Charles weert

Tell us about yourself

My name is Charles Weerts, I'm 23 years old, and I am an official BMW M driver. After completing my bachelor's degree at HEC in Liège in Economics and Management Sciences, I am currently in my second year of Master's at Solvay in Business Economics. This year will mark my 10th season in competition, which almost means that motor racing represents half of my life.

Can you tell us about your academic journey at Solvay Brussels School and the challenges you faced juggling between education and motorsport?

I joined Solvay last year to further my education and explore new horizons. Upon arriving at a new faculty, it took me a little while to adjust and find my bearings. I had certain habits at ULG to manage my absences that needed to be adapted to the ULB system, which wasn't necessarily easy.

Can you explain to us how ULB, and specifically the Faculty of Solvay Brussels School, supports students with specific needs?

Although currently in my second year of Master's, some of my courses have mandatory attendance. Due to my status as an EBS, my absences are accepted and considered justified. A person from ULB also ensures direct communication with the teachers so that they are aware of these absences.

What are the specific initiatives or resources put in place by the University to support you in your dual role as a student and a driver?

Communication with the teachers, allowing me to have a dialogue with them to try to find adequate solutions for both parties.

How do you manage the particular challenges related to your status as a student with specific needs while pursuing your studies at a demanding level like that of Solvay Brussels School?

Motor racing, like any sport practiced at a high level, is very demanding in terms of schedules. I am not often present (neither at home nor in class). That being said, it is a challenge I have been dealing with for almost 10 years (starting with karting when I was in the early years of secondary school), and it has provided me with valuable experience. Ultimately, I would say that it's organization (although not my strong point) that allows for solving many of the challenges that result from the combination of sport and study.

How do you plan to integrate your education at Solvay Brussels School into your future projects, and vice versa?

Once my studies are completed, one of my challenges will be to find a job that will offer me sufficient flexibility to continue combining sports/work for as long as possible. I would like to develop, in the long term, certain economic activities that will (presumably) not have a direct link to motor racing. I would say that it's especially at that moment that my education at Solvay will bring the most.

What necessary skills in your studies and your career as a driver are similar or even inseparable?
  • Organization
  • Desire to succeed
  • Concentration
If your academic journey were a race track, what would be the most difficult finish line to cross?
I imagine that currently, I would certainly say my thesis! It's the biggest task to complete in my academic journey. And the thesis also represents in some way the "finish line" for every student, whether they participate in motor racing competitions or not.
 
What advice would you give to other students juggling rigorous academic demands while pursuing a career like yours?

I would say that no matter how crazy or impossible a project may seem, you should always give it your all to get where you want to go. Failure doesn't exist if you give your best. And also, it's important to have good friends you can rely on for good summaries!



For any questions regarding students with specific needs, please contact HENNUY Roxane

Mis à jour le 28 mars 2024