Industry-Based Learning - Student Profiles
International Business Student
Profile
 Melinda
Newitt - Holden
"I started my co-op year at Holden in January 2004,
working
in a department called CS&Q (Customer Satisfaction and Quality)
focusing on Perceived Quality.
Later
that same year, Perceived Quality was absorbed as part of the Design
department due to the
increased focus in this area. I was therefore fortunate
to witness a change in business structure and its effects.
Perceived Quality is the customers perception of quality which
includes colour, harmony, feel and smell. My involvement included
participation in developing illumination harmony, switch feel (ensuring
that buttons and switches are intuitive to the customer) etc.
In my role I have been given many responsibilites, such as:
- Represent the Design Quality Team across Holden and its
suppliers to ensure overall Perceived Quality objectives
are achieved
- Undertake significant competitor benchmarking
and program specific Perceived Quality clinics
- Liaise
with relevant internal groups including Engineering,
Design, SQA, Manufacturing, Marketing, Purchasing
and Finance to ensure program Perceived Quality requirements are met
 Due to the high involvement in competitive vehicle benchmarking,
I have been fortunate enough to gain exposure to both Holden and
competitive vehicles resulting in frequent overnight or weekend
vehicle evaluations.
The working environment at Holden is very friendly and relaxed.
The people I work with are very supportive of each other and are
willing to work as one team.
I have enjoyed my role due to its challenges, responsibilities
and received a lot of support when requested.
In my role, I have been able to gain experience in other areas
including the management of two test trips to Surfers Paradise
and early launch vehicle evaluations. This has allowed me to meet
more people and has enhanced my experience as a co-op student.
Holden is a fantastic place to work and I would highly recommend
it!"
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