Columbian Motors Corporation

Manufacturer, Assembler, Importer and Distributor of IVECO Brand (Trucks and Bus)

Tell me about yourself. EASY

Good morning and thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed and to introduce myself. I am sergi Nikolai m. Predicala, a graduate of the University of Camarines Norte with a degree in mechanical engineering, for which I received an award for best thesis and also for academic distinction.

I am a mechanical engineer, registered master plumber, and a Safety Officer 2 for both BOSH and COSH. I was also a former finance secretary for the University’s College of Engineering student government, where I created monthly financial reports, collected payments and fees from the engineering students, and planned and managed events.

During our thesis, I led the design and AutoCAD modelling of a coconut fiber pot molding machine, which reduced the cycle time of the machine by 50% compared to a previous model.

During my internship at Del Monte Motor Works inc, I assisted in maintaining the quality and reliability of more than 10 buses. In which I performed water and heat leak tests, disassembly and reassembly of bus parts and panels, and logged inventories and material receiving reports using Microsoft Excel.

I am now looking for the opportunity to apply and further enhance my engineering skills.

Why do you want to work at Columbian Motors Corporation?

As a newly licensed Mechanical Engineer, I'm excited to begin my career in the automotive industry because it is one of the fields I'm most interested in. I want to gain hands-on experience and learn more about how vehicles are assembled, manufactured, and maintained. Columbian Motors Corporation stands out to me because of its Cadet Engineer program, which offers exposure to different departments. I believe this is a great opportunity to apply the engineering principles I've learned while continuously developing my technical, analytical, and leadership skills.

Why did you choose Mechanical Engineering?

What do you know about CMC and our business?

Based on my research, Columbian Motors Corporation is a Filipino-owned company established in 1981. CMC is engaged in the manufacturing, assembly, and distribution of commercial vehicles, particularly the IVECO brand of trucks and buses, as well as other brands like Daewoo.

I also learned that the company has its main corporate office in Pasay and an assembly plant in Laguna, where vehicle assembly operations are carried out. What impressed me most is CMC's focus on providing quality products and reliable after-sales service, as well as its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

As a newly licensed Mechanical Engineer, I'm excited about the opportunity to learn how commercial vehicles are assembled and supported throughout their lifecycle while contributing to the company's operations.

Why should we hire you for this Cadet Engineer position?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Describe a time you demonstrated leadership. (Intercol foods)

How do you handle pressure and long working hours?

As a newly licensed Mechanical Engineer, I understand that there are times when engineering projects require extra hours to meet deadlines or resolve urgent issues. I handle pressure by staying organized, prioritizing the most critical tasks, and communicating with my team when challenges arise.

As a former finance secretary and a college student, I balanced demanding studies, events management, paperwork, and deadlines. One technique I did was planning out the whole week by managing my time and dividing my tasks into smaller steps.

Where do you see yourself in the next 3–5 years?

In the next 3 to 5 years, I see myself becoming a competent Mechanical Engineer and eventually growing into a professional CAD Designer. My long-term goal is to design mechanical components, but I understand that good design starts with understanding how parts are actually manufactured, assembled, and maintained according to industry standards and regulations.

That's why I'm interested in joining Columbian Motors Corporation. I believe the Cadet Engineer program will give me the hands-on experience and technical foundation I need to develop those skills while contributing to the company's operations.

Which engineering subjects are you most confident in, and why?

One of the engineering subjects I'm most confident in is Thermodynamics. It required analyzing the relationships between temperature, pressure, enthalpy, and entropy using steam and refrigerant property tables. Most of our seatwork involved solving problems step by step, so I became very careful in reading charts accurately and applying the correct values.

I also developed the habit of double-checking my calculations and results before submitting my work. I believe that attention to detail is an important quality for a Mechanical Engineer because it helps ensure accurate records, reliable analysis, and fewer errors in engineering operations.

Explain a project you completed in college.

One of the most significant projects I completed in college was our thesis: a pot molding machine that converts coconut coir into biodegradable flower pots.

I served as the lead designer, and my primary responsibility was creating and improving the machine's design using AutoCAD. Throughout the project, I worked closely with my teammates to identify design improvements that would make the manufacturing process more efficient.

One of our key achievements was reducing the machine's cycle time by about 50% compared to the previous prototype. That experience taught me the importance of combining design, analysis, and teamwork to solve real engineering problems. It also strengthened my interest in machine design and manufacturing, which is why I'm excited about the opportunity to join CMC as a Cadet Engineer.

How do you approach solving a technical problem?

I approach a technical problem by first identifying the root cause instead of jumping to a solution. I gather the necessary information, such as measurements, drawings, or operating data, then analyze the problem step by step. After identifying possible solutions, I evaluate the safest and most practical option, implement it, and verify that it resolves the issue. I also document the findings so the same problem can be prevented in the future.

What is preventive maintenance, and why is it important?

Preventive maintenance is the regular inspection, diagnosis, servicing, and maintenance of a machine or vehicle to ensure it operates efficiently and to prevent unexpected breakdowns or costly damage. Rather than waiting for a failure to occur, preventive maintenance helps identify potential issues early and extends the equipment's service life.

