Here's how you can transition from academia to the workforce in Manufacturing Operations as a beginner.
Transitioning from academia to the workforce in Manufacturing Operations can be both exciting and challenging. As a beginner, you're stepping into a field that combines technical expertise with the practical application of production processes. Manufacturing Operations involve overseeing the efficient production of goods, ensuring quality control, and managing supply chains. To make this transition smooth, you'll need to understand the expectations of the industry and adapt your academic knowledge to real-world applications. This article will guide you through the steps to seamlessly move into your new career in Manufacturing Operations.
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Adrienne Temple - CDMPVice President of Training Programs serving SC Businesses | Certified Six Sigma Black Belt | Continuous Improvement…
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NOVA ANDI SURYAChief Plant & Technical Officer at PT. ROYALBOARD BANGUNINTI GRANITO
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Pamela Wiseman Supply-chain Strategy/ Digital/TransformGlobal Supply Chain and Operations Executive: Ranked #4 by Gartner. End-to-End Strategy & Digital Transformation-Board…
To start your journey in Manufacturing Operations, focus on acquiring a mix of technical and soft skills. Familiarize yourself with industry-standard software and tools used for process management and quality assurance. Additionally, develop your problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and understanding of lean manufacturing principles. These skills will not only enhance your resume but also prepare you for the hands-on nature of the job.
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NOVA ANDI SURYA
Chief Plant & Technical Officer at PT. ROYALBOARD BANGUNINTI GRANITO
From my past experience,moving from academia to workforce manufacturing is not easy task to do if we want to get significant impact on that period. Moving to manufacturing means exposure to very dynamic environmental that might required fast adaptation to people, process & also demanding expectation. In order to have smooth transition, then: 1.Adaptation to culture-knowing the people and system is very important 2.New beginner have plenty opportunity to "LEARN" so they have to learn a lot (having good agility on it). Reflect current academia background into real manufacturing experience. 3.Next, try to get exposure on the several challanging project/exposure to test our current capability and get learn of it (experience to become skills).
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Pamela Wiseman Supply-chain Strategy/ Digital/Transform
Global Supply Chain and Operations Executive: Ranked #4 by Gartner. End-to-End Strategy & Digital Transformation-Board Adviser-STEM Leader & Mentor
Manufacturing Operations is a very hands-on, detail oriented function so no " virtual" roles here if you want to learn and excel. The best professionals I have ever met, were always out and about on the shop floor seeing the action and any problems first hand. Jumping into the deep end and taking an entry level role in procurement, manufacturing engineering, manufacturing supervision/leadership, production - anything hands-on would be ideal. Some companies have good old-fashioned rotational training programs where you would move through several functions across a period of time. That's the best case!
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Cheryl Merchant
Chief Executive Officer at Taco Comfort Solutions
I agree that internships are an excellent model for starting in an operation. In any case, my suggestion is to be brave and know you can do anything if you’re really trying. Embrace the position you have been asked to fulfill, but also learn every aspect throughout the company. Walk the floor and introduce yourself to the employees on the machines and working with products. Recognize them and their expertise and learn from them. And continue the same throughout the company. Knowledge is your path to the future. There’s no better way to gain it than from those actually doing the jobs. And last suggestion is keep a log. Each company, the words of wisdom, the people, and the processes you view (informal and formal/good and bad).
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Rogelio Manterola Hernandez
Mexico Operations Manager at ITW Body & Fuel
Internships programs are great to step into the manufacturing operations, by the way it could be not directly in production but support areas like, Maintenance, Quality, Tooling etc,
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Elson Tan
Seasoned ICSS and DCS/SIS Engineer Lean Six Sigma Black Belt REE/ SAFe Agile PO PM
As a beginner with no experience, your company will be very essential in your development. Your HR team can help develop your leadership skill. Your technical team will help develop your technical skill. But in the end, it all depends on the individual's desire for learnings. What we dont want to happen is for the beginner to be overwhelmed and will underperform.
Hands-on experience is invaluable in Manufacturing Operations. Consider internships, co-op positions, or part-time work in a manufacturing setting to gain practical experience. This real-world exposure will help you understand the flow of operations and the importance of efficiency and safety in the production environment. It's also an excellent opportunity to network with professionals in the field.
