Careers in Automotive | Aviation and Automotive | SIU

What you can do with a degree in Automotive Technology

What you can do with a degree in Automotive Technology

What you can do with a degree in Automotive Technology

Suggestions

• Get to know your instructors and advisor. They have a wealth of information to ease your transition to and progression through the program. They are an excellent resource for opportunities in the industry and guidance while at SIU.
• Getting involved. Watch your SIU email for program announcements and details. Attend industry information sessions held throughout the school year. Joining various Registered Student Organizations (RSO’s) such as the Department’s Automotive Technology Organization and Society of Automotive Engineers student chapter while at SIUC is a start to many of the identified strategies. Many additional opportunities are also available with the Automotive Ambassadors and Women of Automotive Technology Transportation student groups.
• Become the professional. Develop and keep professional communication practices (Facebook, email, voicemail, and thank you letters). Watch what you post on social networking internet sites. Dress appropriately and maintain a professional attitude and approach at all times.

Strategies for Placement

Automotive Technology is a broad area that leads to many opportunities in many sectors of the industry. Strategies for successful placement will vary depending upon the organization, but the following will typically apply to most all opportunities:

• Obtain Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification in the areas of Automobile A1-A8.
• Depending upon career goals, obtain Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification in other appropriate areas such as, Automobile A9, Advanced Automobile L1, Medium/Hvy Truck T1-T8, and Collision B2-B6.
• Gain relevant experience through part-time work and summer jobs. Relevant work experience is necessary for some internship and full-time employment opportunities.
• Participate in formal internships and externships. This can help build your work experience.
• Take leadership roles in student organizations, school projects, or work assignments.
• Participate in volunteer activities that demonstrate unselfish giving back and/or forward. Joining and participating with the Automotive Ambassadors student group at SIU provides excellent opportunities with this strategy.
• Participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities that demonstrate a “well-rounded” person of varied interests.
• Learn to work independently.
• Learn to work effectively in a team with a variety of people.
• Get involved in professional associations in your field such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Automotive Ambassadors, Women of Automotive Technology Transportation.
• Develop and utilize a personal network of contacts. Attend company information sessions and job fairs.
• Develop communication skills, including written and presentation through your coursework and work experiences.
• Develop computer skills, especially spreadsheet and database management.
• Develop diagnostic, logic, reasoning, and analytical skills through your coursework and work experiences.
• Develop problem solving, negotiating, and influencing skills through your coursework and work experiences.
• Maintain work flexibility. Flexibility is often important to many organizations/corporations in the areas of work location, travel requirements, work schedules, and responsibilities.
• Maintain a good Grade Point Average (GPA). GPA is important in obtaining some internship and full-time employment positions.
• Keep a good driving record. Employers do check driving records. Higher risk drivers may find reduced opportunities.
• Stay away from drugs. Drug testing is typically required for employment.