Looking for a College major to get me into Cars

[skierkaj]

I've been thinking a lot lately and don't know if College is for me. I have to finish college (I'm only a freshmen), but I'm not sure what I want to do exactly. I know I want to do something with cars/performance/etc., but I just don't have that much experience with what's available. I'm currently enrolled in the Engineering Technology major here at UW (University of Wisconsin) Stout, with a concentration in mechanical design. Is this degree going to get me anywhere in the car world? I know I want to do something with cars. Does anyone have experience in this field? Can anyone set up an interview, and/or give me some more info on their jobs in the auto industry, and give me some ideas of what I can do? I'm just lost and don't know where to find info, cause nobody here at college can even dream of what I want to do for a living. I don't think anyone here has any experience in this field, or even know anything about it. Please help me out all you can; that's all I ask.

John http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Stuart Adams]

Call Detroit Speed and Engineering at 810-227-6343. Ask for Kyle, he can give you some info. that will probably be of value to you.

[Belair62]

THAT is why you are a 5 Star General Stuart....you just helped someone out ...Skirk may be the next Zora !

[skierkaj]

Well, I don't know about all that, but I guess I could try! You can only give your best and hope for the rest! This may sound sick, but. . . I LOVE YOU GUYS! Makes you wonder if I had too many beers at the parties around here! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif No really, Thanks alot! I'll give the guy a call and see how he can help. Thanks again. . .

John

[Fhakya]

You may want to check out the program here:
http://www.cset.mnsu.edu/aet/
It's the Automotive Engineering Technology program here at Minnesota State Univ. Mankato. I enrolled here when I took the tour and saw and engine dyno, chassis dyno, Superflow bench, composites lab, small aerodynamics testing chamber etc etc.. I, however, started working and did not finish that degree but I think it would be worthwile for you to check out. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
One particular friend of mine(Matt Patrick)who graduated from that program is currently working as a Product developer for
Zex (http://www.zex.com/) .

Good luck in the persuit.
-Mark Holman

[matt murphy]

John,

Getting a college degree is not going to guarantee you of getting a car related job like you dream of. A college degree is mainly going to help you with your base knowledge and your ability to work better with people in the future. A lot of people don't go to college and have achieved what you might think is a killer job working with cars. You also need to be a bit more specific on what you want to do with cars, like design, fabricating or the engineering of cars or parts. A lot of us could help you with more recommendations if you can narrow your dream job relating to cars down a bit.

Believe me, you have to be patient and let things happen and don't think at 20 or even 25 that you are going to make it in the job of your dreams. I would recommend that if you want to be in the car industry, I would get a part time job working at a dealership, either selling cars or working on cars at a dealership, and get that college degree. When I was at Notre Dame, all engineers and pre-meds were required to get a minor degree in something else, because most of them never found a job in that field they got their major degree in. Also, if you like cars, then I would get involved in your local car clubs (if you are not already involved with one), and don't push yourself into anything too big for that club. Remember, you are very young and the 20's are your years to LISTEN and LEARN. I have had a lot of young guys say that they are going to do what I am doing here and I welcome it. The one thing that they dont see is the contacts and connections needed, and trust within the industry that comes with time, and the experience to adapt to the changing times and clients, etc.

My biggest recommendation for you is to enjoy college and learn as much as you can and fill up your college resume the best you can. Graduate with a good degree and a good minor that are different and get as broad of an education as you can. Finding a College Major that will get you into cars probably isn't out there. Getting a job that will get you into cars is . . . Hang in there . . .

[Allen]

My biased recommendation would be to consider a good automotive/engineering college such as Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. They used to be called GMI Engineering and Management Institute. When they first started in the early 1900's, they were General Motors Institute...... the school where GM educated their engineers-to-be.

The program is set up over the course of five years, and is a co-operative education. You work for three months at a "sponsor" company, school for three months, work for three, and do that for five years. You can graduate with an engineering degree (mechancial, electrical, manufacturing, industrial, etc) or business/management.

Although many companies provide sponsorships, GM/Ford/Chrysler have lots of students there. You could get a job with one of those three while you are going through college. It would be a great experience and set you up for a full time job with one of them - if that's your goal.

http://www.kettering.edu/indexF.htm

Allen
BSME, '93

[tom406]

I agree with all of the above advice-although I'm biased as well, being a graduate of GMI/Kettering (BSMSE-'92). It's a unique program, and I benefited greatly from it. Matt's advice is well heeded as well, as I still needed to network and have the guts to ask for a job in the old car industry. You have to guide your career and make opportunities by meeting people and learning skills. Many folks have aimed for a career in automotive industries (or aerospace or other tech specialties) and ended up with safe but lackluster careers in specific component production, or "quality assurance." I worked for a medical device company during my stint at GMI, but most of my school friends working for the car companies ended up in groups designing seatbelts, or manufacturing taillight assemblies. Not that these things aren't important or noble, they just weren't my idea of "fun with cars". Even if you get into one of the car companies, you still have to use networking and opportunities to guide your career through the company. Only a few of the many workers in GM or Ford get to build the dream cars, and those who get there usually didn't get there by chance.

But you have to believe in the dream, and yourself. It is all attainable by regular folks like you and me. It won't come to you, though. You have to go and get it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

Try to distill your interest into what you want to do. If new car development seems the way, Kettering and others are great. If old cars are your passion, several colleges are offering excellent programs in auto restoration. If fabrication or custom bodywork are your bag, don't rule out many of the excellent tech schools out there. You have options, just focus on what your personal strengths are and what you enjoy. If you do what you like, you're more likely to do it well and the day sure goes by a lot faster http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif.

Don't let it overwhelm you - its nice to get on track early, but you will always be able to make new opportunities if you find yourself on the "wrong path".

Best of luck to you!

[scuncio]

I graduated with a BSME in 2000, worked for GM for a little while in engine development, quit to work for a car magazine, left the mag to go back to school for my MSME, and now I am supposed to be graduating in a few months. Not sure what I am going to do with myself, but I can vouch for the fact that a mechanical engineering degree will get you into nearly any career or company you wish, provided you have the ambition to do so. It's not the easiest path, but I think it's a great way to go for someone who's into cars...that's why I did it. Good luck!