By Ronny Vena
Just a few months ago, I stood at the same fork in the road that every soon-to-graduate engineering student eventually faces: take the safe job with steady pay and benefits—or roll the dice on something riskier, less defined, and potentially way more fulfilling.
I chose “the gamble”. And I’ve never been happier.
I graduated from Penn State in May with a Mechanical Engineering degree, multiple internships under my belt, and a senior capstone project that took first place at the university showcase. I also had a solid job offer—safe, local, and comfortable. But there was one company I truly wanted to work for: Dust Moto, a startup in Bend, Oregon, building purpose-built electric dirt bikes.
Dust didn’t have any open positions posted. But I couldn’t let that stop me.
So, I sent a cold email directly to the CEO. I pitched myself for anything—internship, part-time, full-time. I spoke from the heart: I’m a Pro Class hard enduro motorcycle racer who believes the future of the sport is electric. I told them I’d bring my engineering skillset and my racing background to help Dust succeed. I attached my resume, said I was ready to relocate, and that I was hungry to contribute.
To my surprise, the CEO replied. One conversation turned into a few. Before long, there was a real opportunity on the table.
But when the offer came, I hesitated.
Like many startups, Dust Moto came with unknowns: housing, relocation, the usual growing pains of an early-stage company. It was 2,500 miles from home and everything familiar. I weighed every aspect of the decision with one of my mentors, Professor Greg Woodman, who taught my Engineering 310 class: Entrepreneurial Leadership course. His advice stuck with me: Know your worth. Ask the hard questions. And remember—meaning has value too, even if it doesn’t show up on a paycheck.
So, I asked about compensation, company stability, and long-term vision. We had honest conversations. And ultimately—we aligned.
I turned down the safe job. Packed my life into a van. Drove across the country to Bend, Oregon. The housing market was so competitive that I’ve spent the past month living out of my van at a local hostel while I searched for a place to live. This week, I finally moved into an apartment—and I’m feeling more grounded every day.
One month into the job, I can say this with confidence:
I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
The work is fast-paced, hands-on, and meaningful. I’m helping build the kind of electric motorcycle I’ve always dreamed of riding. I’m learning more in a week than I probably would in a month at a big company. And I feel personally invested in our mission. That kind of alignment makes it easy to give everything I’ve got—day after day.
If I’d let fear win, I’d still be in Pennsylvania, working a comfortable job and wondering “what if?” But I followed the path that felt right—not the one that felt safe. And I’m so glad I did.
To anyone standing at that same crossroads:
Don’t underestimate the power of purpose.
Cold email the company you actually want to work for.
Ask the hard questions.
Bet on yourself.
And when it feels right—even if it’s risky—go for it.
That leap might just land you right where you belong.
