Hey Guys,
I'm currently enrolled in Purdue University for Computer Engineering. The question I have is serious and determines my future. Ever since I was young I've always loved cars and computers. Computers might be big now, but I would rather enjoy working and dealing with cars. What does it take to start your own company like a Comptech or Mugen? I've always dreamt of owning my own company and am seriously interested in starting a business dealing with cars. I don't know what to do. Is it Mechanical Engineering I have to take or do I go to a technical institute for an ASE certification? Is there even a program called Automotive Engineering? Help, I'm confused. I want to know all aspects of the automobile; from ECU tuning to Engine design and building. These seems alot more fun than sitting at a computer designing computer parts.
-importtuner

 

first you need a business plan (a la Andersen Consulting). then you need capital investment for start-up (see venture capitalist). then you use #1 and #2 to convince the bank (beg on knees and learn to grovel and kiss some serious butt) to lend you more money....and then you hire some people and THEN you apply the knowledge of what you have learned in your trade.

business is very cut-throat. you will need an iron will, a steel stomach and a lot of blood, sweat and tears.

 

the guys who make the big bucks are all businessmen. get a business degree and keep up with the car scene. As a guy who can do just car stuff you will never hack it as a company and are never going to make it up the ladder. You need business managment. As a guy with a business degree and some knoledge about cars, you can hire people to do the grunt work under you while you role in the money.

Unfortunatly you will learn that the right descision might not be to make the parts you only want to make. It will be the choice to make the parts that makes you the most money. Simply because money will keep you open and you ahve employees to feed.

 

The vc(venture capitalist) money part is not as easy right now compared to last two years.

 

Nobody's willing to "show me the money" anymore cuz of the tech sector nosedive.

 

I hear you importtuner. I am finishing up college as an Information Systems major, and I also love dealing with cars. I would like to find a way to combine the two somehow, but I don't know exactly. Computers are interesting, but cars are exciting. I like both, and hopefully one day I can combine the two into a dream career. Oh, the possibilities!
JT

 

Heres my .02
When you say you like dealing with cars, I'm assuming you're talking about cool cars(sports cars, muscle cars, etc.) and not station wagons and minivans. The problem is finding a job thats going to deal with only cool cars is going to be extremely hard. Even if you got a job designing new engines for honda, supossed you were designing the new 75hp civic engine. That would suck. I would suggest get the computer engineering degree, make mad money, and buy a weekend race car.

good luck

 

I am currently working for Ernst and Young as an Information System Auditor, but I want to start a car racing career also. The thing you need to do is always have more than one plan. Here is mine:
1) Get a degree that will give you a steady income. Hopefully anywhere from $50K and up(I am a structural engineer but I switch to Computers...need to be multi-talented in this day and age.)
2) Once I "cash up" pursue my hobby. If the hobby takes off, then quit work and pursue hobby full time. If hobby fails, still have degree/prior career to fall back on.

So for you, get a degree in something that you like to do and will give you an income (computer, business, medical, legal, etc.). Then pursue alternatives (car racing, car parts, whatever). One advantage to being young is that you don't have "real" responsibilites (house, family, etc.) so you can stay in school and get more education.

Finally, what makes a person successful is not just his ability but who he knows. Networking is the key to getting ahead. This how I got my computer job and all previous structural engineering jobs. This is how I am learning more about car racing. So, join automotive organizations and ask lots of questions, volunteer for things, get to know people in the industry. Good luck.

 

Thanks for clearing up some thought guys; its been really helpful. Since today, its the IT market that soars, I'm sticking with it. The only thing that is scaring me right now is whether I made the right choice for a career; Computer Engineering and if I'm going to get a well-paying job after graduation. The only problem I face is higher competition cause every freaking guy I know or heard of is going to the Computer field, either Computer Engineering or Computer Science.Then with enough capital, I'll pursue my hobby which is to make smaller displacement vehicles fast as they can possibly be. My goals in life is to get 1.) a Computer Engineering degree 2.) Mechanical Engineering degree 3.) Business Management degree, 4.) a minor in Computer Science. If I get these goals accomplished I can implement my knowledge in all fields to become successful as a CEO.
Again thanks for all your help and input.
-importtuner