Would you like to make \\\"I\\\'m a rambling wreck from

Georgia Tech and a heck of an engineer\\\" a reality in your life? Have

you always enjoyed tinkering around with cars and figuring out what

made stuff work? Does being a team player developing products that are

the cutting edge of technology appeal to you? Then automotive

engineering might be the career for you.

Generally, an automotive

engineer is one who works on the design or manufacture of automobiles.

The word design is slightly misleading since an automotive designer is

a stylist basically concerned with the appearance of the automobile

while the engineer specializes in the performance of the automobile and

its components.

The engineer works on developing new or improved

structural parts, engines, transmissions and suspension systems. The

engineer is involved in production cost estimation, reduction of

production costs and implementing cost/quality control improvements.

The engineer must be sure that the product meets all federal

regulations. In the case of new designs, it is the engineer who

determines driveability.

According to the U.S. Department of

Labor Dictionary of Occupational Titles, automotive engineering is a

sub-specialty of mechanical engineering.

Even though the

automotive manufacturing industry is in a slump at this time, there is

still a demand for engineers due to the current focus on fuel economy

and alternate fueled vehicles. The field is expected to grow as fast as

average through 2014.

While there are global opportunities for

automotive engineers in countries as far flung as Malaysia and the

United Kingdom, most jobs within the US are centered in the Midwest

since that is the major location of the auto industry. The big three

employers in the United States are Ford, General Motors and

Daimler-Chrysler.

The working environment is a combination of

office and on site. The entry-level salary starts at around $48,000

annually and a Bachelor of Science degree is required. In addition to

the degree, the engineer should have excellent communication skills,

strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

As

with any engineering degree, the choice of a college is crucial. While

all engineering colleges are selective, the better and the best are

even more so.

One characteristic you need to look for in a

college is the quality of instruction. Are all the classes taught by

professional teachers and not graduate assistants? Do these teachers

have industry connections? Is simulation and hands-on an integral part

of the program?

Does the college offer internships or work study

opportunities? Internships and work-study are very important as they

offer a path to instant employment upon graduation. The same is true of

having instructors with industry connections. It also doesn\\\'t hurt to

consider a college that offers advanced degrees in the event you decide

to go further than a bachelor\\\'s degree.

To ensure admission to

the college of choice, a high school graduate should have a high GPA

with a strong background in calculus, advanced math, statistics,

physics, chemistry and geometry. Vocational classes in automotive

mechanics are also helpful. It will also be necessary to score high on

whatever college admissions test the school requires as the admissions

committee will base their decision on both your high school record and

admissions test scores.