Katie Mcky

 

STRONG GROWTH FUELS AUTO INDUSTRY, DRIVING EMPLOYMENT

 

THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR JUST HAD ITS BEST QUARTER IN A DECADE. US SALES OF CARS AND TRUCKS REACHED 16.52 MILLION IN 2014, THE FIRST TIME SALES TOPPED 16 MILLION SINCE 2006. BOLSTERED BY LOWER GAS PRICES, STABLE INTEREST RATES, A RECOVERING ECONOMY, AND SKYROCKETING SALES OF TRUCKS AND SUVS, DETROIT IS DEFINITELY NOT SINGING THE BLUES.

 

FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT, THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT MORE CARS PURCHASED MEANS MORE HIRING. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REPORTS THAT OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE US AUTO INDUSTRY CREATED ABOUT 500,000 NEW JOBS. PLUS, THE SECTOR IS ANYTHING BUT STAID. ONGOING TECHNOLOGICAL LEAPS ARE SEEN IN CARS THAT PARALLEL PARK WITHOUT HUMAN INTERVENTION AND EVEN DRIVE THEMSELVES. CARMAKERS CONTINUALLY REINVENT THEIR MODELS, MERGING THE BEST OF CLASSIC AND MODERN DESIGN. THE AUTO SECTOR HAS IT ALL: A SURGE IN SALES, MORE HIRING, AND ONGOING INNOVATION.

 

TOYOTA: PASSION FOR THE BRAND

 

MY LENE mayers, national technology manager I, tmS Customer Access parts & Service, is a true believe in the toyota brand.

 

“First and foremost, our vehicles are the best in the market – true comfort, high quality, innovative technology, and unbeatable style,” insists mayers. “As a car enthusiast, what better place to work than the #1 car manufacturer in the world. Secondly, our company culture of inclusion, respect for people, and innovation is a perfect fit for me.”

 

If you are looking for a similar job experience, Mayers tenders some advice.

 

“I would highly recommend taking professional courses in business communications (oral and written), as this is the one area highly technical people in business-facing positions often struggle with,” she says. “It’s pertinent to completely know your craft. It is equally critical to be able to communicate to your customer and/or stakeholders in a manner that guides them, influences decision making, negotiates requirements, and leads them along a technical roadmap that places innovative solutions at their fingertips— before they actually need it.”

 

Also, Mayers urges jobseekers to frame challenges as opportunities. “Early on in my career, I had a great position that I really enjoyed and was sailing along where everything seemed perfect—high performing teams, smooth operations, ample budget, successful projects, and happy customers,” she recalls. “It was a great comfort zone. I was then ‘nominated’ to go lead a very troubled project that was completely on fire. Of course, my first thought at that time was, ‘What did I do wrong to be placed on this project?’ In addition, the floor rumor was that anyone on that project was doomed for career failure.”

 

Her first course of action was to go on a listening tour, and to not immediately jump into action. “What I saw, heard, and learned actually got me excited,” she comments. “The talent on that team was incredible, yet terribly underutilized and the technology domain wars were raging. It takes a team to get things done, yet many were acting alone. I knew at that moment why I was selected to lead. My management team had recognized my talent as a leader and understood that I was ready for larger growth opportunities.”

 

Reframing challenge as opportunity has turned Mayers’ passion into her profession.

 

“My passion for cars came at an early age and I’ve always loved the Toyota and Lexus vehicles,” she acknowledges. “My first vehicle purchased out of college was a Toyota Camry XLE with a leather package, sunroof, chrome package, and that beautiful wood dash. I’ve been hooked ever since.”

 

Mayers also loves that her job involves improving the process with the use of technology.

 

“Just about everything we do and touch involves technology,” she notes. “My passion for technologies that enable change on a global scale while propelling industries forward came early as well, which is why I changed from the banking industry to join the very dynamic automotive industry as an applications developer years ago. I am fortunate to be able to combine both my passions for technology and automotive in my current leadership role.”

 

For those looking to scale new heights, she has some parting advice.

 

“Dare greatly; lean in to discomfort,” Mayers says. “This is hard as there is a natural fear about being judged. Old school thinking is that vulnerability equals weakness. New school, Internet-era thinking is that vulnerability and trying new things is about courage.”

 

FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES: A HERITAGE OF INNOVATION

ARIEL Vidal, powertrain engineer at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), enjoys the best of two worlds; being given the creative latitude to problem solve on his own, but having the security of colleagues behind him.

 

“What I like most about FCA is the great balance between teamwork and independent activity,” Vidal says. “Although I am responsible for the performance of my components, there are many people I depend on within the team that contribute to the success.”

 

With 225,000 colleagues, Vidal’s back is covered, a fact he realized shortly after being hired.

