[manishalive]

Originally Posted by humyum

I learnt so many things in Coventry Uni that I would have never even dreamt about in Saboo Siddhik. Stay away from this place like it was some virus.

Well Indian education is like that, and is the one to blame for. I know how much bad you would have felt (I also did my Automotive Engg in India after Diploma), Saboo Siddhik was THE college for Automobile (after VJTI) Engineering. At least Mumbai University has got some syllabus; other universities in Maharashtra don't even have that.

If I get the kind of money, I will definitely start a B.E. / M.E. college in Automobile.

Coventry was my dream from my 10th class onwards and is still a dream 18 yrs. down the line. You are very lucky. After reading your post the itch has started again. But it's a different Ball game altogether now

[Mr.Boss]

Hi, here is my story,

Right from childhood I was keen towards Automobiles. Fixed up my mind towards the same. After completing my schooling, thought of joining B.E Automobile Engineering or B-Tech Automobile Technology.
Thought for a while, what will I do if I don't get job in automobile field?
Googled for scope of work with automobile engineering, surprised to see only a few were there.
Family left the decision in my hands since they don't want me blaming them for choosing a bad career, but they were more keen towards IT sector. Even I love programming and I am the topper in our class in Computer Science always. Finally joined B.E Mechanical Engineering.

Got selected in two leading IT companies in my third year through campus recruitment. My college did not allowed me to attend any more interviews, even for the care mechanical & automotive company's campus interviews. Got frustrated. On the eleventh hour attended a off-campus interview of Commercial Vehicle OEM and got selected only because of my final year project. Interview panel declared I will be recruited for R&D department on the same day (unofficially)

Then came the dilemma.
1) OEM is from northern part of the country and I don't know Hindi which is the worst scenario and my parents said it is very difficult to survive in north without Hindi
Both the IT companies were at south
2) OEM asked me the sign a service bond for 3 years
IT - No bond
3) IT companies were paying almost double the salary of OEM

Mind said "Go for IT, money matters a lot!" but heart said "It is after all money, job satisfaction matters!" Heart wins, joined OEM.
After few years wanted to taste the aroma of working with passenger segment, Two months back got that opportunity too.

[Gany]

Hi Mr. Boss, Congratulations on your decision to stick with you heart (career) over mind (money)!
It is sad that the automotive engineering as delivered in India will not help you much in building your career. Whereas Mechanical would but no one realises it. If someone wants to build core engineering career in automotives then Mech Engg is the right course.

I did my mechanical engg more than 2 decades ago thinking that I can join some engineering company that does R&D in automobiles! At that time no internet to google around, coming from small town no guidance on what course/what career!
Lucky to get selected in campus by a commerical vehicle OEM! Steered myself to get to engine R&D department and has never looked back again!

Do not worry about learning a new language, it is the best opportunity to know something new. I had to go thorugh the same, learned a new language which helped me to go to new places, find new friends etc.
Do not worry about money as you just started building your career! As long as the money can take care of your needs to have good food/shelter/education/family life, you are good to go. Do proper planning of your finance at an early stage, will do lot good.

As you build your career, stay long enough to learn the complete product life cycle in your organization rather than switching frequently. This pays back, whereever you end up & you will have the satisfaction!.
I interview lots of candidates for various engineering jobs & never could select folks who have been frequent jumpers as they lack the depth in engineering, product & organizational skill!
Wish you all the best

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by Gany

Hi Mr. Boss, Congratulations on your decision to stick with you heart (career) over mind (money)!......
....
Wish you all the best

Thank you Sir.
My Boss from the previous organisation is also an Engine Specialist with your same experience (around 20 years)

BTW One more language got added to my CV as I have choosen to travel North 3 years ago.

[knob]

Wow nice to see some people following their heart. I had to part with my automotive dreams when IT came knocking and all people advising against being a "mechanic". I will never stop regretting my decision ever.

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by knob

IT came knocking and all people advising against being a "mechanic"

Of course there is always a group of people against this. Even my mom advised me the same.

Suggestion for the students here,
Please do stick to your heart than your mind in choosing your career. Being a fresher you have no restriction (may be a few) in choosing the career, latter on which is very very difficult to switch the lane.

[nanduchitnis]

I asked a front end guy who worked hard doing all the bank work, CSD work, test drive and much more, over a week for delivery of my Honda City, what he got paid for this job. I was surprised.... he was paid peanuts being a permanent employee!

Originally Posted by GTO

I know that there are a lucky few amongst us (Psycho, Arush, Dom, Turbo India etc.) who are working in the industry of their choice which is not only their passion, but also their bread and butter.

What about the rest of us? Ever wanted to build a career within cars? Are the plans still on or discarded? What company?

I have ALWAYS wanted to venture in a premium car dealership and hopefully one day it will be possible. One that boasts of the HIGHEST quality service - a level that has previously been unseen in India. One that gets more customers through word of mouth than silly advertisements. Simply put, an organisation that is built around the clientelle.

