Núria Ramoneda on Breaking Through Career Uncertainty with Mentorship

Transformational Journey

"I asked for advice on how to secure a job in motorsport," Núria recalls. "I explained that I'm naturally shy and struggled with the application process, often feeling discouraged because I never came across a position that seemed like the perfect fit." Her mentor's response would fundamentally shift how she approached her career trajectory.

From Perfectionism to Progress

Núria joined the FIA Women in Motorsport mentorship program during what she describes as "a period of uncertainty about my near future." Working as a calibration engineer specialising in air pressure sensors for 2.0L combustion engines, she felt unmotivated and knew she wanted a change but wasn't sure how to move forward. Simultaneously, she was preparing to take on a leadership role in a motorsport group, adding another layer of uncertainty to her professional journey.

Her mentor's advice was simple and effective: review her CV together and apply to any roles that interested her or aligned with her experience—even if they weren't her ideal job. "Her advice was that once I was in the industry, it would be easier to make a transition," Núria explains. "This approach helped me secure a new job at the time and gave me the confidence to make bolder career decisions."

The Power of Genuine Support

What made Núria's mentorship relationship particularly impactful was the authentic commitment her mentors showed from day one. "Despite not knowing them beforehand, they made a genuine effort to support me from our very first meeting," she reflects. "They helped me work through my doubts and, when a topic was outside their area of expertise, they actively sought guidance from others who could assist me."

This level of dedicated support helped Núria recognise that seeking help isn't a sign of weakness—it's a strategic approach to growth. Her mentors modelled this behaviour by reaching out to their own networks when needed, demonstrating that even successful professionals continue to learn and seek guidance.

Leadership Through Confidence

The qualities that most impressed Núria in her mentors were directly applicable to her own emerging leadership challenges. "I was impressed by the confidence they demonstrated in their roles, as both lead teams and are required to make quick, high-pressure decisions with no margin for error," she observes.

This confidence wasn't just inspiring—it was instructional. As Núria prepared for her own leadership role, seeing how her mentors navigated high-stakes decisions provided a blueprint for her own development. The mentorship helped her understand that leadership confidence comes not from having all the answers, but from having the courage to act and the wisdom to seek support when needed.

Breaking the Perfect Job Myth

Núria's transformation centred on dismantling a perfectionist approach to career advancement. Her natural shyness, combined with the pressure to find the "perfect fit," had created a career paralysis that kept her stuck despite her technical expertise and ambitions.

Her mentor's guidance to apply broadly rather than wait for the perfect opportunity represented a fundamental shift in mindset—from perfectionism to progress, from waiting to acting. This advice didn't just help her secure a new position; it gave her "the confidence to make bolder career decisions" going forward.

Building Networks, Not Just Skills

For women entering motorsport, Núria advocates for hands-on experience through university programs: "I recommend that students consider joining a Formula Student or MotoStudent team at their university, regardless of the country. The hands-on experience and teamwork involved help develop valuable skills that are highly regarded by motorsport companies."

She also emphasises the importance of industry connections: "I encourage attending motorsport-related talks and events to gain insights from professionals currently working in the industry." This advice reflects her understanding that career advancement in motorsport requires both technical competency and industry relationships.

The Ripple Effect of Support

While Núria notes that her mentorship experience didn't fundamentally change her view of mentorship's value—she already understood its importance from previous experiences—it reinforced the power of women supporting women in male-dominated industries.

"Women in motorsport are strong, and being part of a supportive and inspiring network like this is truly rewarding."

Her experience demonstrates how mentorship can provide both practical guidance and emotional validation, particularly crucial in industries where women remain underrepresented.

A Clear Call to Action

Núria's message to women considering the FIA Women in Motorsport mentorship program is unequivocal: "DO IT! Joining the program is an incredibly valuable experience. It gives you the opportunity to connect with other women in motorsport, regardless of what you're looking for."

She particularly values the empowerment that comes from sharing experiences with other women: "Sharing your thoughts with another woman can be empowering and insightful—she can offer guidance and practical advice."

The Ongoing Journey

Núria's story illustrates that transformation doesn't require dramatic life changes—sometimes it's about small shifts in perspective that unlock bolder action. Her mentor's advice to apply imperfectly rather than wait for perfection created a cascade of confidence that extended beyond job applications to all areas of her professional life.

Her journey from uncertainty to boldness demonstrates that the right mentorship can provide not just career guidance, but the confidence to navigate an entire industry. In motorsport, where precision and quick decision-making are paramount, Núria learned that career advancement often requires the same qualities: the courage to act decisively, even when the path isn't perfectly clear.