competition