Okay, Im a senior in high school (East Bay Football represent!! ) anyway, Im going to USF for a 4 year degree in engineering, and after that I'm going to be attending an automotive engineering school in esslingen, germany for 1.5 years for my masters. Looking over the things i need i see that i need experience in automotive happenings. I want to start working for a dealership detailing cars or working where ever I can, as long as it pertains to the automotive industry and i want to start now so i can work my way up......can anyone point me in the right direction? thanks

 

sounds like you have a set plan.. most people dont.
go to advising in the engineering(mechanical) department at USF and they can help yah.. =-)

 

Thats what my guidance resorce specalist told me, but there isnt many openings for a 17 year old high school student, ya know?

 

it doesnt matter, walk over there and ask them for help. They would be more than happy to give you advise.. they wont turn you down, believe me.

 

get an alfa romeo ddUde

 

freedom ford in clearwater is always hiring detailers (it is a long drive but the only thing i could think of right off hand)

 

Good luck.

The odds and difficulties of getting an automotive engineering job for a major auto manufacturer is almost equivalent to a good HS football player becoming a multi-million dollar NFL football player.

Its not impossible, but you will have to work really hard to achieve your goal. Try to start with some grunt work in the automotive customization field since that kind of experience will prove much more helpful than just working in some dealership's service department.

Also, when you get into USF (of maybe even before) check to see if they have an SAE chapter. The people in that group can provide you with a lot of good information about achieving your goal.

 

Well I got the SAE scholarship and i sent them a letter asking them a bunch of stuff after i was won it and they have yet to respond, but it was only a few days ago. But do you guys think it would be better for me to wait until i turn 18 in 3 months so I can acctually work at most places??

 

Damn, the SAE has scholorships now?

Ask around in the mechanical or aerospace engineering departments (if USF has an aerospace department) for the locals SAE chapter's contact persons.

An active member or their faculty advisors would be your best bet to give you a lot of information on how to achieve your goals.

Also be careful about them feeding you a line of bullshit. Since colleges are in the business of selling diplomas they may give you a rosier outlook about opportunities in this field than what really exists. After you blow over $20K on your tuition its not their problem if you can't find a job.

 

Thanks for the info, 400. But what branch of engineering should I enter at USF seeing how they dont have AE? Should I stick with mechanical engineering?