Having some weird (not bad) thoughts, Oppo

"wunderwagen wants a longer roof" (wunderwagen) 04/29/2015 at 23:48 • Filed to: None

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Just need to get them out, feel free to chime in. Here’s one of the very few coupe’s I would love to own, especially in this navy blue and the carbon fiber(?) style trim. The GTS-R is my favorite racecar other than the C7.R.

I’m at this point where I’m 21, halfway through college, and generally doing fairly well other than the need to lose some weight(which I plan to do over the summer).

The big thing is that I need to be thinking about looking at internships and career paths, but have no idea what I want to do. I’m a Supply Chain Management/Logistics major and would like to look in the automotive industry at a manufacturer or parts company, but am unsure where to start/look/who to talk to. I’d like to intern next summer with a company especially since I live within 4-5 hours from Detroit. What do you guys think?

Outside of that, life is good. Couple of great friends, decent job to get me through the rest of school, moving to a new house/better city with the family in a month, and no need to worry about school debt. Gonna be fixing the weight issue over the summer and getting more active which will make me happier as well. Hiking is definitely in the cards and a nice excuse to start bettering my photography skills as well. Might even start learning to wrench on my car in my nice new, huge, flat garage and driveway.

And another Viper to end this, first one I ever saw in person.

(Ignore the watermark because I haven’t edited them out)

CB > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/29/2015 at 23:52

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Look to see if you have any connections, first. Friend of a friend, anything, really. Second, see if you can do anything through your school. Third, just spam the hell out of them and be persistent.

That’s all the advice I’ve got on the matter.

TheHondaBro > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/29/2015 at 23:53

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One thing I’ve been told all my life is to NOT make your passion your career. You will learn to hate it very quickly, and they’re right.

I’m a Mechanical Engineering major, and I plan on mastering in Aerospace and working for one of the big aerospace manufacturers (Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, etc.). I once considered working for the automotive industry, but I chose not to eventually.

But then again, it is ultimately your choice. I can only provide my $0.02. If your state has a co-op program (Oregon has MECOP for ME majors), then you can find some great job opportunities through that.

GeorgeyBoy > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 00:02

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In Michigan? What school?

You need to check out some career fairs if you haven’t already and get some connections.

My roommate is in supply chain and logistics, I feel like the only interviews he ever got was at Marathon or Kimberly Clark. Don’t remember any automotive related ones. He ended up taking Kimberly Clarks and is moving to Wisconsin for it.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > TheHondaBro 04/30/2015 at 00:08

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I’ve heard both do and don’t with the passion in your career, I’m just not entirely sure what to do. I know what I want out of life which is to be comfortable financially, have a good career that I enjoy, so I have the freedom to live how I wish.

I know my program’s department has a club that I plan to get active in and start making connections and that the college of business is very good compared to the rest of the school. I’ve thought about aerospace/government contracting as well, it is a huge part of the area I live in thanks to WPAFB. The base is the home of the AF Material Command of the USAF, so that’s a path for me to look into.

I truly appreciate the input, another perspective is always helpful. I kinda just feel adrift with a little direction, but this has helped me focus my thoughts a bit.

squabbleking > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 00:08

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I can’t attest to the truth or falsity of DeMuro’s post about getting a job in the auto industry, but it’s true for other industries and I found success in the legal market in such a way - as CB said, pull out every stop you can if it’s your dream, keep emailing, calling and what have you until you end up where you want to be. aside from that, keep doing well in school, no one ever regretted getting latin honors. sounds like you’re gonna be alright!

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > CB 04/30/2015 at 00:12

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Thanks, every little bit helps. I know the department for my program is great with helping students and run a club for the program as well. I plan to spend some time with the club beginning in August when Fall semester starts to start making connections and such.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > squabbleking 04/30/2015 at 00:16

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Thanks a ton! I’m not dead set on the auto industry but it’s at the top of what I’m considering aat the moment. I’m going to really start turning up the heat on this stuff later in the summer and at the very least find out where I don’t wanna be when I get some time at a company.

