2 answers
Geremy
Student
1
Question
Asked
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As someone who intends to stay in the automotive space, what are a few good tips for making the right connections while I pursue my degree?
I am currently a technician working for a NAPA affiliated shop and I've seen a lot of aftermarket companies making tools and the such. My goal out of college is to join a team that specializes in aftermarket tools(PICO, Snap on, Milwaukee, Gearwrench, etc.). I wouldn't mind working for any other company/firm as long as it deals with automotive technology/engineering.
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2 answers
Sheila Schultz
Engineering Leader
64
Answers
Brighton, Michigan
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Geremy, it is great to hear about your interest in the automotive area!
I spent over 30 years as an engineer and leader in the automotive industry. I am a mechanical engineer. Mechanical engineering is a fantastic foundation for many roles. I currently lead a company which helps businesses operate more efficiently using software tools and artificial intelligence aids. Prior to this, I led a team for the Advanced System Integration of defense/military vehicles and projects. In addition, I had many other roles in my career in the automotive industry including thermal engineer, design/release engineer, vehicle systems engineer, system safety engineer, and a variety of engineering leader roles. The engineering foundation enabled me to have a successful and wide variety of career experiences.
There are many types of engineering – Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Software, Industrial, Manufacturing and more. For mechanical engineering, there are also many sub-focus areas, so you can pick the area(s) that you find the most interesting. Some examples include: Thermal systems/fluids, Mechanical Structures, Materials, and Automotive design.
As you expressed interest in the aftermarket tools, you could explore mechanical engineering or many of the other types which could be associated with tools of interest. At University, many people enter programs which offer co-op/internships. You may want to explore this and find aftermarket tool companies to work with. These co-op/intern programs offer you an opportunity to work and enables work experience, different career areas to experience, and an opportunity to earn money along the way.
There are also a lot of highly technical/technician jobs in automotive. I will comment from the perspective of the proving ground garage where I worked a couple years ago. Our team included electrical, general assembly and fabrication technicians and our focus was automotive and military advanced future vehicles. The work varied daily which made it very exciting. A few examples of daily activities: building wiring harness for advanced vehicles, route causing electrical issues on current and advanced concept vehicles, readying vehicles for testing at the proving grounds, fabricating small to very large parts – using numerous types of shop equipment, welding, working with engineers and CAD designers to develop concept vehicles including providing input on designs and concepts, inventing, disassembling and assembling vehicles and components, root causing mechanical issues, engine/chassis build up, general military vehicle and automotive vehicle maintenance, garage safety walks/equipment checks in work areas, and supporting validation / testing activities. Our team was highly skilled and in great demand – this is also a great field to go into.
Best wishes to you as you explore your future career.
I spent over 30 years as an engineer and leader in the automotive industry. I am a mechanical engineer. Mechanical engineering is a fantastic foundation for many roles. I currently lead a company which helps businesses operate more efficiently using software tools and artificial intelligence aids. Prior to this, I led a team for the Advanced System Integration of defense/military vehicles and projects. In addition, I had many other roles in my career in the automotive industry including thermal engineer, design/release engineer, vehicle systems engineer, system safety engineer, and a variety of engineering leader roles. The engineering foundation enabled me to have a successful and wide variety of career experiences.
There are many types of engineering – Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Software, Industrial, Manufacturing and more. For mechanical engineering, there are also many sub-focus areas, so you can pick the area(s) that you find the most interesting. Some examples include: Thermal systems/fluids, Mechanical Structures, Materials, and Automotive design.
As you expressed interest in the aftermarket tools, you could explore mechanical engineering or many of the other types which could be associated with tools of interest. At University, many people enter programs which offer co-op/internships. You may want to explore this and find aftermarket tool companies to work with. These co-op/intern programs offer you an opportunity to work and enables work experience, different career areas to experience, and an opportunity to earn money along the way.
There are also a lot of highly technical/technician jobs in automotive. I will comment from the perspective of the proving ground garage where I worked a couple years ago. Our team included electrical, general assembly and fabrication technicians and our focus was automotive and military advanced future vehicles. The work varied daily which made it very exciting. A few examples of daily activities: building wiring harness for advanced vehicles, route causing electrical issues on current and advanced concept vehicles, readying vehicles for testing at the proving grounds, fabricating small to very large parts – using numerous types of shop equipment, welding, working with engineers and CAD designers to develop concept vehicles including providing input on designs and concepts, inventing, disassembling and assembling vehicles and components, root causing mechanical issues, engine/chassis build up, general military vehicle and automotive vehicle maintenance, garage safety walks/equipment checks in work areas, and supporting validation / testing activities. Our team was highly skilled and in great demand – this is also a great field to go into.
Best wishes to you as you explore your future career.
Ligia McLean
Manage International Sales
12
Answers
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Ligia’s Answer
Here are some helpful tips to make great connections while you're working on your degree:
1) Check out where some tooling companies are located near you. Do a quick online search to learn more about them.
2) Big auto companies often have lists of suppliers. These could be great places to seek part-time work or internships.
3) Search online for "automotive companies in [your area]." Visit them in person to ask about internships or apprenticeships.
4) Meet people in the industry. Building relationships and sharing your passion can really open doors!
5) Look into companies like Black & Decker. Use the internet to explore your options. We have so many resources available, so let's take advantage of them and move forward!
1) Check out where some tooling companies are located near you. Do a quick online search to learn more about them.
2) Big auto companies often have lists of suppliers. These could be great places to seek part-time work or internships.
3) Search online for "automotive companies in [your area]." Visit them in person to ask about internships or apprenticeships.
4) Meet people in the industry. Building relationships and sharing your passion can really open doors!
5) Look into companies like Black & Decker. Use the internet to explore your options. We have so many resources available, so let's take advantage of them and move forward!