Choosing a college

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

I was thinking about doing a GM program and working at a dealership. Mechanics at a dealership make a respectable living and get good benefits.

Hopefully the next year will be enough time for me to make a good decision. My uncle does auto salvage, and that's how I got my vehicles. I'm not sure I really sure I'm cut out for body work, as I am not artistic in the slightest. It seems to be an art form, getting things to look good/right

 

[budahbuddy803 10+ year member]

As far as money is concerned, it isn't everything, but it sure has made life "easy" and more enjoyable for me. I lucked out and my starting salary is the same as 50% of the engineers I graduated with. The other 50% of engineers I know actually started out making less than me. Everyone I know that did not graduate with an engineering degree make substantially less (about half).

$60-70k starting as an engineer is really nice. 401k is extremely important for long term as well, but that is something to worry about after you get your degree and a job.

Again, every industry is different so a degree will not guarantee a certain number. As others mentioned "figure out what you want to do." ..... It's true, but it's also laughable. I had and still have no idea what I "want to do." That is why I suggest getting a "versatile" bachelors degree and your options for what you want to do will be more plentiful than getting an associates in, say, welding or electrical systems and then finding out, well, I don't like welding or being an electrician. As I mentioned previously, you will also limit yourself on "moving up" within a company because most higher positions require a 4 year + degree. Also, engineers with an MBA is EXTREMELY desirable. Knowing the technical side of things as well as getting the business side is GREAT

Everyone and every industry is different so do your research.

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

Awesome, I'll look more into getting an MBA. One of my aunts did, and she's doing well in a bio-engineering company

 

[budahbuddy803 10+ year member]

Jesus Christ there is a shit ton of derp in this thread. There's no money in car audio you buffoon.

What is "derp?" Also, I don't think anyone said there is "money in car audio." Maybe I missed something, but all I have seen car audio related in this thread is the OP stating he enjoys car audio and was curious if/how people in the car audio business are doing and what they did to get there. Did I miss something?

 

[budahbuddy803 10+ year member]

Jesus Christ there is a shit ton of derp in this thread. There's no money in car audio you buffoon.

What is "derp?" Also, I don't think anyone said there is "money in car audio." Maybe I missed something, but all I have seen car audio related in this thread is the OP stating he enjoys car audio and was curious if/how people in the car audio business are doing and what they did to get there. Did I miss something?

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

Not looking to make a bunch of money, just enjoy what I'm doing and still be able to afford my hobby on top of life's expenses

 

[C1500martin 10+ year member]

the happiest people i have ever met are the ones that have the least, because they smile at life and the blessings they have. And the most miserable people I've met are the ones with money because all they do is complain how they don't have what the guy who makes more has.

 

[The_Quiet_One 10+ year member]

The cool thing about car audio is how many different disciplines go into developing products. Pretty much pick and engineering and go for it. It may be difficult to weasle your way into some of the companies, but you could very well start your own company and do very well. Startup will be difficult. As far as choosing a college choose one that will allow you to network best in your chosen field ie have close ties with local industry in a field you want to study. The degree is just the id to get into the club, to really party you have to know the right people. I would personally lean towards computers and/or engineering. I got my degree in Physics and most jobs/projects Im working I only function as a bastard between engineering and science depending on the makeup of my coworkers.

 

[JimJ 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.

You'll likely end up changing your mind after you get into the real world and realize nobody gives a **** about your degree. Get *******, get drunk, don't get arrested (too often), get a decent GPA.

 

---------- Post added at 12:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:48 PM ----------

 

Subtle poverty post.

Not very subtle, even.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

I was thinking about doing a GM program and working at a dealership.

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

lol wat

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

lol wat

I was considering both options, I know they're very different.

 

[wew lad 5,000+ posts]

I don't have a lot to add, other than the experience I have with engineering courses here at Embry Riddle. Be sure that engineering is what you want to do, it is far from an easy ride. There's a very high dropout/degree change rate of those who come for any engineering degree. It will take all of your time, and energy. You likely won't have a lot of time for yourself unless you're one of the few that can live, breath, and sleep a new type of logic without it messing with you outside of class. I only have about one engineering class per semester and they're usually slowed down a little bit for my degree because it's not in engineering it's in UAS (Unmanned aircraft systems). Even with only one class being engineering, the workload for that one class is equal to the other 4 classes I'm taking PLUS flight training.

But, if you do really want this, then you've chosen a great career path. Engineers are some of the highest paid people in the world. Just be well aware of what you're getting into and be sure you're dedicated to it. Spend some time researching the various different fields of engineering and what might suit YOUR skills the best. It will make college 100x easier for you, because you'll be doing something you're genuinely interested in.

My final word of advice is to research the cost, and to work hard to get as much as that paid off with scholarships as possible. However, DO NOT let the cost of college get in your way. My tuition is ~45k a year (w/out summer classes) and about an extra ~60k over the 4 years I'll be here to get my pilot certifications. I get a portion of the tuition covered, but the majority is not and I will end up with loans. This is not ideal, but for the field you're going into, pay will not be an issue. ~200k of loans versus a 200k a year salary 10 years from now? The latter is clearly a better life-long choice.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

~200k of loans versus a 200k a year salary 10 years from now? The latter is clearly a better life-long choice.

I'm telling myself that now...looking at about $100K for a second degree, but it'd be a $100K raise from where I am now, and actually in a field that I like.

I'm convinced nobody truly knows what they want to do when they're 17.