Kristen Tabar
Manager
Engineering Design - Audio/Entertainment Systems
Toyota Technical Center, USA Inc.
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105

What are your current responsibilities?

1. Manager in charge of audio/entertainment systems (audio, rear seat entertainment, satellite radio, etc) and various instrument panel electronics (meter cluster, heater controls, displays, etc). 2. Overall development responsibility for the above mentioned parts and systems including; design, quality, evaluation, and manufacturing on Camry, Avalon, Sienna, Solara, Sequoia, and Tacoma. 3. Coordination of feature, function, performance, and appearance of North American audio systems working with Toyota Motor Sales Product Planning and Toyota Motor Corporation Japan.

Describe a typical workday.

There is no such thing as a "typical" workday at Toyota. Everyday is different. We have design reviews internally and with suppliers to confirm design quality. We make drawings on CAD systems. We complete evaluations on parts or systems. We have various meetings with related groups in design, manufacturing, cost planning, and vehicle planning to decide parts features, layout, assembly conditions, and quality/performance targets.

How do you approach challenges?

The key point is to keep an open but focused mind. You must consider all viewpoints and all solutions. Always have back up information/data and be strong in your decision. If you approach a challenge or problem with logical thinking and a clear plan once a direction is decided, then you should never give up to achieve your solution. Every challenge is an opportunity for you to show your skill in problem solving and prevention of recurrence.

What experiences prepared you most for your current position?

College, but not so much the technical knowledge. Working in groups or as a team is very important. You need to understand how to collaborate and negotiate to achieve the best solution for the team - this is not always the best solution for you. Practical problem solving is critical. You must have a clear, logical thought process and be able to explain your ideas and implement your solution. Any classes or other activities that provide you this kind of experience will be invaluable. Some of my design projects or group lab classes were very good. Also, I worked for the recruiting office, touring around large groups of potential students and their parents - it was a great way to enhance my presentation skills.

What skills are particularly important to possess in your field ?

1. Strong technical knowledge. You must want to learn forever. If you are not curious about how and why even if you are not an expert in the particular area, you can not succeed in engineering. 2. Strong communication skills. In today's engineering industries, things move fast and you have to stay informed of all aspects related to your responsible area. You must have effective and efficient communication skills. You must be able to explain your ideas simply both verbally and through written communication. Presentation and facilitation skills are invaluable. 3. Strong people skills. You must respect all people. You must understand how to participate or lead group discussions that result in meaningful output/agreements.

Who were some of your role models or mentors?

Teachers, bosses, and my parents. Their messages were always: be strong and confident - you can do anything!

To what professional organizations do you belong ?

1. Society of Automotive Engineers
2. Audio Engineering Society

How can students make the most of their experiences as undergraduates?

Take it seriously, but not too seriously. Companies are looking for the whole person. They want hard workers that want to learn new things and that have good problem solving skills. Although I did not take advantage of the programs, I highly recommend trying a co-op or internship. The professional world/work is dramatically different than the academic world/work. These programs help you focus on your studies and educate you about what you're getting yourself into.

What advice can you offer on choosing a major? A career?

Don't be afraid to challenge yourself. Focus on things that you're interested in or good at and expand them or apply them in a different way. Never discount a direction because you think it is too hard or you just don't have the skills - again, always challenge yourself.
Additionally, your major is just the starting point. You must be a lifetime student if you expect to be successful.

What is your greatest achievement or your greatest success at this point in your life?

I feel my greatest success is my balancing act between my family and my career. I am proud to say I have worked for Toyota for almost 11 years. I started as an entry level engineer and now I am a manager in charge of a eight person team developing some of the most interesting systems on the vehicle . I am equally proud to say I am a wife and mother of two wonderful daughters that are thriving in every way. This balance is the most difficult challenge I face every day.

How have you achieved balance in your career and family life?

It mainly involves a lot less sleep. You have to not dwell on what you could or should do, but what you can do. Make the most of every minute you spend in either area. Be careful to avoid the "do it yourself" trap. In your career and family, you always have support. One of the keys to balance and success is using that support wisely.

What are your long-term goals?

1. Establish large scale/full vehicle electronics development in North America for Toyota. 2. Design future generation of entertainment/telematic electronic systems for Toyota North American market vehicles. 3. VP of the new electronics division to support the above two objectives.

Additional words of advice:

Two important concepts I have learned from Toyota:
1. Kaizen: the art of continuous improvement. You should never be satisfied with the current condition. Always think of how to do things better or more efficiently. Continuous change is required to maintain success. 2. Never give up your decision/direction. If you plan and consider all viewpoints at the start of a task/project then the conclusion becomes obvious. Once the conclusion or goal is set, you must never give up to achieve your desired result. Every task or goal requires 150%. Be strong and confident and you will achieve your result.