Written by: Lisé Badeaux
For students seeking to stand out in their respective fields, hands-on programs like EcoCAR offer unparalleled opportunities to develop skills and build networks. Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTCs) have been career-defining experiences for over 32,000+ participants. Among them is Oakley Prell, whose involvement in the EcoCAR program helped launch him into a thriving career at General Motors Defense.
Oakley’s journey began in August 2021 when he joined The University of Alabama team as Project Manager. Though he was new to EcoCAR, his years with UA’s Formula SAE team had prepared him for the demands of competitive engineering projects. His two years as PM spanned the conclusion of the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge and the introduction of the EcoCAR EV Challenge
“I went from wrapping up a four-year challenge to kicking off a four-year challenge,” Oakley explained, highlighting the uniqueness of managing that transition. This required him to guide the team through both a shift in competition focus and a leadership overhaul, as new leaders were hired, and new members joined the program.
The rigorous environment of EcoCAR helped Oakley develop essential skills that extended beyond the technical aspects of engineering. “The fundamentals of project management—balancing budgets, timelines, and project scopes—were some of the most challenging aspects,” he noted. Learning to find the “happy medium” between competing priorities proved vital beyond college. It made the professional world less daunting.
After graduating in May 2023, Oakley joined GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, as a business analyst. He later transitioned into project management for information and data governance, supporting the organization’s operations full-time. The skills he developed in EcoCAR were key to differentiating him as a candidate.
Problem-solving was one of the most valuable takeaways from his time with EcoCAR. The interdisciplinary nature of the program required him to address challenges across technical, financial, and operational domains.
“The general acumen of vehicle development projects really helped me,” Oakley said. “Working on vehicle development in EcoCAR taught me how to adapt to new challenges and solve problems across multiple domains.”
His experience directly aligned with the dynamic, startup-like culture at GM Defense, where adaptability and versatility set employees above the rest. His work often involves managing teams and solving complex issues, skills honed during his EcoCAR tenure.
Beyond practical skills, Oakley highlighted the importance of the professional network he built through the program. “I talk to an EcoCAR alum almost every single day,” he said, emphasizing how vital these connections have been to his career. “I know that if I need help on a project, there’s probably an EcoCAR alum who can help me. It’s an immediate connection. Without the network, I wouldn’t know who to go to for help.”
Reflecting on his time with EcoCAR, Oakley emphasized the importance of embracing the full scope of opportunities the program offers. He advised current students to explore various roles and develop both specialized expertise and a broader understanding of the competition’s many facets.
“Try it all,” he recommended. “You can come in as a freshman and, after four years, emerge as an expert in a respected area.” Gaining competence across multiple disciplines, he explained, enhances adaptability and makes participants more valuable to future employers.
coCAR also provided Oakley with personal experiences and memories he still remembers. He fondly recalled late-night brainstorming sessions, team-building dinners, and the camaraderie forged during intensive workshops. “Sitting down with other teams after a long day at workshops and building connections was one of the best parts of the experience,” he said. “My friends in college always thought I talked about EcoCAR too much, but with other teams, we all bonded over it.”
When summing up his EcoCAR journey, Oakley described it as a transformative “experience” that encompassed learning, growth, and real-world application. “You get experience doing hard things, working with people, and learning a lot,” he said. The program not only launched his career but also left a lasting impact on his professional and personal life.
EcoCAR’s emphasis on innovation, teamwork, and leadership continues to inspire participants like Oakley, proving its value as a premier educational initiative for aspiring professionals. Ready to see where EcoCAR can take you? Learn more about the program and the opportunities it offers because your journey can start here.
