School/career advice?

[gocubzgo]

New knowledge is never useless!

Hey guys,
So I'm trying to figure out what to do with my life. The college i would go to only has basic mechanics which i don't see being much help since i already know the basic stuff although i obviously could learn more about them but about half of it i will find useless, like fuel injection, computers and other modern car stuff.
Thanks,
~Nick

I think you should be taking some of the prerequisite classes that lead toward a degree. Almost any degree will require some amount of basic education background- some Math, IT classes, Psychology, etc... The good news is that if you look through a college catalog, you will discover that a lot of degree programs use the same set of entry level classes as requirements toward that degree. You can start taking classes without being committed to a specific degree program, and take more specific classes when you are further along. Try to throw in an automotive class where you can. Even if you know the stuff they are teaching, it is always great to have access to a lift, some specialized tools, and an instructor who knows how to use them. I have taken some classes that I felt were "beneath" my ability just to have lift access- especially in the winter! I always learn a little, and with the right attitude you will too. Best wishes in whatever you become interested in!

 

[69clone]

I think you should be taking some of the prerequisite classes that lead toward a degree. Almost any degree will require some amount of basic education background- some Math, IT classes, Psychology, etc... The good news is that if you look through a college catalog, you will discover that a lot of degree programs use the same set of entry level classes as requirements toward that degree. You can start taking classes without being committed to a specific degree program, and take more specific classes when you are further along. Try to throw in an automotive class where you can. Even if you know the stuff they are teaching, it is always great to have access to a lift, some specialized tools, and an instructor who knows how to use them. I have taken some classes that I felt were "beneath" my ability just to have lift access- especially in the winter! I always learn a little, and with the right attitude you will too. Best wishes in whatever you become interested in!

Yeah thats true. The first year for every degree has about half the same classes. I planned on going into the car field since it was something i enjoy spending time doing but i understand what has been said here. Although that is pretty much with any career. Over the years the 2 things i've always wanted to do were owning my own fish/pet shop or a car shop, both have small business in common but idk...

 

[74sundance]

I was a Mechanic and got out of it because I started to hate cars,I only work on them now when I feel like it and it's much more enjoyable.But I have few friends that worked in the same shop as me and they still like it 10 years later but that being said none of them have any cool cars or projects because the last thing they want to do is work on cars when they get home.If I could do it over I would have went to be an engineer instead and build muscle cars as a hobbie. My 2 cents.

 

[69clone]

Thanks, It might be stupid but i wonder about finding a trade school or local shop that i can work at for alittle bit just to learn all the skills to restore a car. I was talking to a friend who lives about an hour south who is going to a trade school that they let him take his car and they help him do body work and will teach him how to paint it. If it wasn't so far away i'd be all over that

 

[74sundance]

Just about any trade is a good idea.....2yr's after leaving auto mechanics I had my company pay for me to take North American V8 engine building at Mohawk College where I built my 440 into a 500ci stroker.All I had to do was buy the parts They also sent me to school for Auto Desk Inventor (Autocad)......In other words do a co-op or find an employer willing to send you to school, they flip the bill for school and you still get paid your regular 40hr/s while doing night school.
Rite now when I get done work I go and work for a Body man for free,in exchange I get the use of his shop,storage for my resto project,his help when I need it and the learning experiance...Trust me the long hours and hard work is well worth it.I'm building a high $ car on the cheep....Very cheep lol.

 

[69clone]

Just about any trade is a good idea.....2yr's after leaving auto mechanics I had my company pay for me to take North American V8 engine building at Mohawk College where I built my 440 into a 500ci stroker.All I had to do was buy the parts They also sent me to school for Auto Desk Inventor (Autocad)......In other words do a co-op or find an employer willing to send you to school, they flip the bill for school and you still get paid your regular 40hr/s while doing night school.
Rite now when I get done work I go and work for a Body man for free,in exchange I get the use of his shop,storage for my resto project,his help when I need it and the learning experiance...Trust me the long hours and hard work is well worth it.I'm building a high $ car on the cheep....Very cheep lol.

Thanks, I would like to find a body shop to learn the trade and learn it on my car since it needs a new paint job... Even if it's not a permanent career at least i would be getting my foot in the door and who knows maybe find a better job using the skills on something else.