How to Become an Automotive Designer Engineer

Create classic designs.

Automotive design is one of the most popular disciplines in design today. Most aspiring auto designers aren't sure where to start. Fortunately, there is an extremely clear career path and there's a lot any would-be car designer can do to improve her chances of working for one of the big automotive firms. It will require a strong educational focus and require a background in both graphic arts and physical science. Only the best designers will be hired by the top automotive firms.

Instructions

1. Practice your drawing and modeling skills constantly. Automotive design engineers must demonstrate a strong ability to draw designs two dimensionally before models are ever built, then must develop a three-dimensional version for engineering tests and proof of concept. Draw cars at least an hour a day and develop your own designs. Look at other cars and ask yourself what you like and dislike about their design. Consider what certain design choices can do to a car's look and functionality and why a driver might like, or dislike, the idea.

2. If possible, major in Transportation or Industrial Design at your university. If that major is not available, secure a double major in a design course and an automotive-related science, such as physics. If your university offers it, consider a self-designed major that will allow you to study elements of car engineering such as aerodynamics and mechanical engineering. Design engineers need to know the science of a design as well as its aesthetics.

3. Develop a portfolio of work. Ideally, designs will be both visually pleasing and practical to manufacture. Your portfolio should include 2D drawings, 3D representations and written descriptions of the design. Explain why you made the choices that created the ultimate design. Lay out the science of the design and discuss any possible drawbacks or trade-offs that might be necessary. Have your teachers carefully check your portfolio before presenting it to any potential employers.

4. Consider applying for a graduate program focusing specifically on vehicle design. The best American programs include the Art Center College of Design in California, the Pratt Institute in New York, Detroit's College of Creative Studies and the Royal College of Art in London. Before submitting, polish your portfolio as much as possible. These are highly competitive programs that only accept 10% of their applicants; you must demonstrate what makes you an excellent designer.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider a Master's program in vehicle design. It will be extremely competitive, but will give you an advantage in a competitive job market.

• Learn a second language. It will open more job options to you.

• Vehicle design is a difficult and competitive major, and an equally competitive job market. You should consider carefully if this is what you want to do before entering into the program.

References

• Car Design News: How to Become a Car Designer
• Sunday Times: Brief Overview Of Car Design as a Field