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Ujjal Mishra
"24 years of Senior Quality Assurance Expert in Quality Management/Lean Manufacturing/Customer Experience/Manufacturing Operations/Communication/Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow, Green & Black Belt.
By actively seeking out opportunities to gain practical experience, you can enhance your skills, build your professional network, and position yourself for success in the field of manufacturing operations.
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Santosh Pawaskar
Redefine Supply Chain Performance
On job training is best way to learn. When you get internship or project assignment be sure to ask for expectations and set learning out come / results. Clearing expectations will certainly help in future course. focus not only on technical skills but also on soft skills . Soft skill will shape you for interpersonal dynamics , an essential skill in any organisation. Do network and try to gain / learn about related functions. Going with open learning mind is the most essential requirement for success.
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Tom Lindsay
Sr. Business Development Manager at Johnson Service Group
My advice to young people is to discover what you want to do for a living, then get a degree in that field, if required. Students should then seek internships or co-op roles, for two main reasons. First, to learn the more hands on skills and terminology. But most importantly, to immerse yourself in the culture and atmosphere, so you can find out, is this really what I want to do? I will share that my time as a co-op at an oil refinery showed me that yes, I wanted to be a chemical engineer.
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Asheesh kumar Singh
Certified CSQP | NPD | Supplier Quality and Development Professional | Automotive | Emobility |
Gain practical experience, consider internships, co-op programs, or entry level in manufacturing companies to gain hands on experience. This will help to understand the day-to-day operations, processes and challenges faced in the field.
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Ajit Chigteri
Committed to impart Knowledge & Technology for Business Transformation through Excellence in Management, Finance & People. Utilizing blend of Technical/Managerial Leadership, through Agile Approach & Soft Skills.
How do we gain experience before we already start working for an Organisation. Here are few tips. 1 ) Get few industry experts to visit the institute on a regular basis, say once in 15 days. 2) Get into MOUs with specific industries such as Automotive, Factory Automation, OEMs which will have a friendly clause of absorbing few students on regular roll. There are many more initiatives which will help academia to get up to desired skills.
Understanding the culture of manufacturing workplaces is crucial. These environments often value teamwork, punctuality, and a strong work ethic. By familiarizing yourself with these cultural norms, you can integrate more smoothly into your new role. Participate in industry events and forums to immerse yourself in the community and stay informed about the latest trends and practices.
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Ujjal Mishra
"24 years of Senior Quality Assurance Expert in Quality Management/Lean Manufacturing/Customer Experience/Manufacturing Operations/Communication/Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow, Green & Black Belt.
By understanding the culture of manufacturing operations and aligning your mindset and behaviors accordingly, you can effectively transition from academia to the workforce and thrive in a manufacturing environment.
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Dipankar Chatterjee
Digital Advisor - Integrated Gas
Nothing is more important than this in a Manufacturing Operations environment. You need to have your technical fundamentals in place for sure but in an operating environment it is not about how much you know or knowing all the answers. It is about how well you handle a situation and deliver the needed solution effectively. Knowing the culture of your organisation is central to this. Almost never will you deliver anything entirely on your own so first start accepting that this is a team game and we all are there to do our part. Knowing your organisation, knowing your own role and the roles of your co workers and also building the soft skills to understand personalities around you is essential to be successful in such a role.
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Anwar ul Haq
Area Operation Manager Bulk, Tonnage and PGP operation at Pakistan Oxygen Limited (formerly Linde Pakistan Limited)
It is very important to understand organization culture because it helps you to understand how things get done within organization effectively. For someone who is beginner with theoretical knowledge until they don't know how they can use their knowledge in manufacturing operation they will not be able to polish it and prosper. It only happens when you know: How organization culture bonds people and support them to help each other. What are the matters of conflict that needs to be avoided. What are the limitations of learning, innovation or risk-taking within organization. Once beginners understand these aspects and fit in themselves within a company culture Academia will help them to grow at rapid pace.
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Jose Pelissari Filho
Mudança de cultura organizacional faz parte dos ciclos organizacionais sem perder de vista os valores da empresa. Estar envolvido no contexto organizacional é primordial para visualizar alternativas para melhorar resultados como exemplo liderar implementação de programas que tragam um modelo de governança mais eficaz e que insira definitivamente todos os funcionários com alinhamentos estabelecidos via metas, planos et.