 

“Probably the scariest part of my career was the start,” he recalls. “I was fresh out of college and had not acquired much engineering experience aside from my summer internship with Chrysler (now FCA). I was motivated to get off to a great start with my new job, but was not sure I was ready. After the first couple weeks, I picked up the hang of things quickly with the helpfulness of my colleagues and soon I was on my way towards accomplishing my goals.”

 

Vidal applies his engineering knowledge and automotive experience to design and develop the best engine components he can, specifically intake manifolds.

 

Vidal, who is originally from Florida, “had a great experience moving across the country to Detroit to become a part of the exciting and competitive automotive industry,” he says.

 

Upon joining FCA, Vidal was pleased to discover the company's heritage of innovation.

 

“Chrysler was the first to introduce power windows, power steering, and even cruise control,” Vidal comments. “Recently, we were the first domestic automaker to roll out an 8-speed transmission. I’m proud to be a part of a company with such a rich innovation history.”

 

And Vidal loves being a part of FCA’s present and future.

 

“What I enjoy most about my job,” he notes, “is the ability to implement my ideas and design parts that will be on the road in cars years from now, parts that I can truly be proud of and say ‘I designed that.’”

 

NISSAN: ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL

TERENCE Porter II, manager of human engineering at Nissan, is one of the people who makes sure your car feels exactly right, as he and his team address high quality feel, ergonomics, human/machine interface, and seat test performance.

 

How does an engineer find a job in such a specialized area?

 

“It basically chose me,” says Porter. “When I was an undergraduate with a specialty in biomedical applications, I had this notion of helping people. Nissan was the first with full employment opportunities, but with my exposure to seat design and reviewing customers ‘thank you’ letters after a car accident, it became crystal clear that Nissan can satisfy my desire for helping others.”

 

Porter urges others to define and understand what they are passionate for and to also know their self worth. “Your passion will always motivate you to strive to be the best and your self-worth will keep you smiling,” he says.

 

Porter has other reasons to keep smiling at Nissan.

 

“Everyone makes a difference,” he explains. “Regardless of your title, employees can make an impact to either the final customer, internal procedures, equipment purchases to maintain development competitiveness, and even to the community. Additionally, I like the ability to work with our global counterparts to learn from one another and continue to improve the product for the customer.”

 

If Nissan sounds like a place you’d like to work, Porter shares what Nissan seeks.

 

“Nissan looks for those with good communication skills, who are self starters; can work in a cross-functional, cross-cultural environment; have a technical mindset and ability; and have good performance records,” says Porter. “However, the key is for our diverse talent to have the passion and drive to want to make a difference through teamwork, which embodies the ‘one team one goal’ mindset. Other attractive traits are those who can adapt to different environments with professionalism.”

 

If you’re lucky enough to secure an interview, demonstrate your talent as a competent, team playing, motivating individual who can adapt to different scenarios. “Communicate with intent and confidence,” says Porter. “This is an opportunity for you, to talk about you. No one knows you better than you.”

 

GENERAL MOTORS: TEAMWORK & TECHNOLOGY GET THE JOB DONE

ERICK Rosas, systems architect at General Motors, leads a team that designs and develops applications to provide quick time to market for many new OnStar data related products.

 

Teamwork is key for resolving complex challenges.

 

“The most surprising thing is the level of collaboration that is required for some of the projects,” Rosas says. “GM is a big company and some projects may involve multiple countries to work together, such as taking OnStar to China. There are not only technical challenges, but also legal requirements and regulations. GM has very good processes and people that make these complex workflows work like clockwork.”

 

Even with a great team behind his back, Rosas uses technology to develop technology.

 

“By far the biggest challenge has been time management,” he acknowledges. “Technology moves fast and techniques and tools quickly become obsolete. On top of that, there is school, family, and hobbies, which also require time. Being able to plan has been an indispensable tool; something as simple as a sticky note or a calendar reminder has allowed me to be able to keep commitments on time. Connected devices have also simplified my life since I can set reminders at home, and receive them at work so I never forget an idea.”

 

Rosas also continues learning via academia to support his work.

 

“In my first position with General Motors, my group was using standard industry technologies to solve problems,” he recalls. “As a fresh graduate, there was a lot to learn about these technologies and as I learned, I began seeing the benefit of the tools. Even after becoming an expert in the languages and frameworks, I did not settle or fall into a routine. Instead, I continued my studies and searched in the opposite side of the spectrum.”

 

While GM hires people with different skill sets, the common denominator is that they are all people who can grow in their roles. “I have personally seen this model work in my team, as people are self-motivated and are willing to challenge inefficiencies, which improves our day-to-day operations,” says Rosas.

