Greg Shendel is a Staff Mechanical Design Engineer for Tesla’s Power Electronics group. A 2010 graduate who earned a B.S. in both Engineering and Applied Science, he was a 2019 recipient of the 18 of the Last 9 award. Learn about his Career Path below.
How did you reach your current position?
My career started in power electronics design with Parker Hannifin. I joined a small interdisciplinary team of highly talented individuals that exposed me to many topics outside of my direct field of study. I also gained a great mentor who taught me how to attack engineering problems critically and effectively through first-principles thinking. I was a sponge, learning everything I could. After five years, I followed my mentor to Tesla at his recommendation. While at Tesla, I continued to expand my engineering skills, experience, and responsibility. I tackled ever greater technical challenges and reached my current role through several promotions. I now lead a team of mechanical engineers that is designing Tesla’s next generation industrial power converters for its Megapack product line.
How did Miami University set you up for success in your career?
Miami helped prepare me for success in several ways. The MUDEC study abroad program in Luxembourg helped shape my global perspective and challenged me to become more independent and confident. The FSAE competition was a great opportunity to apply classroom learning in a hands-on experience designing, building, and racing a car. The College of Engineering and Computing’s emphasis on undergraduate learning and low student-to-faculty ratio allowed great access to professors and provided many opportunities for deeper technical learning.
What is your best piece of career advice for current college students?
The people you know are key to your success. Curate relationships, maintain connections from college and previous jobs, network a bunch, and find a good mentor early on. You’ll be surprised how impactful these relationships become as you progress through your career.