Informational Interview - Assignment 4
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Humber College *
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Mechanical Engineering
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Feb 20, 2024
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1
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT 4
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
I. INTERVIEWEE’S BACKGROUNDS
1. SELECTION OF THE INTERVIEWEE
For the informational interview, I chose to currently holds the position of Manager at Simplicity
Car Care Toryork, a role he has been in since 2022. My decision to select Mr. Thevathasan was
influenced by both professional proximity and his extensive experience in the automotive
industry. As my manager at Simplicity Car Care Toryork, he has been directly involved in my
work environment, providing a unique perspective on career development within our specific
sector.
2. PREPARATORY RESEARCH
Informational Interview
2
For my informational interview, I manager at Simplicity Car Care Toryork, to understand his
career background. I looked at his LinkedIn profile for a timeline of his career, used internal
information to learn about his work and projects at our company, and spoke with colleagues to
get a sense of his management style. I also visited the websites of both Simplicity Car Care
Toryork and Honda Canada, where he previously worked, to learn about the companies’ goals
and main activities. Additionally, to get a better idea of his role as a manager, I looked at job
descriptions for similar positions in our industry and checked out what is generally expected and
recommended for such roles.
Informational Interview
3
3. RESOURCES
The resources utilized for this research included online professional networks, company
websites, industry-specific publications, internal company records, and discussions with
colleagues. This comprehensive approach ensured that I was well-prepared with relevant and
quality information to conduct a meaningful and insightful informational interview with Mr.
Thevathasan.
II. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: Can you share your educational background and why you chose a career in automotive
engineering?
A: "I graduated in Mechanical Engineering from York University. My interest in car mechanics
and solving complex problems drew me to this field."
Q: What inspired you to focus on car repair and damage estimation?
A: "The diverse challenges in diagnosing and repairing cars attracted me. It’s satisfying to
understand and fix intricate mechanical issues."
Q: How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in automotive technology?
A: "I attend workshops, participate in professional groups, and read industry publications to keep
up with the fast-paced changes in automotive tech."
Q: Could you describe a particularly difficult repair job and how you handled it?
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A: "A challenging task was fixing an intermittent electrical problem in a hybrid car. It demanded
extensive testing and expert consultations."
Q: What impact do you foresee electric vehicles having on your field?
A: "Electric vehicles are rapidly changing our industry. There's an increasing need for
technicians with EV expertise, which I'm actively developing."
Q: Can you comment on the current and future job prospects in your field?
A: "The demand for skilled technicians is strong, but shifting towards software and electronics
due to the rise of electric and autonomous vehicles."
Q: What skills and knowledge do you think are essential for someone starting in this field?
A: "Understanding car mechanics, knowing car parts and their functions, and having patience
and attention to detail are essential."
Q: What major challenge has your industry recently faced?
A: "We've struggled with delayed car parts shipments due to strikes and supply chain issues
since the pandemic."
Q: How did you land your first job in the automotive field?
A: "My first job came through networking. A friend’s connection at Honda opened the door for
me."
Informational Interview
5
III. INTERVIEW REFLECTION
1. REFLECTION RECORD
Contact’s First and Last Name
Title
Manager
Company Name
Simplicity Car Care Toryork
Industry
Automotive Repair and Maintenance
Phone and Email
toryork@simplicitycarcare.ca
(he refused to share
personal contacts)
Website
https://simplicitycc.com/auto-collision-center-
locations-2/simplicity-car-care-toryork-drive/
Date Interviewed
12
th
November, 2023
Describe an interesting fact or aspect of your
contact’s industry or position.
The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is
significantly changing the automotive repair industry
while Supply Chain Management plays a crucial role
on how everything will play out in the end.
Describe one of your most important attributes
(personal skill). How might this benefit you in a
Attention to detail and patience, are essential for
diagnosing and repairing intricate mechanical issues in
Informational Interview
6
summer placement? cars.
What two technical skills do you want to
develop or enhance as a result of your discussion
with your contact?
Efficient Supply Chain Management: Focusing on
strategies for minimizing disruptions in car parts
supply.
Advanced Inventory Management: Learning how to
optimize inventory levels to balance availability and
cost.
What other careers are related to this field?
Would these require other training?
Automotive
Logistics
Coordinator:
Requires
knowledge in logistics and transportation management.
Parts Procurement Manager: Involves skills in
procurement and supplier negotiation.
What questions did you have about your contact
or their industry as a result of your research?
How do you manage supply chain challenges in car
parts distribution?
What strategies have proven effective in maintaining a
steady parts supply?
If given the opportunity, what other question(s)
would you want to ask your contact?
Can you describe the impact of technology on car parts
supply chain management?
Could you relate to your contact? What are the key factors in choosing suppliers for car
parts?
What are your plans to keep in touch with this
Follow-up emails, sharing updates seeking advice, and
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contact?
possibly arranging future meetings to discuss industry
trends.
Were you able to get other possible contacts?
No specific contacts were mentioned, but potential to
network within Simplicity Car Care Toryork and its
industry connections.
2. REFLECTION SUMMARY
The informational interview at Simplicity Car Care Toryork has significantly influenced my
perspective on the automotive industry, especially in supply chain management. His insights into
the challenges of car parts logistics and the importance of efficient supply chain strategies have
deepened my interest in this field and reinforced my career aspirations. The evolving nature of
automotive technology, particularly the shift towards electric vehicles, emphasizes the need for
continuous learning and adaptability.
In terms of follow-up, I plan to send a thank-you email, expressing gratitude for his insights and
requesting occasional mentorship. Staying connected through professional networks and seeking
his advice on further skill development will be crucial as I navigate my career in this dynamic
industry.
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As Jeff begins to get familiar with the operations, he spends considerable time on the production floor. He notices workers clean their tools before break with a liquid from an unmarked 55-gallon drum. They also use this liquid to clean residue from their skin. They use paper towels to dry their tools and hands, throw these towels in the trash, and head to the break room for a snack and/or smoke.
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