The automotive technology field is the backbone of the transportation industry, which deals with the design, manufacturing, and selling of motor vehicles. With the current advancements and prospects in the industry, which are now worth over two trillion dollars, a job in this field might be an exciting career path. However, the numerous options to choose from can be very confusing. On that note, here are some tips to help you narrow down your scope.
Be a jack of all trades and a master of one (at least).
As mentioned earlier, there’s a myriad of options in this industry. Being a jack of all trades might be more beneficial as opposed to sticking to one speciality. For example, you can be a diesel mechanic well-versed in heavy load machinery but it’ll also help to gain some skills in other areas. Specializing also helps in finding helpful resources and assistance in your industry.
Also, having a variety of skills will help employers (and customers) identify the right people for the job in case of specific services, for example, a forklift operator seeking lift truck fork replacement services. Some more specialities in the auto industry include diesel mechanics, auto electricians, automobile inspectors, and process engineers.
Get the right certifications.
Even if you’re a talented handy person with naturally proficient technical skills, it might not be enough to start a career. Certifications in the auto industry are essential for differentiating between trusted technicians who can get the work done and others who try to do it.
Like every career which requires expertise, your credibility is vital. People need to trust you with their vehicles. It doesn’t matter if it’s for something as simple as an oil change, getting a certificate to prove your competencies is crucial. An Automotive and Diesel Technology program puts tech in a much better place to start a successful career in the automotive industry.
Also, as you climb the ladder, you’ll have to obtain more certifications to match your level. It might be worth noting that there are other essential qualifications needed in the automotive industry if you seek to start your own company. Some of them include
- ASE: This is an abbreviation for Automotive Service Excellence, which is a certificate granted to a technician who has completed the required training and now meets the standards of the Automotive Service Excellence Certified Master Technicians.
- OSHA: This is also an abbreviation for Occupational Safety and Health Administration that certifies and tracks the responsibility of companies to keep their workers safe and healthy.
Seek practical internships.
As a technician, familiarizing yourself with the job will help you avoid simple mistakes on the field. Before you consider a full-time role working for a company in the industry, an internship with one of the independent repair shops may be a good starting point to help you gain some more practice and hone your mechanical skills. For new technicians and graduates in general, internships are a catalyst for efficiency and have often proven to be a sure way to land the job.
Build your network
As a specialized and certified technician with a significant level of experience, you’re ready to fly in the automotive world. However, this not always easy and takes quite a bit of time. Building your network as a professional can substantially impact your career in the industry, especially in finding new opportunities. When building your network, start off by sharing industry-related knowledge on your LinkedIn or. Then, in the long term, you can consider attending networking events, following up on leads, and ultimately converting these into clients.