Engineering Career Story with Mansi Tandon

As a UBC alum, Mansi shared her inspiring career path, offering a firsthand look into the diverse opportunities available to engineering graduates.

Mansi Tandon is a 2011 UBC alum. She studied Electrical Engineering and was part of the Applied Science Co-op. Her industry experience spans from energy metering products to ASIC design, to product startups in the stationary energy storage space, and now automotive! Mansi lived in Vancouver for almost 14 years before moving to Southern California 3 years ago for her current role at Rivian, where she has the privilege to lead teams developing solutions for the energy management and range estimation of Rivian vehicles. Outside of doing fun things professionally, Mansi loves the outdoors and has been fortunate enough to experience multi-day backcountry trips across the world, especially in the Pacific Northwest and California. When not outdoors, you can find her reading, playing board games, or learning a new skill.

Mansi provided a wealth of insights into career development, securing your first co-op and job, and transitioning between industries. Below are some key takeaways from her Q&A session:

Can you share your journey at UBC? What inspired your path in engineering? 

Mansi Tandon began her journey at UBC in 2006 as an Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) student. Her academic experience was unconventional from the start. “Back then, there was a Project Integrated Program where you had a project challenge every six weeks. That hands-on approach sparked my passion for building things and solving real-world problems,” she recalls.

Her time at UBC also exposed her to various opportunities for growth. “I joined the co-op program because I loved applying what I learned in the classroom. I wanted industry experience to complement my courses,” she says. This decision set the foundation for her future career.

How did your co-op experience shape your career? 

Mansi’s co-op journey was both challenging and rewarding. “It took me 100 applications to secure three interviews,” she admits. “But that first co-op was exactly what I needed, even though it wasn’t what I initially wanted.”

Her first placement was with UBC’s Faculty of Applied Sciences, working on learning and development tools. 

“Being on campus allowed me to take summer courses, which freed up time during the semesters for fun projects with professors. One of those professors turned out to be the CTO of a company I later worked for,” 

Subsequent co-op terms took her to Germany and Ottawa. In Germany, she worked on calibrating test benches for lasers, an experience she describes as “super fun.” In Ottawa, she joined an optical communication company as a validation engineer. These diverse experiences helped her refine her technical skills and explore different industries.

How did you navigate career changes and switching industries? 

Mansi’s career path is ever-evolving. Initially, she approached it as selecting the right industry but has since realized that what’s most important to her is working on challenging problems that help the planet and communities. “Every switch felt like starting over in some ways, especially when changing industries or moving countries,” she shares.

Her approach was to focus on transferable skills and a willingness to learn. “I’ve been fortunate to have collaborative teams and managers who created a safe space for me to ask questions and make mistakes,” she says. These experiences allowed her to build on her existing skills while adapting to new challenges.

How did networking and mentorship influence your career? 

Mansi spoke about overcoming her initial shyness in presenting and networking. 

“I used to be so nervous, but practicing in safe environments like UBC’s Career Center events helped me gain confidence,” she recalls. She also encouraged students to get involved in projects or volunteering as a way to develop networking skills organically.

When it comes to mentorship, Mansi stressed that finding a mentor is similar to networking. “It’s about identifying people you connect with and who can help you grow in different areas, whether technically or professionally,” she explains.

What advice do you have for students entering the workforce? 

Mansi highlighted the value of varied experiences, emphasizing that there are no bad experiences. “Every opportunity teaches valuable lessons,” she says. She suggested three ways for students to gain relevant experience for a first co-op:

1. Join student engineering teams.
2. Volunteer or work part-time with professors. “Don’t be afraid to approach a professor whose classes and work you enjoy and ask if they need help,” she advises.
3. Review the UBC Jobs Board for part-time roles.

When it comes to applying for jobs, Mansi recommends tailoring resumes to specific roles. “A master document with all your experiences is great, but select the most relevant ones for each application,” she says.

She also shared the three key aspects she looks for when reviewing resumes:

1. Technical skills relevant to the job.
2. A demonstrated willingness to learn and grow. Highlight project experience, extracurriculars, and personal projects. “If you’re passionate about something, include it,” she adds.
3. The ability to communicate the impact of work clearly. “Show what you did, how you did it, and what you achieved,” Mansi emphasizes.

How did you balance academics and extracurriculars? 

Reflecting on her time as a student, Mansi advised students to avoid spreading themselves too thin. “Prioritize projects or courses that align with your strengths and passions, then challenge yourself slightly beyond your comfort zone to grow,” she suggests.

She also recommended being strategic about course loads, such as taking summer courses to balance the regular academic year. “That flexibility helped me focus on what mattered most during busy semesters,” Mansi recalls.

What are you doing now at Rivian? 

Today, Mansi is a Senior Engineering Manager for Embedded Software at Rivian. “I have the privilege of leading an incredible team working on battery management for everything from 12-volt batteries to high-voltage systems in electric vehicles,” she explains.

Her role combines technical leadership and team development. “What excites me most is solving tough problems that align with Rivian’s mission to create a sustainable future. It’s incredibly fulfilling,” Mansi says.

How do you find the work culture in Southern California? 

Mansi loves the Southern California sunshine, though she sometimes misses the distinct seasons of Vancouver. “The work culture here is a blend between the fast-paced environment of the Bay Area and the more balanced lifestyle of BC,” she says. She enjoys the opportunities to engage in hobbies like biking, reading, and sports while maintaining a fulfilling career.

What has shaped you most as a leader? 

Reflecting on her leadership journey, Mansi credits her mentors. “The best managers I’ve had were champions of my growth. They taught me to think about both the needs of the business and the people I lead,” she says.

Her leadership philosophy centers on empowering her team. “I’ve been called an exporter of talent because I encourage my team members to explore opportunities that help them grow, even if it means moving to another team,” she shares.

What final advice do you have for students? 

Mansi left students with the advice to understand their goals, values, and passions.

“Figuring out the problems and challenges that excite you will help guide your career, even if the path to get there is unconventional. There’s no one right way to achieve your goals,”

Closing Remarks

Mansi Tandon’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and a passion for solving meaningful problems. Her journey from a UBC student to a leader at Rivian showcases the value of hands-on learning, networking, and staying open to unexpected opportunities. Her advice and experiences serve as inspiration for students and professionals alike.

You can find the full recording on Zoom (use password Z?*16Aen).