Jessica Bampton: My NMA Experience
At the National Motorsport Academy, we love celebrating the achievements of our students, and today, we’re excited to introduce Jessica Bampton, who is currently studying for the Online MA Business of Motorsport degree.
Jessica’s journey is a testament to perseverance and passion. Despite being diagnosed with ADHD, she hasn’t let it stop her from chasing her dreams in motorsport—if anything, it’s driven her to embrace challenges and push forward. Her hard work has already paid off, as shortly after sending us this spotlight, she landed an incredibly exciting media role at Innovation Racing!Â
Now, let’s hear from her as she shares her journey, what led her to the NMA, and her ambitions for the future.
Over to you, Jessica!
Hello Jessica- Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hi there! My name is Jessica (Jess), I’m from England, I’m twenty-two years old, and I’m a MA Business of Motorsport student at the National Motorsport Academy. I’m currently working on Module 6: Change Management and Module 5: Motorsports Brands, Their Extensions, and Future Trends.
Since I was a child, sports have always played a significant role in my life. I adore how they unite individuals who share a passion. When I was younger, I enjoyed swimming and competed at the county level. I’m sorry, but when I was younger, I didn’t like Formula One. This may be controversial in the world of motorsport!
My parents have been passionate about motorsports since they were teenagers. It therefore made motorsports the focus of every weekend at my house. I just saw cars driving around a track. Then my parents took me to Silverstone with them, and wow, the adrenaline, even just as a spectator, was something I had never experienced. My parents then further educated me on the technical side and educated me on what makes a race weekend. From there on, I was hooked.
My first memory of motorsport was Lewis Hamilton; yes, we are a Lewis Hamilton family. I was five years old, watching Hamilton win his first ever championship on the last lap of the Brazilian GP. Seeing my parents celebrate as if they’d just won the race was something I will always cherish.
What brought you to the National Motorsport Academy?
As my Bachelor degree of Business Management and Media came to a conclusion, I started to consider my options. I knew I wanted to work in the racing industry, but I wasn’t sure how to get there. My mother told me about the National Motorsport Academy’s Master of Business in Motorsport advertisement she had seen on Facebook.
After doing some research, I concluded that this master’s degree was ideal for me. I’m still trying to find my place in the motorsports industry, so expanding my expertise would be a terrific chance. I submitted my application and was approved.
How have you found each module so far?
All of the modules have been enjoyable, but if I had to pick one so far, I would say that Module 4 (Sponsorship Models in Elite Motorsport & The Role of the Media)—more especially, the role of the media side of it—is my favourite. Since I want to work in the media after all, I like learning about the media side of motorsport. The evaluation of Formula One and Formula E’s media strategies, which contrasted and compared how they engage their audiences, was enjoyable to me.
As a member of that audience, it was intriguing to learn more and conduct research into how they are able to accomplish this. Although it takes a lot of time and effort, I enjoyed conducting my own main research for my Bachelor’s dissertation, therefore I am looking forward to the last module (Executive Project)Â which is writing a dissertation.
I’ve enjoyed analysing other people’s research over the years, but finishing your own is unique, and I’m looking forward to the sense of achievement I’ll have when I finish my dissertation.
Do you work alongside studying?
I work part-time at Next PLC in addition to my master’s degree. I do love my job, and I’m grateful for the individuals I work with. This, in my opinion, really aids in striking a balance between my job and study lives since it allows me leave work with a happy outlook, which improves my academic performance.
How has getting the right support for your ADHD changed the way you approach studying and your career in motorsport?
Having an ADHD diagnosis is another element that makes studying difficult for me. I knew I needed some assistance during my bachelor’s degree since I couldn’t figure out why I was having so much trouble. But after receiving the assistance I required, I was able to inform the NMA of this diagnosis.
I sincerely appreciate their assistance; the student services team has provided me with the additional support I’ve needed to complete the course thus far. I was able to open my mind to the fact that this isn’t something that stops me from moving forward.
How are you finding studying online compared to 'traditional' university
One advantage of studying online is that you can access lessons at any time and from any location. Tutors are still available to you anytime you need them, and assistance is available. Finding the material and navigating the VLS are simple tasks. The material is interesting to me, and having voice recordings of teachers going into greater detail adds a personal touch, which is undoubtedly helpful when it comes to assistance.
What would you say is your greatest asset?
My enthusiasm and love for motorsports are my greatest assets to a team or organisation. I additionally believe I know a lot about the sport, and with what I’m learning from this masters, I’m getting better all the time. In addition, I’m developing my media skills, primarily in behind-the-camera work, and I’m working to gain experience to make this my strongest suit.
What's your future goals?
I would love to work in the social media or broadcasting side of motorsports, with Formula One being called ‘the pinnacle of motorsports’; it would be cool to work in Formula One. However, I still love motorsports, and any sport within would be where I love to work.
Working for Ferrari is a dream of mine, although I may need to work on my Italian. Personally, I would love to travel the world, and motorsports is something that can make this happen. I want to explore different cultures; being able to do this for a job, pairing it with my favourite sport, is something I’ve always aspired to.
A big thank you to Jess for speaking to us! You can stay up-to-date on her motorsport journey (including her exciting new role!) by following her on LinkedIn.Â
1 thought on “Student Experiences: Jessica Bampton”
What a fantastic write up Jess. Good luck