Milestones

My road in life has been direct.
Worked at service stations.
Worked at an automotive machine shop.
Taught auto tech at a prison, and started my own business as a motorcycle accessory-parts-repair shop.
Taught auto tech at vo-tech schools.
Managed an automotive radiator shop.
Worked at a Ford dealership.
Began career at Camden County College teaching auto tech and running the department.

Education

High School
Collingswood High
Bachelor
AAS Auto Technology
Camden County College
Graduate
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Vocational
Auto Tech Certificate
Spring Garden Institute
Bachelor
BS Vocational Ed.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Career

Retired Automotive Technology Professor

Taught and ran auto department at a community college.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Entrepreneurship
Education
Working with Others

Day to Day

During my automotive technician days, I performed major and minor repairs on autos and light trucks at dealerships and independent shops. I also had my own motorcycle parts / repair shop where I did repairs, machining and custom building. As a college instructor I taught, recruited students and businesses, advised students, and had to keep up with current auto technology. My last ten years I ran the auto tech department, so management skills were required.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for high school students

For someone wanting to teach auto tech I would suggest going to a Community College auto program. Then acquiring at least six years of field experience. The same holds true for someone wanting to be an auto tech as far as education. After being in the field for several years you may desire a change from fixing cars. You may want to: own your own business, teach, become shop foreman or service manager, sales representative, work for an auto manufacturer, etc.

Recommended Education

My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:

undergrad
Bachelor
AAS Auto Technology
certification
Vocational
Auto Tech Certificate
undergrad
Bachelor
BS Vocational Ed.

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Society in General:

"Automotive "mechanics," technicians today have never gotten the respect they deserve for the knowledge required to be successful. That is until their vehicle breaks down."

Challenges I Overcame

Financial