Lekker > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 00:18

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Honestly I can say as TheHondaBro says, so much even I switched majors from aerospace to Comp Sci. And I leave my passion for after hours; non-regulated fun that takes my mind from work, not the opposite.

If you got a shot to get the internship then your foot is in the door, simply keep in mind the previous statement. I’m 24 and got lucky, got an offer from a large company that paid for my relocation and treats me ok literally months after getting my degree in Applied Computing (actual title is all funky). Which leads me to the other point in your post: Viper. I have two words: do it . Not because other people tell you to, or tell you not to. Not because other people will say “cool car” or dog you down for having a gas-guzzler, but because it may be your only chance. If you secure yourself a good position early enough, make sure you reward yourself responsibly for your hard work. A well-deserved treat in my opinion. :) Oh, and I’ve been in the house buying aspect of life before.. and a few others. Don’t bother yet, for all you know you’re going to kick ass at your job so much they may move you elsewhere. I bought a house back in AZ, and am now in KC. Tides turn quick, you can drive/haul your car.. not a house lol.

Nonster > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 00:20

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It’s been about 3 years since I graduated and entered the regular adult world, but I still remember being in your position. I also was pretty heavy and college and have lost about 70 lbs in these past three years so let me know if you want some advice in that department too.

My best advice is to do as many internships as you can. Get out there and get some real experience. It’ll help you figure out what you like to do and it’s good for the resume.

As for how to get said internship, usually most schools have career fairs where recruiters come to talk to students. Thats how I got in with GE Aviation. See if your school has resources that you can take advantage of. If that doesn’t pan out then you just have to pick a metric shit-ton of companies, apply online, and pester the hell out of them. You just have to be relentless. In most companies interns are extra help, they aren’t expecting you to solve all their problems. You just have to get your foot in the door.

It’s not the automotive field, but I could probably refer you to someone if you’re interested in checking things out at GE Aviation down here in Cincy.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > GeorgeyBoy 04/30/2015 at 00:21

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Southwest Ohio, Wright State University.

The school holds fairly regular career fairs, planning to start going to them as much as possible. Things have been extremely busy the last 6-7 months due to working 40 hours a week and having class take up most of my remaining time so I haven’t done much of anything unfortunately.

In my area we have AF Material Command home at the AF base, Honda/Acura is heavy in Ohio(they are at every career event we have), Jeep is in Toledo, Speedway is based in the area, etc. It’s mostly a matter of making contacts for me since now that you and HondaBro made me think, there are a ton of opportunities very close to me.

squabbleking > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 00:23

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you’re quite welcome, that sounds like a good plan. knowing what paths you have no interest in can be more helpful than you realize in that moment - and if you don’t end up in the auto industry right away, go for where you see the best career path with the most opportunity for growth, i agree with what Lekker and TheHondaBro said, you can have a non-automotive career that fuels your automotive passion!

GeorgeyBoy > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 00:25

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It’s pretty late now, I would still look for opportunities this summer. Make a Linkedin. Search internships everyday. Have a good resume ready.

I’m really surprised your school hasn’t done more. I’ve been forced to attend career fairs since freshman year, as well as mock interviews every semester. The internship after sophomore year gets you a great internship after your junior year, then etc.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > Nonster 04/30/2015 at 00:27

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Add me on facebook if you’ve got it. I’d appreciate all the advice. I am actually interested in what GE Aviation has to offer for someone in my field. I’m really glad to have made this post because you all have made me really think of what is around the Dayton and Cincy area and the possible opportunities I can find. Internships are at the top of the list to get more experience and flesh out my resume. See my reply to squabbleking about career fairs, otherwise all of them my school has.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > Lekker 04/30/2015 at 00:35

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I’m taking that into serious consideration, I don’t want to start hating something that I love. Thanks to the fine denizens of Oppo I realized everywhere I could look near me not just at the auto industry.

