While acting as the Year 2 Engineering Manager for the McMaster Engineering EcoCAR3 Team, Johnathan Moscardini helped the McMaster Engineering EcoCAR 3 Team achieve the highest rank for a rookie team in AVTC history. Since then, Jonathan has continued to advance in his career and provide support to his former teammates whenever possible. Currently, Jonathan is working with General Motors as an advanced technology specialist. We here at the McMaster Engineering EcoCAR 3 team decided to catch up with Jonathan and find out more about his current role within GM, as well as ask him about his experience with EcoCAR 3.
- What originally inspired you to join the EcoCAR 3 team?
I was previously a member of a different student competition team, and when the core of that team transitioned into McMaster’s EcoCAR team, I was invited to join them. I knew how amazing being part of a competition team could be – the chance to move into EcoCAR and translate that experience into a longer-term, more focused and more directed experience was an opportunity to do more.
- How has being a part of the EcoCAR 3 team benefited your professional career?
First of all, without EcoCAR and my other experience with student automotive competitions, I don’t think I would have a professional career in the automotive industry – it simply wasn’t where I was looking until I realized how advanced the industry is and how much I liked it. There were many tools and concepts that I was introduced to in EcoCAR, that GM uses in the real world for every car they make, and that I’ve ended up using even in my first few months on the job. Having that familiarity really helps you hit the ground running. But even without that direct link, there’s lots to be learned from student automotive competitions that can help you start a career in the automotive industry.
- How has EcoCAR 3 shaped your idea of effective leadership and success?
EcoCAR gave me my first opportunity to be on the other side, to lead from within a team instead of just being a part of one. Having challenging deadlines and deliverables with consequences made the experience that much more meaningful and relevant.
- Is there a life lesson that you have learned that you attribute to the EcoCAR 3 competition?
There were a few points where EcoCAR 3 reminded me that sometimes, despite best efforts, even when things don’t work out you need to do what you can with what you have.
- What advice do you have for undergraduate students passionate about the automotive industry?
Get involved. Obviously, the EcoCAR competition is a fantastic way to do it. It’s a blast and it opens doors you might not have even known existed.
