Bronco Spotlight: Andreas Quainoo
Engine Calibrator at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
I calibrate and solve problems pertaining to vehicle emissions and diagnostics. It involves designing and proving out engine software and making it work for each program in development. It involves traveling around to areas where customers use our products to ensure the solution developed works all the time in every condition imaginable. It requires several skill sets not just pertaining to one individual field.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
The most rewarding aspect is the availability of learning opportunities to grow as an engineer. Each new program comes with its own challenges and unique solutions. The process of solving the problems pertaining to each program brings a sense of satisfaction. Also, seeing customers using the products that I have had a hand in bringing to life brings a sense of fulfillment. The company culture is great. Everyone understands that each and everyone has a part to play in bringing a product to life. Because it is an international company, I am able to work with people from many countries and nationalities. The most challenging aspect is figuring out what it takes to bring a product into production while working within the product timing constraints. Also because it is a large company there is a lot of bureaucracy which tends to slow things down, and it sometimes leads to a lot of oversight.
What experiences impacted the choice of your career path?
As a student, you are not really sure of where the knowledge and skills attained during college will lead to. The internships I had gave me an idea of what I could be doing after graduation. It helped shape my expectations in life after college.
What advice do you have for students looking for their career after college?
As a student, I believe that students should not be too selective on which companies they would like to intern at. Internships and co-ops are one of the easiest path towards finding a company or field that a person is passionate about.