Would you like to make "I'm a rambling wreck from Georgia Tech and a
heck of an engineer" a reality in your life? Have you always enjoyed
tinkering around with cars and figuring out what made stuff work? Does
being a team player developing products that are the cutting edge of
technology appeal to you? Then automotive engineering might be the
career for you.
Generally, an automotive engineer is one who works
on the design or manufacture of automobiles. The word design is
slightly misleading since an automotive designer is a stylist basically
concerned with the appearance of the automobile while the engineer
specializes in the performance of the automobile and its components.
The
engineer works on developing new or improved structural parts, engines,
transmissions and suspension systems. The engineer is involved in
production cost estimation, reduction of production costs and
implementing cost/quality control improvements. The engineer must be
sure that the product meets all federal regulations. In the case of new
designs, it is the engineer who determines driveability.
According
to the U.S. Department of Labor Dictionary of Occupational Titles,
automotive engineering is a sub-specialty of mechanical engineering.
Even
though the automotive manufacturing industry is in a slump at this
time, there is still a demand for engineers due to the current focus on
fuel economy and alternate fueled vehicles. The field is expected to
grow as fast as average through 2014.
While there are global
opportunities for automotive engineers in countries as far flung as
Malaysia and the United Kingdom, most jobs within the US are centered in
the Midwest since that is the major location of the auto industry. The
big three employers in the United States are Ford, General Motors and
Daimler-Chrysler.
The working environment is a combination of
office and on site. The entry-level salary starts at around $48,000
annually and a Bachelor of Science degree is required. In addition to
the degree, the engineer should have excellent communication skills,
strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
As
with any engineering degree, the choice of a college is crucial. While
all engineering colleges are selective, the better and the best are even
more so.
One characteristic you need to look for in a college is
the quality of instruction. Are all the classes taught by professional
teachers and not graduate assistants? Do these teachers have industry
connections? Is simulation and hands-on an integral part of the program?
Does
the college offer internships or work study opportunities? Internships
and work-study are very important as they offer a path to instant
employment upon graduation. The same is true of having instructors with
industry connections. It also doesn't hurt to consider a college that
offers advanced degrees in the event you decide to go further than a
bachelor's degree.
To ensure admission to the college of choice, a
high school graduate should have a high GPA with a strong background in
calculus, advanced math, statistics, physics, chemistry and geometry.
Vocational classes in automotive mechanics are also helpful. It will
also be necessary to score high on whatever college admissions test the
school requires as the admissions committee will base their decision on
both your high school record and admissions test scores.