Engineering studies structure and design.Cars, trucks and cargo vehicles are developed and manufactured by automotive engineers.Each of the specialties requires a specialized education and career path.A lucrative career choice that requires advanced education and training is automotive engineering.
Step 1: There is a career path.
To become an automotive engineer, you need to be familiar with the required career path.Being an automotive engineer is difficult, but it can be rewarding and pays well.Cars are the focus of automotive engineering.An automotive engineer will work on designing, building, and testing a variety of features in an automobile.Innovative ways to make cars run more efficiently can be exciting work.The demand for automotive engineers is growing each year.You should be able to land a stable job if you have good training and experience.As you gain experience, the starting salary increases to between $50,000 and $60,000 a year.An automotive engineer can make between $54,000 and $76,000 a year.If you're interested in cars and designs, have a creative side, and have an interest in the technical aspects of automobiles, this could be a good career path for you.
Step 2: Gain experience in high school.
It is possible to become an automotive engineer in high school.Studying hard, taking the right courses, and seeking experience can help with your career goals down the line.If you want to be an automotive engineer, you need to take math courses.There is a strong foundation in pre-calculus.The focus should be on chemistry and physics.When possible, take AP courses.Communication skills are needed as well.Try to do well in English classes.Taking the required courses can help if you don't have a lot of English and art electives.It is possible to take a course at a local college in your junior or senior year.A college application will look great if you have some college credit.Try to find relevant experience in high school.You can learn the basics of car repair when you work with local mechanics.There are engineering internship for high school students.Contribute to extracurricular activities related to science, math, technology, and mechanics.
Step 3: Do well on tests.
It's important to get into a good school with your SAT and ACT scores.It's important to score high in areas related to math and science.Purchase an SAT/ACT prep book and spend a few hours each night studying it.Take a lot of practice tests and review the format.Ask your parents if you should enroll in a prep course.prep courses may be offered by local colleges.Kaplan offers online test prep courses.
Step 4: Work on a college application.
You need to start thinking about your college application as you approach senior year.If you want to get into a good school, you need to work hard on your application.You can get letters from teachers who taught you in relevant fields.If you're applying for an engineering program, it's a good idea to ask your physics teacher for a letter of rec if you hit it off with your band instructor.Take some time to write an application essay.If you write a few drafts, have a parent, friend, or teacher look it over and give you feedback.You need to include all your extracurriculars.It's good to show hard work, dedication, and a vested interest in your community on a college resume.
Step 5: Pick a degree that is relative to an undergraduate degree.
You will need a relevant undergraduate degree when you begin your education.There are many fields of study that can prepare you for a career in automotive engineering.The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology has a list of recognized colleges and universities.Clicking on the tab "Find an ABET-Accredited Program" will show you a list of accredited programs.It's important to look for schools that are ranked highly in the engineering field.If you want to be an automotive engineer, you can choose from a variety of majors.You should major in automobile dynamics, automobile electronics, engine parts, diesel engine theory, alternative energy sources, fuel cell systems, and powertrain dynamics.Four years is how long it will take to complete your undergraduate education.You will work on a design project during your senior year.This is your senior thesis.You can either work alone or with other students.Your senior project can be used to help you get into graduate school or find a job.
Step 6: Look for hands-on experience in college.
Engineers with a variety of experience are hired by employers.You should always be on the lookout for experience after college.During the summer, interns work with automotive engineering companies.You can take on jobs where you work with cars.You can get involved in extracurriculars related to science, engineering, physics, and math.
Step 7: Keep your grades up.
Your overall grade point average is the most important thing employers care about when searching for prospective job candidates.High grades matter in engineering.A good grade point average can help you find a job.Try to maintain a grade point average of 3.2 or higher.Form study groups with friends, attend any review sessions a professor conducts, get a good night's sleep before exams, and review material immediately after class.
Step 8: You should consider a graduate degree.
