Gaurav Mangal (SEAS ’24)
MSE Electrical engineering
My name is Gaurav Mangal. I was enrolled in the Master’s program in SEAS, where I studied Electrical Engineering. I graduated in May 2024. I hold an F-1 Visa. I’m originally from India.
Where did you get employed after graduating (company, position, location)? If you didn’t take up a job, what did you pursue after you graduated from Penn?
After graduating from my program, I joined Analog Devices, Inc. (we make semiconductor chips for your phones, cars, batteries, smartwatches, etc.) as a Quality Engineer. I am currently located in California, in San Jose (San Francisco Bay Area).
Why did you pursue this position over other options you might have had? How did your status as an international student affect your decision-making process?)
I chose to pursue this position because it felt like the perfect intersection of my technical expertise and the interpersonal skills I developed during my time at Penn. The role closely aligns with the knowledge and skills I gained throughout my program, particularly in the areas of electronic circuits, nanotech and fabrication, allowing me to apply my academic background in a real-world industrial setting. Additionally, there is a customer-facing aspect of the role, where I get to resolve quality issues and coordinate with customers, which was particularly appealing to me. During my time at Penn, I was actively involved in student leadership roles, such as serving in GAPSA and ISAB, which allowed me to strengthen my communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. These experiences taught me how to engage with diverse stakeholders, advocate for solutions, and navigate cross-cultural environments — all of which are crucial in a customer-facing role like this. I realized that this position not only aligns with my technical background but also provides me with an opportunity to leverage the social and communication skills I developed through my involvement in advocacy work.
How did you prepare your resume, CV, and other application documents? Were any Penn-based resources particularly helpful for you to find and pursue this position?
When preparing my resume, CV, and other application documents, I got feedback from multiple sources to ensure my CV was as strong and relevant as possible. One of the most valuable resources for me was connecting with Penn alumni, especially international alumni who had graduated from my program and were working in the similar industry and roles I was targeting. Their insights were incredibly helpful in understanding what skills and experiences recruiters were looking for. I also would regularly seek feedback from them on my resume to make sure it aligned with industry standards and expectations.
Additionally, Career Services at Penn was a tremendous resource. I frequently went to resume review sessions, where I received detailed feedback on how to improve my resume in terms of clarity, using the right keywords, and ensuring my experiences were framed in the most impactful and relevant way. The career fairs and networking events also provided valuable exposure to industry representatives and hiring managers, giving me a better understanding of how to position myself in the job market.
How did you find out about the position? How did you research it?
I found out about the position through my regular job search efforts on platforms like LinkedIn, company Workday portals, and other job websites. I had been actively applying for roles that aligned with my background in nanotech and fabrication, and this was one of the roles that caught my attention and I decided to apply for it. After I received a call for an interview, one of the key steps I took was reaching out to Penn alumni and some of my LinkedIn connections who were already working at Analog Devices, Inc. or have been working in the industry in similar roles at other companies. It gave me insights into the company, interview process, and technical aspects of the role.
What administrative requirements did you have to complete to pursue this position? ISSS documents and visa requirements? How was your experience preparing your immigration and other work authorization documents? Was there anything that made this experience particularly easy or difficult?
The most critical ones were related to my work authorization and visa status. After securing the job offer, I had to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) through the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at Penn, which allowed me to work in the U.S. post-graduation. The process involved preparing and submitting the I-765 form to USCIS, obtaining an OPT recommendation from ISSS, and ensuring that my employment start date aligned with my OPT approval. My experience preparing the immigration and work authorization documents was smooth for the most part, thanks to the resources and support provided by ISSS. They made the entire process very clear with step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow guides, which helped simplify what initially seemed like a daunting process. Additionally, ISSS was always available to answer my questions.
How has your experience been working at this company/institution?
My experience working at Analog Devices has been really great so far. I’m learning a lot in my role, not just in terms of my specific responsibilities but also gaining a broader understanding of the semiconductor industry. Working at a major semiconductor company like ADI has given me exposure to real-world challenges and solutions that go beyond the theoretical knowledge I gained at Penn. Getting hands-on, practical experience has been incredibly rewarding and has deepened my understanding of how the industry operates. Additionally, being in the Bay Area has been a great experience. The weather is fantastic, the scenery is beautiful, and there are so many things to do around here. Whether it’s exploring nature, hiking, or just enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, it’s been a great place to live and work. Overall, I’m really enjoying my time at Analog Devices and looking forward to continuing to grow in my role.
What advice, if any, do you have for international Penn students who are currently, or will soon be, looking for jobs?
My advice to international Penn students who are currently or will soon be looking for jobs is to take full advantage of the resources Penn has to offer. Career Services is a great place to begin with and get guidance on your job search. Connecting with Penn alumni, especially international students who have gone through the same process, can be incredibly helpful in understanding the job market and industry expectations. It’s never too early or too late to start applying for jobs. The job market right now is not the best, and it can be discouraging when you don’t hear back, but keep applying. Rejections are part of the process, and persistence is key. Stay strong, keep refining your resume and applications, and reach out to your network for support. Opportunities will come, and with patience and determination, you will find the right role for you!
Feel free to connect and reach out to me on LinkedIn!
Words of Wisdom:
I had the opportunity to be a part of ISAB as well, and it was truly one of the most rewarding experiences. Working closely with other international students and contributing to initiatives that directly impacted our community was incredible.
I also want to thank Dr. Rudie and Dr. He. I had the privilege of working closely with both of them on various issues through GAPSA and ISAB, and their unwavering support and advocacy for international students have been invaluable.
Their dedication to ensuring that international students feel heard, supported, and empowered on campus has made a real difference. I truly appreciate all of their guidance throughout my time at Penn.