How do you learn from other manufacturing experts?

1 Join online communities

One of the easiest ways to learn from other manufacturing experts is to join online communities where you can ask questions, share insights, and get feedback. There are many platforms and forums dedicated to manufacturing engineering, such as Reddit, Quora, LinkedIn, and Stack Exchange. You can also follow blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and webinars from reputable sources and influencers in your niche. Online communities can help you stay updated on the latest trends, best practices, and challenges in manufacturing engineering, as well as connect with peers and mentors.

2 Attend events and workshops

Another way to learn from other manufacturing experts is to attend events and workshops that are relevant to your interests and goals. These can be online or offline, depending on your location and availability. Events and workshops can offer you the opportunity to network with other professionals, learn from speakers and trainers, and participate in hands-on activities and projects. You can find events and workshops through websites, social media, newsletters, and word-of-mouth. Some examples of events and workshops for manufacturing engineers are the Manufacturing Engineering Conference, the Lean Manufacturing Workshop, and the Industry 4.0 Summit.

3 Read books and articles

A third way to learn from other manufacturing experts is to read books and articles that cover topics and cases related to manufacturing engineering. Books and articles can provide you with in-depth knowledge, analysis, and insights from experts and practitioners in the field. You can find books and articles through online databases, libraries, recommendations, and reviews. Some examples of books and articles for manufacturing engineers are The Toyota Way by Jeffrey Liker, The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt, and The Machine That Changed the World by James Womack, Daniel Jones, and Daniel Roos.

4 Take courses and certifications

A fourth way to learn from other manufacturing experts is to take courses and certifications that can enhance your skills and qualifications. Courses and certifications can help you learn new concepts, methods, tools, and standards in manufacturing engineering, as well as demonstrate your competence and credibility. You can find courses and certifications through online platforms, universities, associations, and organizations. Some examples of courses and certifications for manufacturing engineers are the Manufacturing Engineering Certificate Program by MIT, the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification by ASQ, and the Manufacturing Engineering Online Course by edX.

5 Work on projects and challenges

A fifth way to learn from other manufacturing experts is to work on projects and challenges that can expose you to different scenarios, problems, and solutions in manufacturing engineering. Projects and challenges can help you apply your skills, learn from your mistakes, and improve your performance. You can find projects and challenges through your own work, competitions, hackathons, and collaborations. Some examples of projects and challenges for manufacturing engineers are the Manufacturing Excellence Award by The Manufacturer, the Manufacturing Hackathon by Hackster, and the Manufacturing Engineering Capstone Project by Coursera.

6 Seek feedback and advice

A sixth way to learn from other manufacturing experts is to seek feedback and advice from people who have more experience, knowledge, or perspective than you. Feedback and advice can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, as well as guide you to achieve your goals and overcome your challenges. You can seek feedback and advice through mentors, coaches, peers, managers, customers, and suppliers. Some examples of feedback and advice for manufacturing engineers are the Manufacturing Engineering Mentoring Program by SME, the Manufacturing Engineering Coaching Service by CareerFoundry, and the Manufacturing Engineering Peer Review by Peergrade.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?