A bachelor's degree is enough to be an automotive engineer.If you pursue your master's, you may be more employable.Determine if a master's program is right for you after you receive your undergraduate degree.A master's degree can help you with your automotive engineering knowledge.If you were interested in pursuing a branch of study as an undergrad, then you should go for a master's degree.You will usually complete a final project after taking a variety of courses.A master's program can be a great place to network.It can increase your chances of getting a job.Engineering companies often look for employees with specialized knowledge in dynamics, control, materials, and other fields of study.
Step 9: Understand your state's requirements.
Every state has different requirements for becoming a certified automotive engineer.If you want to work in that state, you need to consider licensing and certification.
Step 10: Work is supervised by a professional engineer.
If you want to enter an engineer-in-training program and take the Professional Engineer exam, you will have to work for a number of years under the supervision of a professional engineer.When you're done with college or graduate school, look for apprenticeship opportunities.There are connections from past jobs and internships.Depending on your level of education, the number of years you spend working under supervision varies.
Step 11: You need to complete an engineer-in-training program.
An Engineer-In-Training program is a one or two year program in which you work on the skills required to become a professional, licensed engineerIt's important to find a training program that fits your needs and career goals.You should look for a training program that caters to your professional goals.Program lengths can be as short as one to two years.The application process is different for each program.The engineer-in-training program can be taken online.The advantage to this is that you will be able to work while you are completing the program.Most employers value hands-on experience for the job.It is possible to attend a program in person.
Step 12: Pass the exam to become a professional engineer.
If you pass the Professional Engineers exam, you will be able to perform in a specific engineering field.You will be a certified automotive engineer if you pass the Professional Engineers exam.Take the exam after a few months of studying.You can take online courses.People are in your training program.Prepare in groups and study together.You have to take the exam online.If there is not a testing center close to you, you may have to travel.The exam is long.There is a morning and afternoon session.The exam will either be pen and paper or electronic.You cannot bring personal electronic devices, like cell phones, into the testing center if you bring a form of ID.The testing center and the type of exam you take affect your score.
Step 13: If you don't pass the exam, understand the protocol.
You may have to take the exam again if you don't pass it initially.Depending on your testing site, there may be a fee to take the exam again.
Step 14: You can use your design project to market yourself.
A college or graduate school project can be used as a marketing tool.The project should be submitted to the competitions.Protocols can be sent to engineering companies.A section detailing your project is required to create a personal website.This can help you land a job if you created something innovative.
Step 15: Write a great resume.
It's a good idea to work on your resume while you search for engineering jobs.A good resume can be used in any field.Engineering employees value your education and work experience.All relevant experience, training, and coursework should be included.Mention your grade point average from both your undergrad and master's programs as well as any honor societies you were a part of.In the field of automotive engineering, creativity and innovation are important.Don't be afraid to get creative with your resume.A unique design is what you should choose.If you're looking for inspiration, do a search on the internet for "creative resume designs" and then browse a few websites for ideas.It's important to say your experience in as impressive a way as possible.When talking about an internship, don't say "Helped other interns suggest design ideas for a car's heating system."Contribute to the development of an innovative, efficient heating system by working with a team of fellow engineers.
Step 16: Good interview skills can be learned.
If you are called into an interview, make sure you have good interview skills.As you begin looking for jobs, take some time to review how to ace a job interview.It's a good idea to dress up for a job interview.A nice button down shirt with dress pants is a good choice for men.A nice dress, pant suit, or professional blouse along with work pants can help women.Work appropriate shoes, make-up, and accessories are required.Positive body language can be used.Give a firm handshake when you sit up straight, smile and nod to show the interviewer you're listening.Before an interview, always research the company.Knowing a bit about a company's ethics can make you interested.Ask questions at the end of the interview.Make sure they're open-ended and that you have a vested interest in the job.What do you enjoy about your job?What is the company philosophy?They are great questions to ask an interviewer.
Step 17: Stay positive.
Engineering career paths are very competitive and can be difficult to break into.Before you hear back, you may have to send out hundreds of resumes.Don't give up and keep applying.Something will turn up eventually.