Job Qualifications

A guide to careers and jobs.

Automotive Jobs

Automotive jobs have been a staple in the United States for many years. Automotive sales for everything from luxury SUVs to efficient compact cars have been on a steady rise. More Americans drive to work than take some form of public transportation. The automaker companies turn out a new line of cars every year which must be maintained by mechanics and trained technicians. To this effect, the automotive industry alone is capable of creating a massive amount of various jobs in numerous areas.

Automotive jobs span the entire circuit from automotive engineers and designers to car salesmen to tire dealerships. The automotive industry creates a product that has a high turn-over rate. Parts wear out and must be replaced. Someone must make the parts, distribute them, and use them to replace the old, worn out parts. When too many parts are worn out then it is time to trade in and buy a new car. The never-ending cycle guarantees there will always be automotive jobs.

Automotive Job Qualifications

Qualifications to work within the automotive field depend on the specific job. A college degree or training at a trade school is not always necessary. Job titles where such training would be required would be as an automotive mechanic or automotive engineer. An auto mechanic could go to a two-year trade school and become certified. An engineer whose job is to design automobiles would need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a four-year college. Marketers and salesmen who work for automobile manufacturers would also need a college degree in business and marketing.

Job qualifications needed to work as an automobile manufacturer would require proper training and possibly a certification, usually provided by the employer. To work in an automotive plant also requires membership in the United Autoworkers Union, which regulates worker hours and wages with the automobile companies.

Automotive dealers and car salesmen do not necessarily need a college degree but should possess proficient people skills along with some knowledge of inventory and sales. Some car dealerships do prefer some college hours in business, but it is not always required.

Automotive Job Descriptions

Despite the large number of various automotive jobs out there in the field, most can be fit into one of four categories: car manufacturers, car dealers and sales, automotive maintenance and technicians, and automobile marketing and distribution.

Car Manufacturers – This area of the automotive industry deals with the design, creation, and testing of automobiles. Automotive engineers are responsible for designing, overseeing production, and administering safety tests. They are also responsible for increasing efficiency and meeting company standards. Auto workers are the force that works in the manufacturing plants building every component for automobiles.

Automobile Marketing and Distribution – Those who work in marketing and distribution of the automotive industry are concerned with getting the product out there. This involves everything from advertising to wholesale distribution to automotive dealerships.

Automotive Maintenance and Technicians – This is probably the most common job type within the automotive industry. Mechanics are responsible for maintaining an automobile. This involves something simple like changing the oil to more complicated matters like overhauling an engine. Tire dealerships, brake specialists, diagnostic technicians, and body work all fit into this field.

Car Dealerships and Automobile Sales – The sale and purchase of new cars and autoparts is what dealerships and sales are all about. Automotive jobs in this category involve salespeople for car dealerships, dealership managers, and autoparts sales from autoparts stores.