Career Spotlight: Meet Alicia Schinko, On-Site Social Media Manager at the Champions of the Future Academy Program

Social media is an essential part of every racer’s journey, helping to tell their stories and show the world of motorsport that exists on and off the track.

Over at the Champions of the Future Academy Program, it’s down to Alicia Schinko, the On-Site Social Media Manager, to showcase all the action trackside. In the latest addition to our Career Spotlight series, Schinko delves into her multi-faceted role and why it’s important to concentrate on the end goal.

HOW DID YOUR CAREER PROGRESS TO JOINING THE CHAMPIONS OF THE FUTURE ACADEMY PROGRAM?

“I work for a sports media company. I really like photography and all about social media, so I really got into editing and doing that fast so that you can actually do it at events. I love sports in general and once the opportunity came up to work for the karting series, I thought this sounds really cool. I like to see young kids develop and do something they really love, so I put all the skills together and was like, ‘hey I think I’m fine for that, so let’s do it!”

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE ENTAIL?

“I’m trying to cover the whole event weekend — not just what's happening on the racetrack, but also all the things that go on behind the scenes. I take pictures, small videos, I edit them on my phone and post the stories to just show what is going on and off the track.”

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PART OF YOUR JOB?

“My favourite part is to work with the kids. It's really fun, you see how much they love karting. Interacting with them, creating content and showing the world what's going on, it's really fun.”

READ MORE: Stevens fastest in landmark F1 ACADEMY Rookie Test

WHAT’S THE TOUGHEST ASPECT OF YOUR ROLE OR A CHALLENGE THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT EXPECT?

“Sometimes I feel like it's hard to prioritise. It can be a bit overwhelming because there are so many different things going on. You just have to be focused and see what is really important, what might be interesting and what will not. Sometimes it's a lot, but still it’s fun at the end of the day.”

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN WHEN YOU WERE WORKING TOWARDS A CAREER IN MOTORSPORT

“In general, if you know where you want to go, just set your mind on that right away. Don't start working towards something else and hope that maybe in the end you will get there eventually. If you know what you want, try to be focused, try to go there right away and don't take any routes around.”

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE MOTORSPORT INDUSTRY?

“Try to see what else there is around close to you that has anything to do with motorsports. Then see what talents do I have? What do I actually like to do? Then with that, you can find something in that path.”

READ MORE: Stevens delighted to make a big step forward after topping F1 ACADEMY Rookie Test

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF ABOUT EMBARKING ON A CAREER IN MOTORSPORT?

“If I could give my younger self a piece of advice, I would tell them to do what they love and do something they’re passionate about because I think only if you do something you’re passionate about, you will really be happy with what you're doing. Once you figure out what you like and what you love, just go for it. Don't wait, just do it!”