Haha, the Viper is a dream that I want to make happen. I want a house eventually but not until I’m well settled lol. We are of similar minds it seems. Haha I’m really interested now, what is the actual title of your degree?

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > GeorgeyBoy 04/30/2015 at 00:45

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Yeah, it is pretty late. The only reason I didn’t really look for this summer is due to moving with the family about 10 miles south of my current house. Gonna be extremely busy over the next month and a half between that and work. Will be beefing up my LinkedIn possibly tomorrow, more likely next week. It is on my checklist.

They have a few big career fairs and smaller events through out the year, nothing mandatory though. I’m gonna be spending a lot more time on campus and getting involved more so hopefully that helps.

GeorgeyBoy > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 00:50

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Best of luck.

I just landed a great job last week, it was only possible from meeting them at career fairs.

Seems like from the countless amounts of apps I’ve filled out online, the only people to ever contact me were the ones I’ve met in person.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > GeorgeyBoy 04/30/2015 at 00:54

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Sounds like I now know part of what I need to do. I can feel the hand cramps already.

Congrats! Where at, if you don’t mind me asking?

GeorgeyBoy > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 00:56

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Small Michigan based bank.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > GeorgeyBoy 04/30/2015 at 00:58

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Respectable for sure, I’m sure you’ll do well. Good luck with it. Just saw your post about it.

PS: Pick a car yet?

GeorgeyBoy > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 01:02

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Thank you.

Not really. Will probably put my car up for sale in the coming weeks. My dad keeps pushing a newer Regal or any Buick. I’d like a CTS. Maybe if I can find a turbo ATS for what I’m willing to pay.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > GeorgeyBoy 04/30/2015 at 01:35

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No problem!

Go for the CTS or ATS! Buicks are alright but personally I think the Caddies are much better all around. Plus hoon machines, even with the smaller motors.

orcim > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 02:20

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I would say, over my life, that it’s 20/80 people working in their interest area vs. working to fund their interest area. Both work very well, but one or the other is not required to feel satisfaction.

The brilliant thing about logistics/supply chain management is that it applies to almost !everything! in our society. I have friends that specialize in analyzing fortune 100 companies supply chain management and then recommending just a few changes that result in 100’s of millions dollars worth of cost savings a year in reduced trans costs, inventory turns, etc. I’d challenge you to recognize that your impact in that area can be momentous to any larger business. (Even to a smaller one, though not at the 100M level.)

Initially - I wouldn’t focus on one industry. You’ve got time - focus on the “good” job first, get the chops settled, then, lateron, take a stab at particular industry.

Recognize one thing, though. Your job experience isn’t *you*, it’s what you were doing. When that time comes to focus yourself onto an industry or place and get their attention, what are you gonna need? That’s the portfolio aspect of this.. what can you bring to the party and how do you describe it so others can see it? But you have a few years... get the “good” job first, wherever it is, learn and plan. Then present to the people you want to pay attention to you.

Biggus Dickus (RevsBro) > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 02:31

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I’d say start small, don’t try to go after an internship/co op at one of the big three yet. Look into who their major parts suppliers or vendors (bigger definitely isn’t always better) are and search for opportunities. This should give you a taste of the industry and from there you can tell if that is where you want to take your career without going through the pain of applying to one of the Big Three. Also, you never know when you may pursue a different career path. Im not pushing you away from the auto industry but don’t be afraid to look elsewhere.

Two RL examples:

1.) I interned between my Junior and Senior of college years at a large international financial services company in their accounting department. Loved the people, hated my work and the work I saw more senior people doing didn’t look any better. I learned I didn’t want to work in strict accounting. This was a bit of a problem at first because my degree was in accounting but know I work in a Capital Consulting role and just leverage my accounting background.

2.) My dad was a Metallurgical Engineering major (MatSci) out of a top engineering school Back in the mid-70s. Right after he graduated he worked for GM in Detroit in some role that had to do with their engines (some sort of stress testing I think). He hated it and left after less than a year. He jumped ship to Medtronic when it was still essentially a startup and 35 years later it turned out pretty well for him.

