Career Exploration in Northeast China with Fortune 500 Companies: A Journey towards Manufacturing Powerhouse - Visiting CRRC and FAW

On April 15^th, the Strong Nation, My Responsibility Fortune 500 Career Exploration Practice Team from the School of Mechatronics Engineering set off from Harbin, officially embarking on a three-day, two-location study and visit. On the first day, the team visited CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd. and China FAW Group Corporation, immersing themselves in the innovative rhythm and development momentum of these pillar enterprises of the nation.

At CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd., through promotional video, the practice team members gained an initial understanding of CRRC's development blueprint and global footprint. Subsequently, guided by the curator, they visited cutting-edge facilities, including the Integrated Verification Platform, Virtual Simulation Verification Center, Railway Vehicle Crash Test Speed Measurement Laboratory, and the control room of the Acoustic Laboratory. These visits provided them with a profound insight into CRRC's research and development capabilities in rail transit equipment. The curator delivered a systematic explanation centered around various product platforms such as electric multiple units (EMUs), railway passenger cars, intercity trains, suburban trains, and metro trains. They also traced numerous first-of-their-kind-in-China milestones in CRRC's R&D history, vividly illustrating the remarkable journey of China's rail transit industry—from its humble beginnings (starting from nothing) to global prominence, and from relative fragility to robust strength.

In the afternoon, the practice team visited FAW-Volkswagen and toured the enterprise's historical and cultural exhibition hall, gaining an immersive understanding of the development trajectory and technological evolution of China's first automobile industry. In the final assembly workshop, the students closely observed the whole process of assembly and testing for Audi models, witnessing firsthand how intelligent manufacturing empowers modern automobile production. During the discussion session with the company, representatives from FAW-Volkswagen shared their path of personal growth, offering guidance on career choices, skill development, and workplace adaptation. They also provided one-on-one resume reviews for practice team members, offering valuable advice for their future job searches. Additionally, the practice team members visited the crash test site, experiencing how technology safeguards travel safety.

To build a manufacturing powerhouse, the youth must take the lead. Through the first day's activities, the students not only deepened their understanding of the operational models and development strategies of Fortune 500 companies but also clarified their directions for effort through dialogue and exchange. Members of the practice team will continue to nurture their patriotism, hone their professional skills, and strive to become the pillars of a strong nation in the new era.