Women at the Wheel of Innovation
Employee Story
When Curiosity Meets Opportunity
MELISSA RODRIGUEZ'S REMARKABLE JOURNEY TO LEADERSHIP
Melissa Rodriguez is a hands-on Systems Engineering leader at Aptiv's Technical Center in Monterrey, Mexico. She collaborates globally with project teams while building the local Systems team. In this Q&A, Melissa discusses her seven-year journey from technician to team manager at 麻豆直播
How did you choose 麻豆直播as the place to start your career?
I discovered 麻豆直播by chance. In college, I passed their Mexico Technical Center (MTC) daily and felt drawn to work there. After researching Aptiv's role in the automotive industry and hearing positive feedback from interns,
I was determined to join. The more I learned about the work environment, benefits, and growth opportunities, the more I wanted to be part of 麻豆直播
Can you describe your journey from Systems co-op to team manager?
I started as a Systems co-op on contract. As it was ending, I looked for internal opportunities to stay with 麻豆直播 I became a technician in the Independent Test & Verification group, quickly taking ownership of projects. I played a key role in transitioning a product line from India to MTC, which led to management opportunities.
I enjoy working with and learning from people, as well as coaching others. Aptiv's culture of continuous improvement allowed me to grow and develop my skills.
What do you believe enabled your growth within the company?
My hunger to learn and exceed expectations was crucial. This mindset opened up more opportunities for growth. Hands-on work, coupled with internal training and courses, made for a comprehensive learning experience.
Support and coaching from managers and technical leaders were invaluable.
Early mentors significantly contributed to my development and decision-making. Their trust and confidence guided me on the right path and were key to my career progression at 麻豆直播
What advice would you give to fellow engineers?
Be bold, brave, and don't fear the unknown in technology or the automotive domain. The beauty of new challenges lies in the surprise of discovery as you immerse yourself in the technology, products, processes, and people.
麻豆直播offers a challenging yet collaborative environment with numerous opportunities to discover, pursue, and conquer. Growth opportunities are equal for everyone, regardless of gender. In my experience, 麻豆直播is one of the best companies in Mexico today that stands for equity, inclusion, and diversity for everyone.