As an engineering leader with a strong foundation in research and development, Gates is committed to advancing the science of motion performance by developing safe, forward-thinking products, services, systems, and solutions, as well as fostering long-term customer and employee relationships. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Gates employs over 14,000 people across 106 locations in 30 countries. Our work never stops. We bring 100+ years of experience and a drive to innovate to our critical role in industries across the globe. Gates hose transfers everything from fine wine to crude oil, and our belts power rock crushers, copiers, and snowmobiles. Gates automotive belts and hoses are found under the hoods of cars, trucks, and heavy equipment across the world’s highways and work sites. And our hydraulic hose assemblies are found in coal mines, construction sites, oil rigs, and beyond.
I am currently working at Gates Corporation, located at their Windsor assembly plant in the quality control department. The Windsor location produces components for a serpentine belt assembly, such as tensioners, idlers and AID's. This is a huge international company and I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside and learn from some of the leaders in my industry in this placement! My current main responsibilities are to handle Pre-Production Approval Process (PPAP) documents. This is a process that is used before a new component or part is being run or when there is a change to the manufacturing process. This includes working with control plans and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) documents. My future responsibilities will include assistance with the internal audit process and aid in the changeover process from the TS-16949 accreditation to the new IATF standard. This is an accreditation that any supplier for a North American automaker needs to have.
This experience so far has exposed me to a professional workplace environment, along with this I learned a great deal about administrative skills, through my attending of important and high level meetings, I have learned that the way you talk and the way you present information can make a huge difference on the way you or your info is perceived in a business environment. In addition to this I've gained knowledge on the inner working of a major supplier of some of the largest automotive companies in the world. By understanding and participating in the policies and processes that go on within my placement, I will better acclimatize to future employment settings and I will already have that base knowledge.
My experience has helped me prepare for the "real world" mainly through my time management and communication skills. Through my experience thus far, I've learned the ways that a professional workplace operates around deadlines. This is one of the bigger things I've taken from this experience, because of the time management that is required, and the efforts from every part of a team to meet the deadline. This also extends outside of work to your personal life because you only have so much time to get other things done. In addition to this, my communication experience with my co-workers has helped me to prepare because I am much more comfortable working in a professional environment than I once was. Furthermore, though working and receiving advice and instruction from people who know not only the job, but the industry, I am able to learn what positions work for me, and what I plan on pursuing.
I would advise other students to remain optimistic throughout the job search process and not to get discouraged when you don't get a placement immediately (I didn’t find this job until Round 3 and this experience is better than I could have ever hoped for so it was worth the wait!) But once you get into your work term, the most important thing is to ask questions and get involved, there is no shame in not knowing something, and if you have the opportunity to even sit in on a meeting, take it. This is the prime opportunity to ask questions in a real time scenario, in order to not only understand what is happening, but why it is happening. I've noticed that sometimes you learn the most from the least expected place. Also, take every opportunity to go above and beyond, offer to help outside of your normal duties, because you'll be surprised what you might learn from it!
Name: Jacob Lilly
Program: Mechanical Engineering/Automotive Option
Working at: Gates Corporation
Role: Engineering Summer Student