Question about Career in Automotive

[2000DodgeDakota]

Hi I am in my early 20's and I am thinking about going to college to become a Automotive Technician because Cars are my passion. And I just wanted to ask a couple of things. One how is the economy effecting working on cars? Is it a good career? Or should I keep it as a hobby? Thanks for any advice.

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

Cars are my passion as well. I had been going to my dad's shop since I was in preschool and spent just about all my free time there, either helping him or working on my own projects. Then as I neared the end of my high school career, Dad informed me that he would cut off my hands (jokingly, I think) if I went into that field for my career. He explained to me about how expensive the equipment was getting, how difficult it is to reach items in modern cars, etc.

Since my second love was electronics, I went to school and got my degree in Electrical Engineering. I had a job confirmed before graduating college, the tools I need are provided for me by my employer, I am clean after a full day in my climate controlled office, and my salary allows me to buy specialty tools to do automotives as a hobby for myself and co-workers. Plus I get to pick and choose the automotive projects I take on.

Obviously for me, automotives wasn't as much of a love as it is for others, and engineering certainly isn't for everyone. I never minded being called a nerd or gEEk though (EE, can't spell gEEk without it!).

You may also want to review this thread for more thoughts on the automotive field.

Good luck in whatever you choose!

-Rod

[UncleBob]

in my parts of the world, the economy hasn't effected the industry at all....yet

Can't say I'm too confident that will continue. But keep in mind, the industry has been short handed on techs for decades. Even if the market took a pretty big hit, I think we'll still do being pretty good. Not enough techs to go around

[72chevelleOhio]

Originally Posted by UncleBob

Not enough techs to go around

Not enough GOOD techs to go around.......something as simple as not getting greasy hand prints on a vehicle......nevermind I wont hijack........

Originally Posted by shorod

You may also want to review this thread for more thoughts on the automotive field.

And this one..

And this one...


.....Look at that post count go, woooo!!!

[UncleBob]

Originally Posted by 72chevelleOhio

Not enough GOOD techs to go around.......something as simple as not getting greasy hand prints on a vehicle......nevermind I wont hijack........

around here, if you have a pulse, you're qualified

we had a couple months where we were trying to find an entry level tech. 4 kids later, 2 blown up engines....we found a recovering meth head who is on parole....best we could find

[tripletdaddy]

Actually, the news has reported that with the slumping economy and elevated gas prices, people are hanging onto their cars longer. So, short term, it sounds like it could be very secure. If you worked at a dealership or big enough garage, wouldn't the business buy the more expensive tools that are needed, that otherwise wouldn't make much sense for an individual to own? Kind of like the car lift?

[BlauesQ]

Hey,

I study automotive engineering in Germany. Currently I'm taking an internship at BMW,so if you want to get informations about the study you can contact me...

greetings from germany

[bobss396]

I went into automotive and diesel school in 1973, graduated in 1975 right in time for the first oil embargo and all the fun stuff with it. The economy does impact people getting their car fixed. I worked for one shop until 1980, jumped ship right into another fun time of a recession.

I eventually gave up my "career" in fixing cars. The schools today take partnership with local shops and dealers and most students have to put in so many hours before they can graduate. Which is a good thing to get a does or reality with it.

The trick is to land in a good shop where they watch over you and are helpful. Some shops (like dealers), everything is dog-eat-dog, every man for himself. Don't turn down a job at a independent shop if it comes up. Most of them prefer to train younger people and hang onto them.

Bob