Choosing a college

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

Hey, I'm getting to the point where I need to decide which college to attend, and pick a field of study.

I really want to get into the car audio industry, and was wondering what degrees people got to qualify them for this.

Obviously, the dream would be to start a small audio company, but that's not a necessity.

I'd be happy with working R&D for a company or basically any job at an underground company like Sundown, DD, Soundqubed, ect.

All help would be appreciated! Where did you guys go, and for what?

I was thinking electromechanical engineering at Iowa State, or something like that at University of Wisconsin Madison.

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[budahbuddy803 10+ year member]

This may be a little long so pick and choose what you want to read. However, I graduated in December of 2013 so I am relatively "fresh out" of college and went through a lot of research and discussion trying to find what I wanted to study in college. This gives you a brief summary of my college decision and then where I have gone from there. Feel free to PM me for any more questions.

As far as choosing a college, I suggest going to a college with a reputable engineering program. Engineers are highly sought after regardless of the field. Which engineering field you choose will then reflect more so on the specific industry you can get into the "easiest"

I graduated from Clemson University with an Industrial Engineering degree. When I first started, I enrolled in the "general engineering" program that just gives you a taste of some of the "engineering" work you will be assigned to do. From there, I visited/researched/"interviewed" professors and students in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. I was focused on the EE side of things because, like you, I wanted to get involved with something in the audio industry. During one of my visits with the EE department, the directed me towards the "audio engineering" field. I went to have a discussion with the head of that department and they had a LOT of really awesome equipment, but I came to find out that the requirement to get into that field was to have a focus or experience with recording/studio computer programs. Most of the people in audio engineering went on to work for Disney to mix different audio for movies, TV shows, commercials, etc. When I spoke with this guy about my interest in car/home audio, he reluctantly said that most people in Clemson's audio engineering program were knowledgeable of that stuff, but making a successful career out of strictly home/car audio installation is very difficult.

Overall:

EE = basically computer engineering. You could double major in EE and CE by adding 4 classes from CE. A lot of focus on computer coding. From the basic 102 and 202 EE courses I took as an IE, those courses related to impedance, voltage, wattage, etc. and could easily be applied to the audio realm. However, most of the EEs that I knew went into a more large scale industry working with large power distribution companies OR something computer engineer related.

ME = a lot of focus on statics and dynamics and fluid flow

IE = classes in statistics, electrical engineering courses, statics and dynamics courses, logistics courses, computer coding, visual basic in Excel, calculus...... To me, IE is kind of like getting a good understanding of most all engineering so your options for a career in ANY industry are wide open. I began to focus on human factors/ergonomics with the hopes of getting into the Auto Industry and then once in the auto industry moving towards the audio side within the company. I really wanted to work for BMW in Spartanburg, SC but getting into that company without a 3.7GPA is very difficult. I chose IE because of the vast possibilities once you graduate as well as its "focus" on management because I have always been a leader and enjoy working directly with people rather than sitting at a desk all day.

I wound up interviewing with 4 companies within SC: IV bag manufacturing, potato chip manufacturing, textile manufacturing, and a supplier for BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen that manufactured the base carpet, brackets, and heat shields. I then interviewed with a Georgia Pacific dimensioned lumber manufacturer in LA and Honda of AL.

I received offers from everywhere I interviewed and right when I was about to accept with Honda they retracted that position. I accepted and ELE (entry level engineer) position with GP in LA due to the atmosphere and starting salary. OTW to move to LA I received a call from Honda stating that they re-opened the human factors position at Honda and was bummed to have to turn it down. After spending 1.5 years here in LA I am going to transfer to Rome, GA as a technical director due to a dramatic pay increase, not having a someone to report to daily so I can create my own schedule, and to be closer to family. From there, I may look back into the auto industry but GP is a wonderful company.

ELE: with this position I have been able to work as a process engineer (quality control) in both the sawmill and planer mill, plant engineer (capital projects), production supervisor, and technical director.... so far. The plan is for me to continue working different positions from accounting to plant manager, however, due to the opening in Rome, GA I will be focusing on the technical director's roles, responsibilities, and expectations so that I transition to Rome with a vast understanding of what to do.

One other possibility would be getting technical degrees or certificates in electrical fields. The only issue I have seen with this is that the possibility of obtaining a salary vs. hourly pay are not as great. Some people prefer hourly pay and work long hours and make **** good money doing so. I, on the other hand, prefer to have a guaranteed check of the same amount regardless of the amount of time I'm at work. For my first year, I would have made more money if I were paid hourly because I averaged 55-72hrs a week. In the next year +, however, I will be spending 45hrs a week at work (1 hr lunch break Mon-Fri).

