My name is Ryan Sewell, and I am a first-semester master’s student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I am pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Engineering Management, after just recently graduating with my bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering this past spring. I joined the Battery Workforce Challenge in Fall 2023, starting out as the Hardware Lead for the UNLV team but I have now taken over as the team’s Engineering Manager.
My motivation for joining the BattChallenge was simple: I wanted to push myself beyond my comfort zone, test my engineering skills, and grow into a more well-rounded engineer. The program has done exactly that is by the skills that I have gained, many of which have been skills outside of my direct degree of electrical engineering at the time. For example, learning how to design mechanical models in CAD as well as development of leadership and management skills that I gained from leading the Hardware team at the time. These leadership experiences quickly became a passion of mine, as I learned how to guide a team, make tough decisions, and help elevate UNLV’s performance. This has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
What makes BattChallenge especially fun is the combination of hard work and shared experiences. Traveling to workshops, meeting people, and building friendships with teammates and competitors alike has been unforgettable. The preparation leading up to competitions creates a strong bond, and there is an incredible sense of satisfaction when all that effort comes together. Beyond the technical growth, the program makes you feel valued, both through the recognition at events and the sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself.
One of the biggest impacts BattChallenge has had on me is how it has prepared me for the future. The program has challenged me to step into leadership roles, manage complex timelines, and collaborate across disciplines. All of these skills translate directly into industry. Applying classroom knowledge to real-world problems, while also strengthening my communication and teamwork, has given me confidence I would not have developed otherwise, even in my previous professional engineering experience. I know that when I graduate, I will be ready to adapt quickly, contribute effectively, and step into leadership opportunities right away.
For anyone who is considering joining the BattChallenge, I would say: absolutely do it. This program offers experiences you cannot get in a classroom. You will not only build technical skills, but you will also discover new strengths and interests you may not have realized you had. These discoveries can open doors to career paths you may have never considered. Even if you are unsure about pursuing a career in the EV industry, the skills you gain here, including teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability, are universally valuable in any field. At the end of the day, BattChallenge does not just help you stand out, it helps you grow into the kind of engineer and professional employers are looking for.
To future BattChallengers, I would say to take full advantage of every opportunity this program offers. Step outside your comfort zone, whether that is in CAD, wiring, programming, leadership, or public speaking. Growth happens when you push yourself. Do not underestimate the value of your teammates and the wider BattChallenge community. The friendships, mentorship, and shared experiences are just as valuable as the technical knowledge.
The Battery Workforce Challenge has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic career, and I am proud to be part of a program shaping the next generation of engineers.