 

Rosas was introduced to GM in college while a member of The Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). “I was fortunate enough to meet recruiters, was offered an internship, and haven’t looked back since that day,” he says.

 

ZF TRW: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

CHEYENNESE xton appears to have an ideal job for a young person: she is paid to engage in social media.

 

“As ZF TRW’s social media and college relations specialist, I maintain all of ZF TRW’s global social media outlets, facilitate social recruitment efforts, and organize the company’s university partnership,” Sexton explains.

 

However, she didn’t secure this position right away.

 

“One of my most difficult times was leading up to graduation,” notes Sex- ton. “When you’ve worked so incredibly hard for your degree, you feel like you deserve a wonderful, exciting career immediately. It can be crushing when you get turned down for ‘the perfect job’ or you see others with less experience land great positions before you. Through the entire job application process, I kept my head high, hopes up, and efforts strong. It was frustrating waiting to find the right fit, but giving up would have left me stuck. Ultimately, my job search persistence landed me exactly where I wanted to be as a recent college graduate, and maybe pushed me a little further than I even expected.”

 

And why is it even better than she expected?

 

“The people,” she says emphatically. “All of the people at ZF TRW have something to bring to the table. In my position, I connect with ZF TRW employees from many business units and countries all over the world. Not many people get this type of global perspective every day.”

 

Sexton was hired as the first and only social media employee at TRW, a company of more than 65,000 people; with the ZF acquisition of TRW, the number of employees grew worldwide to more than 134,000.

 

“Our brand is large, prominent, and professional, and I represent the entire company online,” Sexton explains. “Although this is exciting and a challenge I’m willing to take on, it’s not always easy convincing people of the value of social media. Through my metrics and results, I have to prove that I’m not just some 22-year old wasting time on Facebook all day; I’m building the ZF TRW brand and interacting with consumers in realtime. Although some employees may be skeptical about the importance of my position, I’m confident that I’ll get more experienced at responding to criticism as I grow in my career.”

 

ZF TRW is an automotive technology company, but not everyone who works there is an engineer.

 

“We aren’t all engineers,” Sexton says. “It might not be that surprising, but when people think of the ‘automotive industry,’ they picture engineers a lot of the time. ZF TRW needs engineers to be the innovative minds behind our technology; however, all kinds of minds are needed to turn that technology into a reality. We all work together to be the leader in our industry.”

 

Sexton doesn’t just work for an industry leader. She also works with leaders.

 

“My position is brand new and is continually evolving,” she comments. “Since my position is so unique, I have the challenge of presenting social media and college relations strategies and policies to directors, vice presidents, and members of the executive board. With the latest ZF and TRW acquisition, I have also been given many opportunities to coordinate integration efforts with ZF teams. It’s rewarding when the people in charge of the company trust my expertise – not everyone has that opportunity one year out of college!”

 

VOLKSWAGEN: PUSHING THE ENVELOPE

AMANDA A. Lovin, manager information technology, business projects & processes at Volkswagen Chattanooga, supports all business systems and projects associated with processes—from the design of the part to its delivery to the production line.

 

For Lovin, undertaking such responsibility was daunting at first.

 

“The most difficult time of my career was when I moved from a specialist level to a management level,” she recalls. “It was very intimidating being a rookie female manager in manufacturing. I navigated beyond this by trying to always be prepared. I focused on offering solid, value-added advice at appropriate times. I didn’t try to promote myself or my presence, but instead tried to offer reliable and sound direction on the topics at hand.”

 

To those facing their own career challenges, she tenders this advice.

 

“Don’t be afraid to change,” Lovin remarks. “To improve yourself, it is important to listen to others’ feedback, and have good self-reflection about their observations. It isn’t easy, and it will take practice, but focus on your areas of improvement and take solid actions to change them.”

 

A willingness to continually improve can place you in an innovative work environment like Volkswagen.

 

“The best thing about working for Volkswagen Chattanooga is that the company is incredibly focused on innovation, in all aspects,” says Lovin. “This allows for a lot of creativity in the workplace.”

 

Of course, a creative company comes from creative employees.

 

To that end, Lovin urges young professionals to “think creatively. Push the envelope. Develop new standards. I firmly believe that the way forward in this sector is to constantly think beyond the current boundaries.”

 

That penchant for creativity, says Lovin, is a “large part of the core that makes the plant and our Passat successful.”

 

Lovin is proud of Volkswagen for more than its creativity and pace. “I am very proud that though Volkswagen is a large global company, they still invest strongly in the local communities,” she explains. “This investment is not just financial, it is also through volunteer activities, educational development, environmental activities, and community events. As a local Chattanoogan, I have been very lucky to be a part of many programs that bring Volkswagen and my local community together.”