A Tailgate with Tesla comes to campus

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Recruiters from Tesla Inc. will be on campus for the first time during A Tailgate with Tesla event on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Floyd Hall, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Registration is not required.

Ahead event, Kyle Liechty, B.S.'10 and talent partner at Tesla, shared some insights into the goal of the event and the positions that may become available. 

Liechty is a proud Bronco alumnus who was part of the Bronco Marching Band and the Collegiate Singers and also worked as your favorite D-1 mascot—Buster! He now serves as the talent partner with the pipeline programs team within the recruiting department. He works with a team of recruiters, hiring managers and alumni to help build relationships with universities and organizations to connect top talent across the world with opportunities at Tesla.

“I developed many great relationships during that time, including with my now colleagues at Tesla,” says Liechty. “I love the role that I am in, as it fuses together the excitement of working with students pursuing their careers at university with the next phases of their career journeys as employees at Tesla. I’m happy to come to campus and connect with Broncos! 

His advice for students seeking internships, co-ops and professional positions is to act like yourself.

“Be your genuine self,” he says. “Naturally, there needs to be a substantial amount of technical alignment for intern and graduate hires, but bringing the best of your campus experience from involvement with technical project teams to extra-curricular explorations will bring a dynamic perspective to the mix.”

a Tailgate with Tesla Q&A

Q: What is the goal of the Tailgate with Tesla program?

A; The Tailgate with Tesla event will provide students of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences an opportunity to connect with a member of the Tesla Pipeline Programs university relations team regarding co-op, internship and entry level opportunities. This will be a casual event, as students will receive resume and application tips, as well as have the opportunity to have their questions answered prior to the application and interview process. 

Q: What are the connections you hope to make with WMU engineering and applied sciences students?

A: I look forward to connecting with students who are looking to help “accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy” as a member of the Tesla team. This is the first time that Tesla has been on-campus, so we’re excited to provide the opportunity for students to connect organically on their turf in Kalamazoo.

Q; What skills does Tesla recognize among WMU engineering and applied sciences students that led to this visit?

A; At this event, we are looking for a wide range of opportunities that align with skillsets from across the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, ranging from electrical and mechanical engineering to chemical and civil engineering specializations.

Q: What types of positions are you recruiting for? 

A; Internships, co-ops and entry level roles across aerospace, chemical, civil, computer engineering, computer science, construction, cybersecurity, electrical, industrial, manufacturing and mechanical engineering plus supply chain.

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