When people think of startup founders and CEOs, they often imagine entrepreneurs who dropped out of college to build companies in their garage. Rivian’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, doesn’t fit that mold. Long before he led one of the most ambitious electric vehicle companies in the world, Scaringe committed himself to advanced study, earning a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. Just as important as the decision to pursue a doctorate was his choice of where to study. Faced with offers from both Stanford and MIT, two of the world’s most prestigious universities, Scaringe chose MIT—a decision that would shape his career, his leadership style, and ultimately, Rivian’s trajectory in the EV industry.
For Scaringe, pursuing a Ph.D. was never about prestige. It was about solving problems that fascinated him and equipping himself with the skills to build solutions at scale. From a young age, he was captivated by cars—not just as machines but as symbols of freedom and possibility. But unlike most car enthusiasts, Scaringe’s passion was coupled with a deep awareness of their environmental impact. He saw the contradiction between the joy of driving and the damage fossil fuel consumption caused. His decision to pursue a Ph.D. stemmed from this desire to explore alternatives, refine technology, and contribute to a cleaner automotive future.
The Ph.D. journey gave him more than technical expertise—it gave him discipline, patience, and the ability to dive deeply into complex problems. In interviews, Scaringe has described the value of learning how to break down difficult challenges into manageable parts, test solutions rigorously, and refine ideas through trial and error. These habits carried over into his leadership at Rivian, where innovation requires balancing ambition with engineering precision.
When the time came to choose a university, the decision between Stanford and MIT was not simple. Stanford’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley represented innovation, venture capital, and a thriving startup ecosystem. Its proximity to major tech companies and investors made it an attractive choice for any aspiring entrepreneur. MIT, on the other hand, represented unmatched rigor in engineering, a culture deeply rooted in solving practical problems, and a legacy of producing groundbreaking research in mechanical and energy systems.
Scaringe chose MIT, and his reasoning was telling. He wanted a place that emphasized not just entrepreneurial culture but engineering depth. He saw MIT as a community where he could immerse himself in technical mastery, work alongside some of the brightest minds in the field, and push the boundaries of automotive technology. Stanford offered access to investors, but MIT offered the kind of technical environment he believed would best prepare him for the challenges ahead. In choosing MIT, Scaringe revealed a core part of his leadership philosophy: build depth before scale.
This decision highlights an important lesson for aspiring leaders. Too often, young entrepreneurs feel pressured to chase fast money, high visibility, and quick wins. Scaringe’s path shows the value of building a foundation first. The knowledge and credibility he gained at MIT gave him both the confidence and the tools to launch Rivian years later. In an industry dominated by massive incumbents like Ford, GM, and Tesla, technical expertise and engineering credibility weren’t optional—they were essential.
At MIT, Scaringe didn’t just refine his technical skills. He also honed the mindset of resilience. A Ph.D. is a marathon, filled with setbacks, dead ends, and moments of uncertainty. Learning to persist, adapt, and keep focus through those struggles proved invaluable when Rivian went through its own ups and downs. From production delays to skepticism about whether another EV startup could survive, Scaringe’s steady leadership reflected the perseverance he had practiced during his doctoral studies.
His choice also reflected a long-term vision. While Stanford could have connected him quickly with investors, MIT connected him with an ethos: solve problems that matter. That ethos is visible today in Rivian’s mission. Instead of chasing mass-market sedans like Tesla did at the start, Rivian focused on electric trucks and SUVs, targeting outdoor enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers who valued adventure as much as sustainability. It was a riskier path, but it embodied Scaringe’s belief in aligning passion with purpose.
In reflecting on his journey, Scaringe often emphasizes that the decision to pursue a Ph.D. was about becoming a builder, not just a CEO. For him, leadership in technology means more than financial acumen—it means understanding the details deeply enough to guide innovation responsibly. By investing in his education at MIT, he equipped himself not just to dream big but to execute those dreams with precision.
The takeaway from Scaringe’s story is clear: your educational and career decisions should align with your long-term values, not just short-term opportunities. Choosing MIT over Stanford wasn’t about prestige points; it was about aligning with a culture that matched his vision for the future. Similarly, choosing to pursue a Ph.D. wasn’t about adding letters to his name; it was about gaining the mindset and skills to tackle the challenges he cared about most.
For students, professionals, and entrepreneurs alike, Scaringe’s example is a reminder that sometimes the less glamorous path—the one focused on depth, mastery, and resilience—can yield the most transformative results. In a world where speed is often celebrated, his journey suggests that depth and discipline may be just as vital for lasting success.
As Rivian continues to shape the electric vehicle landscape, Scaringe’s path from MIT to the CEO’s office is more than a personal story. It is a blueprint for how values-driven decisions, backed by patience and technical rigor, can create not only innovative companies but also meaningful impact on the world.
