Rivian Automotive representatives answered students’ questions and provided career advice at “Engineering Career Paths with Rivian” on Monday.
Students were recommended to bring their resumes to learn about the next steps in the process of working with Rivian.
Many students were excited for this event and saw how it could apply to their field of study.
“I really wanted to attend this event because I really like manufacturing as well as mechanics,” junior business information systems and analytics major Nathan Klasen said. “I do mechanics in the Air Force part-time, and I wanted to find something that bounced off of that. I do repair and reclamation for C-130 aircraft.”
Other students recognized the potential job or internship opportunities with Rivian and are open to attending similar events in the future.
“As I’m going on in college, I want to start opening my eyes to what’s out there in terms of job opportunities and stuff like that,” freshman electrical engineering major James Coppinger said. “At least I know that it’s 100% electric.”
The Rivian team stayed after the group Q&A to answer more questions from attendees.
Rivian senior manager of manufacturing and engineering Brandon Sarjoo discussed his goal to raise awareness about career opportunities and promote the company’s brand and mission.
Sarjoo emphasized what he wanted students to take away from this experience.
“What are engineers looking for when we do interviews, how the students can level themselves up to show better and interview [and] how ISU can be a great source for students and turn them into engineers for the local town,” Sarjoo said.
Sarjoo also went into detail about their commitment to electric vehicles.
“Once the market corrects itself and everyone realizes EVs are the way to go, we’ll be really well positioned as a company,” Sarjoo said. “It’s very obvious to me and a lot of engineers that the EV is the future of automotive.”
Rivian senior manufacturing technical support engineer Michael Kloser highlighted the importance of communication.
“Having a communication background really helps,” Kloser said. “Being able to effectively communicate in your direct field really helps you stand apart and move up the ranks.”
Kloser also mentioned what appeals to him personally about Rivian.
“I mean, the initiative to just take care of the Earth,” Kloser said. “We have to be responsible with everything that we do to make sure that we leave the planet in a better place than when we were here.”
Rivian hosts this event in the Bone Student Center’s Brown Ballroom every year. Students are invited to attend if they are interested or looking for opportunities.