To sum it up: Don’t focus on one narrow career or job for a particular type of company. Keep a broad focus and you would be surprised at the opportunities that may present themselves.

E. Julius > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 03:39

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I’ve been working in automotive for two years now, it’s an interesting industry to work in for sure. I’m not sure how much this would apply to the logistical side of things, but I know a lot of aspects of manufacturing in the auto industry transfer well to other industries because the quality standards are so stringent, particularly if the company you work for is making safety parts. It’s not at the level of aerospace or medical, but the commitment to process that’s required is still something other industries like to see.

With regards to finding an internship, I’m going to echo what some other people here said and tell you that making and leveraging connections is the most important thing you can do. I got access to my job through my dad, my girlfriend was recommended by a friend, the list goes on. Lots of automotive jobs are filled quickly by students at the many many schools in SE Michigan who have co–op programs and deep relationships with companies in the industry, so that makes it extra tough. The best thing you can do is put yourself out there and talk to people. Go to career fairs and try to make an impression. See if you know anybody in the industry. Send out lots of applications.

Don’t stay dead set on automotive though—making sure you get some experience at all is more critical than anything. Once again, as others have said, not having an internship after sophomore year makes it harder to get a good one junior year, not having one after junior year makes it harder to get a job after senior year. Just keep searching until you find something, and even if it ends up being a bad experience, you’ve learned more about what you do and don’t want to do.

Jonathan Harper > TheHondaBro 04/30/2015 at 09:14

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I’m gonna have to disagree with this. I made my passion my career, and while it does have the typical annoyances of any job, I’ve been there a year and definitely don’t hate it. In fact it’s just getting better.

Lekker > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 09:26

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You may not end up hating it as such, but there would definitely be some loss of excitement I’d say.

Ah, My college was School of Information Science Technology and Arts, which is fancy wording for programming, logic, LOTS OF DATA stuff like analyzing, stats, data mining, and programming, sometimes mixed with artsy things such as music and whatnot. I for example made a program that takes characters and turns them into music via algorithms which also affected the visuals, etc. While also doing AI studies, analyzing Terabytes of data with R scripts, making 3d java programs, you get my drift. Like Comp Sci but more useful lol.

random001 > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 11:57

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Hey, that's where I work!

random001 > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 04/30/2015 at 12:01

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Hey, that's where I hope to be starting my PhD program in the fall!

random001 > GeorgeyBoy 04/30/2015 at 12:02

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I had a '10 CTS Wagon, if you need any info.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > Lekker 04/30/2015 at 22:36

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That is basically my worry about it. Thanks to Nonster, I’m interested in what I could do with GE Aviation which is heavily invested in southwest Ohio.

That sounds a bit intense, haha. Definitely interesting but way out of what I can understand. I almost went into Management Information Systems(Comp Sci with Business I guess) but that stuff is way out of my ability to understand/comprehend. Your program sounds similar to the description the department chair gave for it.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > E. Julius 04/30/2015 at 22:43

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Thanks for the info and advice! I will definitely be looking into some automotive stuff but have more focus on the aerospace and defense companies prevalent in my area. I have family who owns/runs the largest PPG distro company in Ohio and see if they will let me come in and do some grunt/intern work. Otherwise I will mainly be moving house over the entire month of May since today was my last day of finals.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > Biggus Dickus (RevsBro) 04/30/2015 at 22:46

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That’s what I realized and began stewing on since last night, broaden my view of where to look and what to try. I have some good ideas and hope to get something unpaid to try over the summer. Big Three was never the ultimate goal, but they were a focus more than the other makers since they are relatively “close”. Thanks a ton, love the name haha.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > orcim 04/30/2015 at 22:49

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You have probably spurred the most stewing with that last paragraph since last night. Thanks, it has really helped me put things in perspective. Honestly, I’m really glad that I posted this because everyone has been so supportive and helpful. Damn Oppo is great.