Careers in the motor car industry

bonoz · 02-07-07, 09:32

I'm having an absolute hell deciding what to do with life. Currently I'm an IT/Pre-med.

But then, I am absolutely passionate about cars... more so than... Cell organisms.

So I'm wondering, what possible careers are there in the auto industry? I'm not talking about detailing or mechanic or something. But more into working for car companies... car design? engineering? would it be as fun as it seems? is it a good idea to follow your heart? or is it a good idea to follow your head and a bit of heart?

I'm walking barefoot on broken glass, stuck at cross-roads

Accumulator · 02-07-07, 09:51

I'm a broken-record on this topic: I always say to get a broad-based liberal arts education with an emphasis on how to think and communicate. The sharpest tool in the shed often gets chosen for whatever job needs doing

IMO (and FWIW I'm a retired college teacher) too many people think they have to have their lives all planned out when they're in school and they use college like some white-color trade school. FWIW#2, my wife and I ended up with careers in fields *totally* undrelated to our degree fields.

Lone_Star · 02-07-07, 10:06

bonoz
it is a really tough field right now. It all depends on who you know and how lucky you are. Just remember that really, working at one of the car companies you are not really working with cars, but small parts of cars.

The nice thing about meds is that you can enjoy your passion by buying the vehicle you like and enjoying it. Just my .02, as I work in the auto industry and am disappointed at how things work here.

bonoz · 02-07-07, 10:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lone_Star

bonoz
it is a really tough field right now. It all depends on who you know and how lucky you are. Just remember that really, working at one of the car companies you are not really working with cars, but small parts of cars.

The nice thing about meds is that you can enjoy your passion by buying the vehicle you like and enjoying it. Just my .02, as I work in the auto industry and am disappointed at how things work here.

1) What does FWIW mean?

2) I understand that working in a car company isn't really what it seems like. But, what do you do?? and also, I'm sure it probably takes a lot of smarts to reach the top in those fields and end up working for something like BMW or Ferrari or something.

LastDetail · 02-07-07, 11:54

FWIW = For What It's Worth

Typically to get ahead in those type of fiels you need to have a background in engineering and automobile fabrication. I beleive that to have any hope of making it in that industry you would want a specialized education in the field. That is the central problem in the US right now, only people who have the background ALREADY will get the job at the entry level position. Whenere you used to be able to get that kind of experience on the job, now they expect you to have it from school.

Like Accumulator said, get a broad focus degree and put as many feelers out there as you can to find what you really like. If I hadn't had to take all those general ed classes I never would have found out that I really enjoy political science.

bonoz · 02-07-07, 02:52

How about something like a "Test Driver" or the guys who test out the prototypes and stuff.

And, aren't there institutes in Europe for these type of things for specialisation?

Grimm · 02-07-07, 04:13

Just go to college and concentrate on getting your core classes out of the way the first couple years. Then get internships in whatever you think you might want to do. I was under a rock during my early years and never realized there were such things as internships until I was like a junior in college and had one as part of a class. I wish I had known that sooner and tried to take a couple different internships in different areas.

velobard · 02-07-07, 04:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonoz

How about something like a "Test Driver" or the guys who test out the prototypes and stuff.

And, aren't there institutes in Europe for these type of things for specialisation?

I worked as a test driver for a few years, driving for GM and VW. My knowledge of this sort of thing dates back to the early 90s, so things might have changed since then.

Most car companies don't hire test drivers as direct employees, but as contract employees. That means less compensation, no benefits, and no job security. It was fun work, at least at first, but involves a lot of tedious, boring stuff. At GM I drove on the proving ground and did countless laps of boring sections of road, driving the exact same way each time. At VW we drove on public roads most of the time, but it was the same route every night, 6 days a week. I went into it thinking it was something fun to do for 2 or 3 years, and that's exactly what I did. I enjoyed my time, but I wouldn't go back.

wlhump · 02-07-07, 05:05

I am a certified car nut and I work in the auto industry. For the last 25 years!

Went straight to work for GM out of engineering school with a degree in mechanical engineering. Loved every second! Got to see new vehicle way before the public, knew what went on behind the scenes, the engineering marvels behind it (Geek alert!)

, but you get the picture. Working for a manufacturer when you love the product is the way to go

Now.....

The auto industry has become a cut-throat, brutal industry badgered by legacy costs, razor thin profit margins and immense regulatory costs. Hence the stress level is HIGH every day.
Regulations: Look at what happens to a manufacturer when a vehicle fails and someone gets hurt. If its a true defect, so be it. But today, all some lawyer has to prove is that the cost of preventing some idiot from trying to drive his car underwater would have only been $5.00 and some jury will award the would be sub-captain's family millions. Therefore most manufacturers impose incredibly strigent requirements on even the nuts and bolts that go into a car, along with huge testing and documentation. All trying to defend again potential lawsuits. It is simply astounding the things you have to think about when you make a change to a car part. Even more when considering how the government regulates the industry.
Profit margins: Look, US manufacturers have not built many "gotta have" cars in the last couple years with the exception of the Mustang , etc. But their quality has made significant strides. However, there is a legacy to live down and it is making the profit margins almost non-existant. Legacy costs for unions, poor management and bad product decisions all can share the blame. There's plenty to go around. But the result is the same....razor thin profit vs. loss margins and therefore stress related to every penny spent.

Toyota makes money but since I work for a supplier, I have had the chance to work with them also. They make money by working 24x7 and pushing everything, all the time. An interesting, very data driven organization that is nice to work for as an engineer, but stressful none the less.

I am sure many of you could say the same about your jobs. 50-60 hour weeks etc.
However, I read "Gee, I love cars, it would be great to build them I think"
I am just trying to portray the other side of the coin. Working for a car company when you're a car nut seems like utopia. Be careful what you wish for. There are great jobs in the auto industry, I'm sure. But there are many more so divorced from the vehicle program development we all dream about that you might as well be making skateboards!

jsatek · 02-07-07, 05:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

I'm a broken-record on this topic: I always say to get a broad-based liberal arts education with an emphasis on how to think and communicate. The sharpest tool in the shed often gets chosen for whatever job needs doing

IMO (and FWIW I'm a retired college teacher) too many people think they have to have their lives all planned out when they're in school and they use college like some white-color trade school. FWIW#2, my wife and I ended up with careers in fields *totally* undrelated to our degree fields.

Thats great advice.

bonoz · 02-08-07, 01:43

Ok what about opportunities in Europe regarding this field?

Also, how much would someone get paid in a specific auto field?

THanks for all your help.

PS. When you say internships, I know I have it down to between doing something in science or technology or IT or Medicine... etc... so I should think of internships in that area? and for auto fields, there aren't that many internships now are there?

LastDetail · 02-08-07, 03:32

The basic rule of thumb with internships is that everyone needs some unpaid labor. They get your work for free and you get the experience for your resume. Practically any field that you want to go in will have the ability to do internships.