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

This may be a little long so pick and choose what you want to read. However, I graduated in December of 2013 so I am relatively "fresh out" of college and went through a lot of research and discussion trying to find what I wanted to study in college. This gives you a brief summary of my college decision and then where I have gone from there. Feel free to PM me for any more questions.
As far as choosing a college, I suggest going to a college with a reputable engineering program. Engineers are highly sought after regardless of the field. Which engineering field you choose with then reflect more so on the specific industry you can get into the "easiest"

I graduated from Clemson University with an Industrial Engineering degree. When I first started, I enrolled in the "general engineering" program that just gives you a taste of some of the "engineering" work you will be assigned to do. From there, I visited/researched/"interviewed" professors and students in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. I was focused on the EE side of things because, like you, I wanted to get involved with something in the audio industry. During one of my visits with the EE department, the directed me towards the "audio engineering" field. I went to have a discussion with the head of that department and they had a LOT of really awesome equipment, but I came to find out that the requirement to get into that field was to have a focus or experience with recording/studio computer programs. Most of the people in audio engineering went on to work for Disney to mix different audio for movies, TV shows, commercials, etc. When I spoke with this guy about my interest in car/home audio, he reluctantly said that most people in Clemson's audio engineering program were knowledgeable of that stuff, but making a successful career out of strictly home/car audio installation is very difficult.

Overall:

EE = basically computer engineering. You could double major in EE and CE by adding 4 classes from CE. A lot of focus on computer coding.

ME = a lot of focus on statics and dynamics and fluid flow

IE = classes in statistics, electrical engineering courses, statics and dynamics courses, logistics courses, computer coding, visual basic in Excel, calculus...... To me, IE is kind of like getting a good understanding of most all engineering so your options for a career in ANY industry are wide open. I began to focus on human factors/ergonomics with the hopes of getting into the Auto Industry and then once in the auto industry moving towards the audio side within the company. I really wanted to work for BMW in Spartanburg, SC but getting into that company without a 3.7GPA is very difficult. I chose IE because of the vast possibilities once you graduate as well as its "focus" on management because I have always been a leader and enjoy working directly with people rather than sitting at a desk all day.

I wound up interviewing with 4 companies within SC: IV bag manufacturing, potato chip manufacturing, textile manufacturing, and a supplier for BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen that manufactured the base carpet, brackets, and heat shields. I then interviewed with a Georgia Pacific dimensioned lumber manufacturer in LA and Honda of AL.

I received offers from everywhere I interviewed and right when I was about to accept with Honda they retracted that position. I accepted and ELE (entry level engineer) position with GP in LA due to the atmosphere and starting salary. OTW to move to LA I received a call from Honda stating that they re-opened the human factors position at Honda and was bummed to have to turn it down. After spending 1.5 years here in LA I am going to transfer to Rome, GA as a technical director due to a dramatic pay increase, not having a someone to report to daily so I can create my own schedule, and to be closer to family. From there, I may look back into the auto industry but GP is a wonderful company.

ELE: with this position I have been able to work as a process engineer (quality control) in both the sawmill and planer mill, plant engineer (capital projects), production supervisor, and technical director.... so far. The plan is for me to continue working different positions from accounting to plant manager, however, due to the opening in Rome, GA I will be focusing on the technical director's roles, responsibilities, and expectations so that I transition to Rome with a vast understanding of what to do.

Thanks for the reply! I am taking automotive classes right now at a technical institute, and am considering the automotive field too. I don't like doing a whole lot with computers. I took a summer class offered by a college on computer coding, and hated it. I would consider accounting, and may do something business in college too, to make myself more marketable to companies.

There is an audio degree at a local college here, but they focus on setting up stage gear for concerts and doing recordings. I don't want to be in the recording/music industry. It is really hard to find places that offer audio programs not centered around that.

I'd also be interested in becoming a vendor on forums later in life. Being a DD dealer would be pretty cool too, but I know a shop would have a lot of start-up cost.

 

[budahbuddy803 10+ year member]

Thanks for the reply! I am taking automotive classes right now at a technical institute, and am considering the automotive field too. I don't like doing a whole lot with computers. I took a summer class offered by a college on computer coding, and hated it. I would consider accounting, and may do something business in college too, to make myself more marketable to companies.
There is an audio degree at a local college here, but they focus on setting up stage gear for concerts and doing recordings. I don't want to be in the recording/music industry. It is really hard to find places that offer audio programs not centered around that.

I'd also be interested in becoming a vendor on forums later in life. Being a DD dealer would be pretty cool too, but I know a shop would have a lot of start-up cost.