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Ramesh Shelte
Quality Assurance, Hygiene and food safety at Reliance Retail Ltd.
Understanding work culture is very much important to play your role. Communication, punctuality, involvement, to zeal with other colleges etc.are the crucial aspect. Parallel to learn new things at manufacturing and slowly putting out new thoughts to get done the work improves satisfaction and respect altogether it creates a positive culture for the person.
Don't underestimate the value of your academic background. Use your theoretical knowledge to bring fresh perspectives to problem-solving in Manufacturing Operations. Your research skills can be particularly useful for process improvement and innovation. Moreover, maintain connections with your academic mentors who might provide guidance or references that could be beneficial as you transition to the workforce.
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Ujjal Mishra
"24 years of Senior Quality Assurance Expert in Quality Management/Lean Manufacturing/Customer Experience/Manufacturing Operations/Communication/Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow, Green & Black Belt.
By leveraging your academic background effectively, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for entry-level roles in manufacturing operations and embark on a successful career in the field.
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Seye Olafimihan
Educator/Biotechnology Professional/Training and Development Specialist/ Researcher
Transitioning from academia to Manufacturing Operations as a beginner can be greatly facilitated by leveraging an interdisciplinary skill set and understanding the industry's demands. In drug manufacturing, It's important to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical experience. For those stepping into Manufacturing Operations, particularly in areas like upstream or downstream, embracing your understanding of biological processes is key. It empowers you to contribute especially in tasks like cell expansion, inoculation with bacterial and viral constructs or even drug purification. Your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, positions you as a strong candidate able to make an immediate impact in this field.
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Rajat Pandey
Marine, Shipbuilding & Defense Consultant | Past - L&T, Reliance Naval | Ex- Indian Navy
They want you to apply your mind and knowledge but it must be expressed in the form the company communicates. As this piece of information will go at different levels before execution.
Networking is a powerful tool for beginners in Manufacturing Operations. Connect with alumni, join professional organizations, and attend industry conferences to meet potential employers or mentors. Engage in discussions and showcase your eagerness to learn and contribute. Remember, building relationships can lead to job opportunities and career advancement.
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Raymond Biko
Continuous Improvement & Transformation Specialist | KAIZEN | Operation Excellence | Agile | Change Manager | Data Enthusiast
Manufacturing Operations requires building a network of support and expertise. Networking effectively opens doors to valuable opportunities and insights. Connect with alumni, engage in professional organizations, and attend industry events to expand your network. Don't just collect business cards; foster meaningful relationships by showcasing your enthusiasm to learn and contribute. Remember, networking isn't just about who you know; it's about what you can learn from those connections. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and advice based on their experiences. By actively engaging with experts in your field, you'll gain valuable knowledge, open doors to potential job opportunities, and propel your career forward.
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Ajit Chigteri
Committed to impart Knowledge & Technology for Business Transformation through Excellence in Management, Finance & People. Utilizing blend of Technical/Managerial Leadership, through Agile Approach & Soft Skills.
Networking, wow, I always consider Networking or network as NetWorth. Why so? Here is an explanation. 1) When you are in a business social gathering, like any Seminar, Lectures Series presentation etc, there are many individuals who come together. They are from different fields right from Technical to financial. 2) When you just shake hands with such individuals, you can further think of developing the relationship. 3) As per my personal experience, you will retain at least 10% of the individuals as your business associates in terms of Vendors, Customers or in general any kind of Stakeholders. Today’s key word is Asociation.I believe those days will go away, when a classic business relationship of Vendor- Customer will diminish.
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Brian Keefer
PCB Process Engineer
Networking is key to maintaining operations. While the processes are yours, often the machinery you use is produced by another company. Reach out to them with issues and suggestions and leverage their knowledge to improve your processes. If you are in a large company with multiple sites, reach out to your counterparts and brainstorm. I've found it helpful to set up monthly process meetings to simply talk through problems, discuss projects, and help each other innovate. Someone may have an idea that doesn't work at their site but may be perfect for yours.
