Howdy, all

I was wondering if any of you had any suggestions for me. I'm looking for a job during the school year, but it would be really nice if I could get a job related to cars.

First, some background.

I'm 19 and attending Texas Tech University as a freshman this year. I'm doing a double-major (Mechanical Engineering; Electrical & Computer Engineering) and already have an extensive knowledge base of computer systems. I'm wanting to take up automotive engineering later on, but I don't think there are any automotive companies here for me to get an internship with (I'm out in lubbock, tx). So some options that interest me are working in a garage or a parts shop.

I'm only taking 13 hours this semester (with 6 credit hours already lined up) for several reasons. One is that I couldn't find classes to fit my schedule, and the other is that I wanted to save time for a job.

So, I have the time and the (learning) skills needed to become proficient at whatever job it is I do. The only problem is that I don't yet have the job. Any suggestions on how I go about getting into the business? Everywhere I go is looking for experience, but I can't get experience if I can't find a job.

I hope all that made sense watching speed channel at the time.

Thanks in advance!
Alexander

 

Alex,

I have a degree in mechanical engineering as well, even working for an automotive supplier, as a student, they'll have you be a paper pusher.

a few suggestions
- Find a local mechanic that needs weekend help, you'll probably be pushing a broom most of the time, but he may let you do things like oil changes, and more once you get some experience (I don't know your skill level personally)

There are plenty of things to get involved with at school if money is not the issue
Check if your school has SAE teams. You learn quite a bit on those teams if you become involved. The Forumla SAE team is awesome, so are the Baja and Supermileage teams. I was a member of supermileage in univeristy and learned quite a bit about teamwork, in addition to increasing my hands-on skills

 

Steve,

Thank you for the suggestions! As far as the F-SAE program goes, our school does have one but I think it's not very active. However, a weekend job as a mechanic's helper, even if it's just sweeping the floors, sounds like a great start.

Thanks again!

cheers,
Alexander

 

Alex,

An even better reason to get into the F-SAE team. If the team has too many members, there will be too many egos. If you want to get involved with the auto industry, F-SAE is the way to go, you will make tons of contacts everywhere.