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  • April 23, 2011 2:33 p.m. LifeQuestions None

    Ok guys here we go.

    I am an avid poster on this board but have created a second to protect my current situation. (Idea jacking here.)

    I am thinking of changing careers in the next year. I want to get back into automotive, but not on the building side and need help.

    I have had incredible success in the manufacturing environment. I have all those buttons pushed. (BSME from a well known Engineering school, Six Sigma Black Belt, Project Management, Experience in Process engineering and Quality. Experience with Far East and European cultures, track record of proactive positioning in work projects and references from a MAJOR automotive company product manager.)

    But since the down turn is over(or at least shows the brakes are on,) I want to get back to doing what I love. I am trying to figure out how to turn my current successes into a successful and profitable position with a company dealing with more "soft" subjects.

    I have been to SEMA multiple times and have interned with them twice. I love the business of the automotive business. Product planning, car reviews, feed back, translating that into products and positioning.

    Now here comes the twist. With my current resume and jobs on Monster that I am squarely qualified for I am looking at the 6 figure range. Is this out of the question for what I am wanting to do?

    Thanks in advance and don't hold back, I used to sell cars so I have thick skin.

  • stuart in mn

    April 23, 2011 3:14 p.m. stuart in mn SuperDork

    How many years experience? What part of the country? Sure, engineers can make that kind of money, if they are the right person with enough years in the right industry.

  • huge-O-chavez

    April 24, 2011 7:25 a.m. huge-O-chavez SuperDork

    Just some random thoughts:

    If you want into the automotive after market side, I suggest you speak with DILSYIdave. He worked there for a number of years and could better tell you the state of the industry.

    If you have enough background, and enough book of work, what about consulting... It may not be the best work life balance or the right industry all the time; But the money is there.

    Also as you know.. "Soft" projects are often the 1st cut i a downturn. I was told by an old ops manager a while ago that "When times are bad go hug a part"....

    Do you have a backgrond in product planning or marketing or marketing research? If not then try to highlight the stuff that is closest to those items on your resume and then maybe prepare to take a small step back to go forward.

  • April 24, 2011 9:38 a.m. LifeQuestions New Reader

    Cool, I will give some answers here.

    Stuart in MN: Thinking about not engineering, or at least not on the design and manufacturing side. I have found alot of jobs in the $90K to $115K for my skill sets. I also have management experience before I went into engineering.

    huge-O-chavez: Dude I have to start by saying I snicker every time I see your name. Very funny.

    I have some experience with product planning for market position, reading market trends. The crystal ball sort of stuff that is actually just paying attention to indicators. VOC, survey writing, etc., but I have never had the final say in those areas. Always just the "advisor" never the king. I will PM DILSYIdave and ask him his opinion.

    As far as the area, I prefer the Southeast or Northern Cuba (Florida), but I am willing to move most places, just no where cold, I would be divorced.

  • Sept. 22, 2011 12:10 p.m. LifeQuestions New Reader

    Apparently, my isn't as adverse to cold as once thought. I found a position in Maine I am going to apply for.

    So at this point, who here is from Maine and wants to talk their state up/down?

 
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