Whats yours?

GTO

GTO> What is the status of your venture? Will be glad to join as a Trainee when ever you start this venture.

Any Auto Retailers here on Team Bhp who wants to employ a 60 years old Master Mariner and Auto freak based in Pune?

[PetrolInMyVeins]

Hey guys,I'm about to complete my First Year at Manipal Institute of Technology.As you all probably know,the First Year is the same for all BE students.If all goes well and my result is satisfactory,I shall get a transfer to the BE-Automobile Engineering course (I am presently enrolled for BE-Instrumentation and Control Engineering) in my Second Year.My ultimate aim is to get a degree in Automotive Design (Automotive and Transport Design:3D Automotive Design Representation/Automotive MDes/BA Honours Degree).How should I go about building a portfolio?Also,does anyone know of a good Foreign Education Counseller who could guide me in this regard (with reference to choosing the right Design School)?Any help will be greatly appreciated.Thanks.

[ponderer]

I had never even imagined that id be working in the automotive field. I was just another engineer gearing up for a job in the usual field of software etc. But then KPIT happened just by pure chance (right place at the right time). Im currently a Powertrain Designer at KPIT Cummins,Pune. Its like a whole new world has opened up to me here! the automobile field is so very interesting! i just love my job!!

[manishalive]

Originally Posted by PetrolInMyVeins

My ultimate aim is to get a degree in Automotive Design (Automotive and Transport Design:3D Automotive Design Representation/Automotive MDes/BA Honours Degree).How should I go about building a portfolio?Also,does anyone know of a good Foreign Education Counseller who could guide me in this regard (with reference to choosing the right Design School)?Any help will be greatly appreciated.Thanks.

PIMV,

Till now we were chatting on scale model thread, now here . I will try to give you some insight. If you go back 2-3 pages I have given some detail. You go those websites and there are many people including some professors or industry professionals, they can guide you. You will come to know how to build your portfolio.

It is good that you are starting early, start sketching, draw down ideas on paper, master the art of strokes, shading, use colors to enhance your drawings, and the last stage would be to use professional software (rhino for 3d and photoshop / alias sketchbook for rendering). But firstly master sketching, draw every day stuff. I have mentioned some of the books rendering with pen & Ink is one such good book, easily available in any college having architecture branch.

As for the college three college come to my Mind.

1.) Art Center College of Design - California.

2.) UMEA college of Design - Sweeden.

3.) Coventry University - Coventry.

The last two are a known for Transportation design. And coventry also have courses on Automotive engineering design apart from styling.

In case if you require further in depth information, my sister is a product designer from NID Ahmendabad, we can contact her too.

[PetrolInMyVeins]

Thanks for the information,Manish.I've checked out the websites of those colleges you've listed.Will check out the other websites over the summer vacation to get a better idea of what needs to go into my portfolio.As for your suggestion that I start sketching,already on it.In fact it is my love for sketching that has convinced me that I have an aptitude for Automotive Design.I've always had a bit of a knack for 3D visualisation.Drawing three-dimensional objects (including cars) comes quite naturally to me.You know when something just feels right?That's how it is with this dream of mine.However,I'll start making more serious renders come June (summer vacation).All the stuff I've done so far has been more rough and less colourful.
Appreciate your help a great deal,bro.Now I

[PetrolInMyVeins]

Sorry.That last post got submitted before it was complete due to some glitch.What I was saying was that now I know who to ask for advice and suggestions.Thanks a ton,Manish.

[Skyline GT-R]

I did a degree in Hotel management in 1996-99 because of a good friend's bad advise.

Later took a "U" turn towards where i wanted to be.

Worked for some time in tyre industry & then switched to auto sales (in GCC)

For the past 2 months working with one of India's initial automobile companies in dealer sales management.

Yes there are two paths you can go by...but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on - LED ZEPPELIN

[Skye1592]

Originally Posted by Skyline GT-R

I did a degree in Hotel management in 1996-99 because of a good friend's bad advise.

Later took a "U" turn towards where i wanted to be.

Worked for some time in tyre industry & then switched to auto sales (in GCC)

For the past 2 months working with one of India's initial automobile companies in dealer sales management.

Yes there are two paths you can go by...but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on - LED ZEPPELIN

Stairway to Heaven
Nice!

I'm doing a computer science degree now. I've always wanted to be involved with the automotive scene. But, my heart truly lies with the aviation industry. As soon as I'm done with my degree, I'm off for pilot training! Inspired by the documentary: "The making of the world's largest aircraft-Airbus A380", which I watched on discovery channel about four years back.

[Skyline GT-R]

Skye, NOW is a good time to decide.

Make sure you go to a accredited flying school.

I guess half of the institutes in India are rogue setups. (If you believe what they write in the papers)