I believe it's important because it improves reliability, reduces downtime, lowers repair costs, and helps ensure the safety of both the equipment and its users.

corrective v preventive maintenance

Corrective maintenance fixes problems after they happen, while preventive maintenance aims to prevent those problems from happening in the first place.

- How would you ensure quality in a manufacturing or service process?

I would ensure quality by implementing a structured program of scheduled inspections and preventive maintenance to keep machines operating efficiently and minimize defects. Regular monitoring and accurate record-keeping also help identify problems before they affect production.

However, quality is not only about the machines—it also depends on the people operating them. As a Safety Officer during college, I learned the importance of promoting a strong safety culture. Conducting regular safety seminars and reminding employees of proper workplace procedures helps reduce human error, prevent accidents, and maintain consistent quality throughout the manufacturing process.

Are you familiar with AutoCAD, Excel, or other engineering software?

Yes, I am familiar with both AutoCAD and Microsoft Excel.

During our thesis, I extensively used AutoCAD as the lead designer to create and improve the design of our pot molding machine. Through several design revisions, we were able to reduce the machine's cycle time by 50% compared to the previous model.

I'm also proficient in Microsoft Excel. As the former Finance Secretary of our University's College of Engineering Student Government, I used Excel to maintain financial records and prepare monthly financial reports. My responsibilities included tracking cash inflows and outflows, organizing data accurately, and ensuring that our records were up to date.

I believe these skills will be valuable in engineering documentation, reporting, and design work at CMC.

If assigned to Procurement or Project Management, how would your engineering background help?

If I'm assigned to Procurement or Project Management, I believe my engineering background will help me make more informed technical decisions.

As a Mechanical Engineer, I can interpret engineering drawings, understand material and component specifications, and evaluate whether parts meet the required standards. This is valuable in procurement because it helps ensure that the correct materials and equipment are sourced while maintaining quality and cost efficiency.

In Project Management, my experience leading the design of our thesis project taught me how to plan tasks, coordinate with teammates, and meet deadlines. I also learned the importance of documentation, communication, and solving problems systematically. As a newly licensed engineer, I'm eager to continue developing these skills and apply them in CMC's operations.

A customer reports a recurring vehicle issue. How would you respond?

If a customer reports a recurring vehicle issue, I would first inspect the vehicle and gather as much information as possible about the symptoms, such as when the problem occurs and the vehicle's service history. I would then record my findings accurately, diagnose the root cause, and recommend or apply the appropriate repair based on the manufacturer's procedures. Finally, I would verify that the issue has been resolved through testing and document the work performed to help prevent the problem from recurring.

Your supervisor asks you to stay beyond working hours to finish an urgent task. What would you do?

If my supervisor asks me to stay beyond working hours to complete an urgent task, I would be willing to stay and focus on the task at hand. I understand that there are situations in engineering where meeting deadlines and responding to urgent issues is important.

Even under time pressure, I would make sure not to compromise the quality of my work. I would put in the extra effort while following the proper procedures to ensure the task is completed accurately and safely.

You notice a mistake in a procurement order before it is processed. What action would you take?

If I notice a mistake in a procurement order before it is processed, I would hold the order to prevent the incorrect item from being purchased. I would immediately inform my supervisor or the concerned colleagues, explain the error, and verify the correct specifications or quantities. Before resubmitting the order, I would double-check the entire document to ensure there are no other errors.

I believe it's better to catch and correct mistakes early, as it saves time, reduces costs, and prevents delays in operations.

- If you're assigned to a department you're unfamiliar with, how will you adapt?

If I'm assigned to a department I'm unfamiliar with, I would adapt by observing the workflow, taking notes, and asking questions whenever necessary.

A good example is during my internship at Del Monte Motor Works. I was assigned to the warehouse, where I prepared parts needed by the production workers. At first, I made mistakes because the quantities of bolts and nuts were determined by weight rather than manual counting. To improve, I practiced weighing the parts on my own until I became more accurate.

I also had difficulty locating some parts in the warehouse. I addressed this by spending extra time familiarizing myself with the storage layout, taking notes on where parts were located, and asking guidance from the warehouse supervisor. That experience taught me that adapting quickly comes from being observant, willing to learn, and proactive in seeking help.

What would you do if a senior technician disagrees with your recommendation?

If a senior technician disagrees with my recommendation, I would first explain the reasoning behind my recommendation using the available data or inspection findings. Then, I would listen to the technician's perspective and understand why they disagree.

I believe experienced technicians often have practical knowledge that can lead to a better solution. Rather than arguing, I would compare both approaches, discuss the best course of action, and choose the solution that is safest, most effective, and aligned with the company's procedures.

Do you have any questions for us?

1. "What would a typical first three months look like for someone in this role?"

2. Could you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of a Cadet Engineer, and how the assignments differ between departments?

3. Is there anything about my background that would make you hesitate to move me forward for this position? I'd appreciate the opportunity to address it.

4. Are there any areas in my interviewing skills that I need to improve?