How to get a job in the automotive field, doing anything really? (Mini rant)

"Frosted" (frostedbuns) 02/20/2014 at 16:19 • Filed to: None

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So I'm a junior in college, studying geology. I started out loving this field but after 3 years I'm tired of it. But I'm too far in to just switch majors. Plus this school doesn't offer anything automotive or engineering related. Currently I go full time but after this summer I'll be going part time to make room for a job.

But I don't just want a job. I'd ideally like a job working with cars. Doing what doesn't matter. I'll work on them, I'll sell them, I'll was them in a dealership etc etc whatever. But I haven't a clue how to get my foot in the door for an automotive career. I've applied for apprentice/internship at a few local shops that generally like having earl 20s aged kids around for cheap labor but they'll have none of it. So I ask, Opponauts, especially those who do have careers in the automotive world, how does one get a start doing car shiz?

Have a rally Legacy for your time:

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Frosted 02/20/2014 at 16:23

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Are you a people person? Are you good with technology? Can you teach people who are clueless how to use said tech without making them feel inferior?

Try looking/asking at you local Lexus/Audi/BMW dealers about "Product Specialist" positions.

I work for a Lexus dealer as a Product Specialist, and all I do is teach people how to use the tech in their Lexus vehicles. We also fix problems; like people get new phones and can't figure out how to pair them to their cars. Or their phones stop working with their cars. Stuff like that.

I have a History degree. So, clearly I'm working in my field here...

Frosted > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 02/20/2014 at 16:28

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I'm not generally a people person but if it's on the subject of cars then yes, I can hold a conversation without making a fool of myself.

That sounds like a pretty....fun...might be the wrong word...not bad job. I'll head to the local Lexus/BMW/Audi dealerships this weekend (all within 5 mins of each other). Plus maybe the local Ray Catena (MBenz, Land Rover, Jaguar, Smart all in one plaza).

Thanks for the tip!

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Frosted 02/20/2014 at 16:30

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Apply to work at a dealer or go to WYOTech or work in HR.

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > Frosted 02/20/2014 at 16:38

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politely email any establishment you might be interested in, sooner or later someone will respond

I remember one huge missed opportunity I did just that with a Mercedes Euro marketing intern-to-work gig I just happened across on a database at the right time.

The guy emailed me back and said well your schooling and enthusiasm seems great, I would consider you....but can you speak French? I should have just lied and said yes then pounded rosetta stone until I got it. Thats another thing never miss an opportunity to be immersed you'll never know what neighbor is a cool car person or has connections.

Dealerships- just know what you're selling inside and out and be the forthcoming car person you know yourself to be and they will appreciate your enthusiasm/ dedication. As you know your shit alls you need to worry about is how to shoot down every concern or comparison with a positive about your car. Be honest if you don't know something and promise to get the right answer, and respect your time, not only theirs or risk being walked on.

If you can work in the garage and they know they can use you, training and certification can come later, at the right place.

Frosted > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/20/2014 at 16:38

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I really wanted to go to UTI but the closest campus was in PA and my parents put their foot down. I'll be trying a few dealerships in the upcoming weeks. Maybe I'll get lucky and get a job at the local Volvo dealership.

Frosted > banjo cat ghost of oppo past 02/20/2014 at 16:49

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One thing that does worry me is that not having proper training or certification would just look bad/be red flags to a dealership/garage that was looking at hiring me. I knew a nearby Ray Catena and I believe a BMW dealer like to hire inexperienced individuals so that way they can train them to work on the specific makes and models.

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > Frosted 02/20/2014 at 16:57

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Essactly. Any establishment I've worked for would do the same thing IF they believed you had some thorough previous experience even wenching on your own stuff and then you'll study for your paid bmw or vw or whatever training there. So yeah offer to help people on their projects I spoze, if you don't have anything goin on currently. Even if you're just sweeping up somewhere or crewing for a local track hobby dude its worth the inquiry

Squid > Frosted 02/20/2014 at 17:25

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First you have to find a dealership that would be fine with you being part time, which from what I remember they only really like full time employees. Second talk to the managers and tell them what your goals are and that you are willing to work your way up from the bottom.

I worked as a porter/lot bitch for a while then got into the lube rack and then got an aprenticeship under the quickservice guy then was sent to the ASSET program. now I don't work on cars any more. . . The auto industry may have bounced back by now but when I was getting into it in 05 it was a bad time as all the dealerships closed down in 08 right as I was finishing my ASSET program.

Try finding any opening at all, even if it is for an Autozone or something then after school you can go and try to get a job as a parts guy at a dealership. If you want to sell cars, I can't help you there.

Frosted > Squid 02/20/2014 at 17:29

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Thanks for the tip!

I'm going to try everything in the next couple weeks, even just being a security guard at a local race track. I'd be fine with cleaning snow off cars and keeping the showroom floor spotless if it meant just working with/around cars for a while. Beats flipping burgers for sure.

Squid > Frosted 02/20/2014 at 17:33

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Talk to the service manager and the sales managers and tell them you want to be a porter then. When you go bring your DMV print out of the last 3 years proving your driving record. That initiative alone would make a good impression.