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Abid Rizvi
I am Looking for senior position a new roll and would appreciate your support, I have experience 17th +years Husky injection molding machine Plant incharge Plastic engineering & Technology (CIPET)
Network with peers and find mentors – As a young professional, building a network will be an asset for you at every step of your career. Make time to build connections and grow your network by interacting with co-workers within the company. Virtual coffees and networking events are also good opportunities to meet new people and grow your network. Joining LinkedIn or Slack groups will help to meet professionals who are working in the same industry. It is imperative that you find mentors who can help guide you through the early years of your career, it could be a senior or industry professional with a few years of experience under their belt.
Commit to continuous learning to stay relevant in the dynamic field of Manufacturing Operations. Pursue certifications, attend workshops, and keep abreast of technological advancements. This dedication to learning demonstrates your commitment to your career and helps you adapt to changes within the industry, ensuring long-term success.
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Ramesh Shelte
Quality Assurance, Hygiene and food safety at Reliance Retail Ltd.
Continuous learning will improve the knowledge which will help in smooth functioning. Learning is a never ending story. So learning while working improves your skills which will improve your work efficiency. Most of the organisations provide online training, workshops, OBT,etc.to grow the employees.
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Rohit Aggrawal
Sr.Engineer || Manufacturing/Process Engineering || Product Development || PPC || Process/Product Optimization || Change Management || Quality Assurance || Production Management|| SAP || Data Analysis
Continuous learning is key where you can get Knowledge of Manufacturing operations,work culture with skills. Also use of academics knowledge you can convert mind ideas which can be innovative & beneficial to Manufacturing,This will boost your career growth.
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Adrienne Temple - CDMP
Vice President of Training Programs serving SC Businesses | Certified Six Sigma Black Belt | Continuous Improvement Expert | CDMP | PCM
When I graduated from college and took my first manufacturing job, there wasn't a list of specific projects or objectives established for me. Admittedly, that can be an overwhelming prospect when you're eager to add value and make a difference but don't know how. This a real possibility for anyone fresh out of academia and looking to make their way in the world. To those who might experience a similar experience, I'll give this advice: Stay curious. Get involved in the process. Spend time with the people who know the most about a process/operation. By doing so, you unearth opportunities for improvement based on the most meaningful intel -- the perspective of those who do the work every day. Knowledge can never be taken from you.
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Itumeleng Moeketsi
Microbiologist | Biotechnologist | N.Dip: Biotechnology | BSc: Biochemistry & Microbiology | BScHons: Microbiology (Cum laude) | MSc Candidate: Veterinary Tropical Diseases (Brucellosis)
One thing I have found helpful is to spend as much time as possible with experts in the field. I noticed that people with experience are eager to share their knowledge to any person willing to absorb what they have to offer. Shadowing also helps, first step is to observe, then ask and finally improve on what you have learned.
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Nigel Muranda
📌Production Officer @Nestle Zimbabwe (Cereals, Creamers & Dairy Powders Plants) ||T⭕P LINKEDIN MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS VOICE📢 ||B.Eng (Honours) Chemical and Processing Engineering (Cum-Laude)
USING THE (70-20-10) MODEL: (1)70% of manufacturing operations experience comes from ON THE JOB hands-on experience. This promotes FTR as one will gain the ability to quickly make informed decisions and solve generic problems using historic knowledge of how they previously dealt with that same problem or situation (2)20% of Manufacturing Operations experience comes through mentors and coaching from Subject Matter Experts (SME). (3)10% comes from the theoretical understanding of Manufacturing Operations.From academia, one has a great advantage since he already understands the principles of how things work .What is important is to quickly marry the 10% theory with 70% On the job experience and 20% Coaching through industrial exposure
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Steven Guiette
Group Senior Manager Continuous Improvement - Americas’ at Aludyne
Don’t go into your new plant acting like you know more than the operators. Learn from them, they know every detail, ting, click of their machines. Without them there is no business.
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Maryolis Rodriguez Hernandez
Operational strategies|Leadership|empathy|EmpowermentCommunication|Integrity|
Personally, there were two things that helped me a lot to adapt to the world of work after graduating: 1. Having done three internships in factories while studying, there I realized the difference between the theory of academia and practice in the business world. 2. Be humble and empathetic; I understood that by having a degree I was no more than anyone else and that there were many people who knew the processes very well without being professionals, I asked those people to be my mentors, they were happy because I took them into account and I gained experience
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