I actually edited my post before while you were replying mentioned the possibility of technical degrees/certificates. As with the audio engineering school nearby, that is pretty much what Clemson offered. I would love to setup the equipment for concerts, I just don't want to be moving around constantly.

As far as vending, definitely look into some business classes. Again, with IE, we also had numerous courses that were focused on Finance which is a part of business. I recommend trying to find the time to visit with the head of certain departments at universities or technical schools to describe what you are interested in and see what they say or where they direct you. Everyone I spoke with seemed to truly enjoy our discussion whether it was relevant to his or her department/focus or not.

EDIT: You may want to skim back through my original post for some of the things I added.

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

I actually edited my post before while you were replying mentioned the possibility of technical degrees/certificates. As with the audio engineering school nearby, that is pretty much what Clemson offered. I would love to setup the equipment for concerts, I just don't want to be moving around constantly.
As far as vending, definitely look into some business classes. Again, with IE, we also had numerous courses that were focused on Finance which is a part of business. I recommend trying to find the time to visit with the head of certain departments at universities or technical schools to describe what you are interested in and see what they say or where they direct you. Everyone I spoke with seemed to truly enjoy our discussion whether it was relevant to his or her department/focus or not.

EDIT: You may want to skim back through my original post for some of the things I added.

Thanks for the help, and I just read the last bit you added. I'll be sure to visit and talk to professors before I commit anywhere

 

[Joseph7195 10+ year member]

Make sure the county that your college is located, isn't a dry county. And also make sure there are at least a couple good strip clubs close by. The rest doesn't matter. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

Make sure the county that your college is located, isn't a dry county. And also make sure there are at least a couple good strip clubs close by. The rest doesn't matter. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Haha, thanks for the advice man

One of my friends is in college and spent over $800 in a week at the strip club

 

[C1500martin 10+ year member]

Get a MBA and run a company

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

That's the dream. It would be hard to start out in this industry though

 

[C1500martin 10+ year member]

I was in your shoes 4 years ago man, and it seems like yesterday. The only advice i can give you is stick to school. I started working and money got the best of me. Sure i have my 2 cars now and what not but i have ZERO saved up and will only make $35k at most on a good year. My cousin same age as me is now graduating ucla and will be making over $60k. I wasted my time. This year ima work part time and go to school full time as in this time and life an education is everything. DONT LET MONEY BLIND YOU because what you think is alot of money at 20, isnt shit at 25 and even less the older you get

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

Last year, I thought about doing a trade school and then going into the work force. I talked to someone who did just that, and decided against it. Kmart gets me what I need right now, but I see older people working there who have been there their whole life. I don't want to be like that, because then I won't be able to afford car audio //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif

I may contact some companies, and see exactly what education they're looking for in new employees

 

[big scott]

you need to decide what you want to do, not the latest thing if you know what i mean. as it cost allot for collage .

just remember what you like now may not be the same down the road.

i know i gave you a lot of shitt but it sounds like you have your head on right and thats good. i wish you luck ........

and it was me as iv been going throw a lot of shitt right now and im taking it hard so sorry..............................

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

you need to decide what you want to do, not the latest thing if you know what i mean. as it cost allot for collage .
just remember what you like now may not be the same down the road.

i know i gave you a lot of shitt but it sounds like you have your head on right and thats good. i wish you luck ........

and it was me as iv been going throw a lot of shitt right now and im taking it hard so sorry..............................

I really enjoy working with audio systems, but you are right. Things change

Its all good, I was being an ass too. Thanks for the good wishes

 

[C1500martin 10+ year member]

Last year, I thought about doing a trade school and then going into the work force. I talked to someone who did just that, and decided against it. Kmart gets me what I need right now, but I see older people working there who have been there their whole life. I don't want to be like that, because then I won't be able to afford car audio //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif
I may contact some companies, and see exactly what education they're looking for in new employees

Thats not a bad idea if your REALLY planning on sticking to that career thats what my old co worker dis hes me age and went to uti (an automotive trade school here in so cal) and now hes working on ase certifications working his way up at the toyota dealership he works at. Hes the youngest guy there and hes doing the same the old timers are. Just not the same pay because he doesnt have certifications but he will after 2 years work experience

 

[big scott]

ya you hear it all the time, people get a degree in what ever and years later it become work and thats it. so ya just take some time to really think about it, check out these courses. and no im not trying to talk you out of anything . i just dont want you to jump into something that you may regret.

i wish i could have went to collage but i was unable to. plus it does not matter now anyway. have not worked in 18year. and i hate it, wish i could.

i would have been a body man, well i would be doing it all as i can. i do it all on my truck and have worked at a few shops in the past. im a motor head lol...