How to Become an Automobile Engineer

Automotive engineers are responsible for building safer and more reliable vehicles.

Automotive engineers specialize in designing and producing the motor vehicles that fulfill the world's transportation needs. They also enjoy a degree of job security as automakers work toward designs that improve safety, performance, reliability, and efficiency. A variety of engineering backgrounds are necessary to create these improvements. Earning a degree in engineering is universally understood to be a challenging task in its own right. The tasks of networking and launching a career present difficulties in any job market, but can be manageable with the right strategy.

Things You'll Need

• Engineering degree
• Professional society membership
• Resume
• Online professional network profile

Instructions

1. Earn a degree in engineering. Some colleges or universities offer a degree in automotive engineering, though a degree in one of the main branches of engineering will generally suffice. Graduates from mechanical, electrical, computer, and industrial engineering programs usually hold the knowledge base necessary to launch a career as an automotive engineer. It is also important that your degree program is properly accredited.

2. Join professional societies. The Society of Automotive Engineers and other engineering societies provide an opportunity to meet other engineers at various stages of their careers and establish industry contacts.

3. Network with automotive industry professionals. This includes but is not limited to engineers. For those with engineering backgrounds, social skills are sometimes challenging. Networking provides an opportunity to overcome this stumbling block while creating a backdoor entrance to circumvent the bottomless pit of resumes in the human resources department. Take advantage of networking at every stage of your career.

4. Polish your resume. Focus on your strengths and position your skill set towards specific areas of the automotive industry. Be sure to include keywords that recruiters seek. Also, bear in mind that manufacturing and product development are two different areas, so decide whether you prefer one over the other.

5. Apply and interview often. Search everywhere for career opportunities in automotive engineering. Visit the websites of auto makers for career opportunities and apply according to their directions. Push any industry contacts you have made. Apply to manufacturing companies from which automakers buy parts. Send your resume widely and interview as often as possible. All of these measures increase you chances of landing a job in automotive engineering.

6. Always be looking for a job. In any state of the economy, this is good advice to take. Always be willing to make changes in your career. This can mean moving within the company or even to another employer.

Tips & Warnings

• Employment agencies are another source of jobs in the automotive industry.

• Attend conventions sponsored by various automotive-industry organizations.

• When meeting with industry professionals, instead of directly asking for a job opportunity, strike up a conversation about a specific aspect of automotive engineering and let that contact do most of the talking.

References

• Princeton Review: Automotive Engineer

Resources

• Society of Automotive Engineers
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers