Any Mechanics Here?

[BASSclary]

Anyone here an auto-mechanic for a living? 

 

Right now im in comm college getting a business administration/management degree because I thought I just wanted money, but in reality I hate desk jobs, I dont really want to do any of that stuff. I was thinking of dropping that degree next semester and getting a technical career certification in auto mechanics to be a mechanic. I've loved cars my whole life but never got really into them and working on them until I got an 06 Mazda 3S for my graduation present from my grandparents. I'm generally good with my hands and can generally figure out problems with it. For instance, about a month ago when my car was in neutral (stick shift) like coasting to a red light or just having it neutral in general, the rpms on the car would bobble from 750 (Standard) down to around 500 and back up and after a couple times of that the rpms would dip too low and the car would stall. (which really sucked when you hit redlights and have to heel-toe the gas and brake so it doesnt stall out.) So anyways I figure it has to do something with the car not getting enough air, causing unstable rpms. So I check the air filter, looks great, then I look into the throttle body and lets just say carbon build up everywhere. So I got some Throttle Body Cleaner and MAF Sensor cleaner and give the TB a good scrub, and clean off the MAF. Voila, everything is perfect again.

 

My local Comm. College offers classes for auto mechanics, auto diagnostics, etc and was thinking about taking those and getting a certificate and being ASE certified. I also think that it is a relatively safe job because well, I dont see cars going away anytime soon, as long as you stay up on the current technology. 

 

My question is, will these classes be fine or do I have to go to one of those big car schools you always see on TV? What is your normal day on the job like? I would guess that you do alot of routine maintenance with some other bigger stuff. I know pay isnt exactly great from what i've seen from averages, but I would rather take a pay cut and do something I like.

 

Any advice guys? 

[clayton86]

First off dont go into it thinking your gonna be some hot rod tuner. Not that it's impossible it's just unlikely and the demand is going away.

You are correct it about it being a safe job it's one job that can't be exported to china or India yeah the parts will be from there but you are the one installing it.

Community college classes will be fine in all honesty and maybe double major like take business classes to. That way if you do want your own shop it's easier or if your in a dealership you can work your way up to service writer or something.

ASE cert worth every penny and the time to take the tests. Now to be ASE certified you need 2 years work experience but some classes count towards that time something to look into if your schools classes count. I know when I applied for BMW steps school each ASE cert was $.50 on your pay right off the bat up to 8certs so thats $4 on top of your pay right from the start and they averaged back in 06 when I graduated 21-30hr depending where you went.

That's another thing to look into the specialty schools. BMW, Volvo, VW, Audi, Ford...ect. These schools often require your original school then you go on if accepted. The first four i mentioned its a application process and high standards like perfect attendance, 3.75-3.9 gpa, written exam and so on. It's well worth it I was offered BMW and Volvo when I was graduating i turned both down like a idiot for a girl. My buddy ive known all threw HS took the Volvo offer after I declined he worked his way up and is now a lead tech at a Porsche dealership.

And it's 1220am and my brain hurts lol shoot me a pm of ya wanna know more about tech schools if you don't wanna do the community school thing or anything else.

[derekxec]

i would see the BA degree through like clayton said and also do the ASE...it doesnt really matter how you learn it for certifications because the cert is supposed to show you know how to do everything

 

i know a few people who run shops out of their garage and do great but it helps even more if you know the business side also

[slonezp]

BC, School will teach you theory. 99% of your education will be on the job. Machines act differently under real world conditions, and the scenarios for mechanical failure are endless. You'll also need a good understanding of electricity and electronics as most everything in todays vehicles are controlled or affected buy the computer. I'm a mechanic but I don't work on cars. I fix commercial refrigeration units. Might be another option you'd consider. I'm not stuck in the same place everyday working on the same equipment. I get to work by myself. I get to work outdoors most of the time (Yeah, even during extreme heat and cold) and if you're good, it pays pretty well. I don't know what auto mechanics make, but there's a potential to make 6 figures as an hvac/r tech. Plenty of downsides too, but I won't bore you with those.

[kingkong85]

Community College classes are fine. I don't see any reason for tech school but there are probably some things I don't know. As mentioned I agree on getting ASE Certifications so you can get paid more. You are right about not a great pay but that's only when you start. Everyone has to start at the bottom so it isn't as bad.

You remind me of myself. After high school I went to a junior College and got a degree in business administration. Held an office job for 3 months and decided this wasn't for me. Went to community college to pursue my major in auto tech. Landed a part time job at autozone. Was 3 classes away from graduating. Got hit with an illness (CHF aka congestive heart failure). Got a defibrillator/pacemaker and was told to put my career on hold. In other words my dream ended. Now I just chill at home trying to find something to do everyday. I wish I didn't have this illness or any other illness. Staying positive helped me come a long way.

Good luck!

[BASSclary]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I think I'll definitely switch to that next semester, get my ASE certs and then try and find a job in my town. There are quite a few automotive places around here, both big and small. The only downside us there are no spring classes on summer and fall, so I would have to take a semester off, or waste more money on classes that I won't need because the only prerequisite is English 112 which I'm taking now.

[Root beer]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I think I'll definitely switch to that next semester, get my ASE certs and then try and find a job in my town. There are quite a few automotive places around here, both big and small. The only downside us there are no spring classes on summer and fall, so I would have to take a semester off, or waste more money on classes that I won't need because the only prerequisite is English 112 which I'm taking now.

 

I wouldn't necessary call it a waste of time, it's what you make out of it. The problem with modern education are the people who sign up for it. Some people just like to learn while disregarding financial matters. If you don't have the money to take these classes for fun, then it's perfectly fine not taking them. Just don't be quick to dismiss philosophy, history, or economic classes as a waste of time. (I'm using these as examples because of things I learned) You can learn so much fascinating things in random classes that can apply to your every day life. It all about your attitude and what you make of it. Of course a professor can make or break the class as well. 

 

Naysayers that say it won't help you in the real world have never sat in a well taught classroom with an open mind, or had the thirst of knowledge. Money isn't everything, we just live in a materialistic society and society isn't always right.

[derekxec]

you could use that semester off to internship somewhere in the field or even volunteer somewhere and that will get you some needed real world experience

[flyfisher]

Business or marketing classes won't hurt either,as many people want to open their own shop one day.