#United States #Rutgers MBA #Piscataway #Spencer Donihi-Goddard #Tesla Internship

Exploring Spencer Donihi-Goddard's Journey at Tesla

In the summer of 2025, Spencer Donihi-Goddard, an MBA candidate from Rutgers Business School, embarked on a pivotal journey that would define his career path. While boarding a flight in Austin with his fiancée, Spencer received the exciting news that he had secured a summer internship at Tesla. His enthusiasm was palpable, although he saved the celebrations until he was back home in New Jersey, where he could share his success with friends and classmates.

"I was super happy," Spencer remarked, reflecting on the moment. As news of his achievement spread among his peers, he was met with overwhelming support and congratulations, affirming his hard work and determination.

Spencer's journey to this internship began when he decided to pursue a full-time MBA at Rutgers Business School. After serving in the Army for six years, he sought a seamless transition into the corporate world. Recognizing that a business degree would complement the leadership experience he gained during his military service, he enrolled in the program with a focus on supply chain management. "I knew the transition wouldn't be seamless," he admitted, but his dedication to personal growth and development pushed him forward.

Under the guidance of Dean Vera, assistant dean and director of the MBA Career Management Office, Spencer was proactive in honing his interview skills and individualizing his resume. With dozens of applications submitted to various reputable companies, Spencer remained relentless in his pursuit of the right opportunity. "Tesla is a sought-after company," Dean Vera noted, emphasizing the significance of Spencer's achievement in landing an internship there.

The internship entailed working at a Tesla manufacturing plant in Nevada, where Spencer engaged in numerous projects aimed at improving operational efficiencies. He applied Lean Six Sigma principles to streamline processes and reduce waste, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in manufacturing operations.

The practical knowledge he acquired at Tesla proved to be a stepping stone to his career ambitions. "I want to leverage this experience to move into a full-time role in manufacturing operations within the tech or pharmaceutical industry," Spencer shared, expressing his ambition for the future.

Vera emphasized the importance of securing a strong internship, stating that such an experience could often lead to a full-time job offer or provide insights that enhance a student’s professional journey. The feedback from Spencer’s supervisors at Tesla was crucial, and Vera is confident that Spencer’s time at Tesla serves as an excellent foundation for his career.

With California roots, Spencer joined the Army two months after graduating high school, embarking on a journey of personal growth and service. Through rigorous training as a helicopter electrician, he developed skills in aviation maintenance, ultimately rising to the rank of sergeant where he managed maintenance operations and ensured quality assurance.

Finding time to further his education while working full-time, Spencer earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix in 2023. His journey reflects a commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement, which has undeniably positioned him well for future roles.

As he prepares for the next steps in his professional journey, Spencer is not only equipped with formal education but also with rich experiences that will undoubtedly guide him in the right direction. Looking ahead, he is grateful for the support of his peers and mentors, particularly Dean Vera, who played a vital role in helping him secure his internship.

In closing, Spencer Donihi-Goddard's story serves as an inspirational blueprint for MBA students and professionals alike, showcasing how persistence, networking, and education can converge to create powerful career opportunities. With the right mindset and skills, the future appears promising for this rising star in the manufacturing sector.