Ford Motor Company selects business student as Ford Fiesta Drive Away Contest winner
Sara Mahmood, a management major from Canton, was selected from a nationwide pool of summer interns at Ford Motor Company to drive the 2011 Fiesta before its release date. At an employee event on June 16, the company announced that Mahmood won their Ford Fiesta Drive Away Contest. The contest required that the interns submit a 200-word essay explaining why they should be chosen to drive the vehicle.
“Astonished to have won the contest, I stood up for pictures as my essay submission was read aloud. I got to drive the Fiesta back to the Ford Conference and Events Center and the car drove beautifully,” Mahmood said.
Mahmood received her contest prize on July 2. She was given a Ford Fiesta—in lime squeeze metallic—to drive for a long weekend. During her five days with the car she ventured across Michigan, taking friends and family along for the ride.
“With the 2011 Ford Fiesta, I cruised from barbeques and a get-together to shopping malls and movie theaters. Opting to take the scenic route when possible, the Fiesta got attention both on the road and in the parking lot,” said Mahmood.
Her favorite features were the stylish leather seating with contrast color piping, the voice-activated communication and entertainment system, and the driver’s knee airbag.
“Apart from being mistaken by others as a key Fiesta developer, the time I spent enjoying the driving experience with friends and family was the best part (of the experience),” she said.
Mahmood said this experience confirmed that the automotive industry continues to be one of her first choices for employment.
Along with her internship at Ford, Mahmood serves as writing tutor and social events and activities leader at Wayne State’s Writing Center. She is also a peer mentor for Wayne State’s iStart program and is a member of Leadership Education and Development through the Dean of Students Office. She plans on obtaining her MBA after earning her bachelor’s degree in management and hopes to combine aspects of technology and global supply chain to lead international projects.
