Getting a job in the auto/racing industry: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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July 2, 2011 11:32 a.m. Jeff Dork

I'm going through career gyrations again. I have a good job that pays well and my boss is a good guy. But it's no longer my passion (if it ever was). I've been working in the field for awhile now (analytical mass spectrometry) and feel it's time to do something else.

My passion is racing and cars. I know lot's of people will advise you not to turn your hobby into work. Quite frankly, I think that's bull E36 M3. I've known a few people who have been fortunate enough to make their passion their work and they are very happy. Yes, sometimes it sucks, that's a given.

I think my challenges are two fold. Identifying companies that are involved in racing/auto in my geographic area (or areas I want to live in) and figuring out how to package my skill set in a way that would be attractive to those companies.

I'd be interested in hearing feed back from other career changers that moved to the auto/racing industry. I'd also be keen to hear from scientists who have gotten out of science. How did you package and present your skills? The few times I've tried to get out of science, I don't think I was taken very seriously.

Thanks.
July 2, 2011 11:56 a.m. JoeyM SuperDork

With your analytical background and comfort with technical equipment and computer screens, getting into data analysis for a race team seems like an easy fit.

My personal advice, however, would be to stay where you are until the economy gets stronger, even if you don't enjoy the job..

Jeff wrote:

I have a good job that pays well and my boss is a good guy.

Lots of people dream of that scenario.

Jeff wrote:

But it's no longer my passion (if it ever was).

Lots of people work in jobs they don't care about in order to make enough to do the things that ARE their passion.
July 2, 2011 12:38 p.m. petegossett SuperDork

And lots of other people make a move into something they're passionate about, only to find it too turns into just another daily grind after a few years.

Stick as much of your paycheck into smart/safe investments as you can, and aim to retire early enough to do whatever you want for fun?
July 2, 2011 2:27 p.m. ransom HalfDork

I've had (and still have) similar thoughts. I'm a software developer, not a scientist (hey, the degree is in Computer Science...), but the overall notion is quite similar.

I keep pondering asking around at likely shops where I might be able to get a toe-hold as Uber-Gofer First Class and moonlight there to gain some insight into the industry. Hard to schedule around already having a full time job, but it seems like with an existing technical and automotive background, offering to step in as a highly qualified helper might be appealing to the right shop.

Another approach I've thought of is trying to develop a product or service that would more or less require my involvement in racing as a part of day to day R&D and promotion. Again, with the notion of doing this on the side in hopes that it will grow to obviate the need for my day job.

I think the warnings about the perils of turning your hobby into your day job are rooted in some very real problems, but I'm also inclined to think that there's something solid in the fact that I've been obsessed with cars for 37 of my 39 years in a way which has never wavered as other interests have... What I still haven't managed to pin down is in what way to best center my work and life around that fascination in terms of not hindering the other necessary aspects of life or walking directly into an automotive-based but otherwise horrendous career path.

I'm curious about what you figure out and what people suggest on this thread. I think the goal makes sense, but needs specificity and a plan, neither of which I have.
July 2, 2011 4:14 p.m. Giant Purple Snorklewacker SuperDork

I'm betting working for someone else in the racing business isn't quite as profitable or romantic as it appears.

IMO, the best way to be "in motorsports" is to run a business that serves it. Will Turner thought selling performance parts at track events would be a good way to fund his new hobby. Bernie Ecclestone started out selling used motorcycle parts to fund his racing effort and when he discovered he sucked as a driver... became a team manager. Penske raced, and then flipped used cars enough that he started a Chevy dealership.... you see where I'm going with this now....
July 2, 2011 4:19 p.m. Keith SuperDork

petegossett wrote:

And lots of other people make a move into something they're passionate about, only to find it too turns into just another daily grind after a few years.

And some say "that was one of the best decisions I've ever made" Super-profitable? No. I'm still making nothing near what I used to a decade ago, and I never will. Big improvement in lifestyle? Yes, so money isn't as important.

I guess the first choice is to figure out how your skills could be used to improve a car or race team, then start marketing yourself. Instead of looking for job advertisements, go to the company that needs your skills and sell them on it. I did this once very effectively - if you can prove to them that they need you, they will make a space for you.

In my case, it was a matter of turning a part time position into a full time one. I'd already worked with FM for a while doing their advertising remotely, so when it came time for them to hire on a new tech they already knew me and what I could do. My job was never advertised. Maybe you need to start with a similar relationship with one of your "target companies" and see where it leads in 2-3 years. If you and/or your skills prove to be valuable, they'll use you.
July 2, 2011 4:51 p.m. Jeff Dork

Thanks for the feed back so far.

Yes, I'm fortunate to be paid well and work for a good company and boss. And no, I'm not looking to change jobs on a whim. This will be a process that I expect to take 12-24 months.

GPS, you hit on what I've been thinking. A business venture that serves the racing community and/or morphs into a racing team. Ultimately running a team at any level professionally (no, not driving, I'd want to win) would be the ultimate goal. Of course I'd need the contacts, capital, and income stream to make that happen.

Keith, I like your ideas as an initial plan of attack. Start cultivating relationships with companies and figure out how my skill set makes them money. Learning the business from the inside would be invaluable to a future venture of my own.
July 2, 2011 7:28 p.m. MitchellC Dork

In the meantime, why not try crewing for a race team part time? Maybe some sort of weekend racing where you can be back to work on Monday. You probably won't be paid, but what better way to introduce yourself to the companies that support racing than to work in racing? You will interact with a ton of racing teams on the track, as well as the parts suppliers. This may be a good way to find which companies you want to work for, and which you would not want to work for.
July 2, 2011 7:37 p.m. Maroon92 SuperDork

Subscribed! I am currently IN the automotive industry, and I would like to get into the racing side of it. I would be on the other side of it from the OP though. PR/Marketing/Sponsor relations etc. I think it would be an epic time, even if it won't ever get me rich!
July 2, 2011 7:38 p.m. Maroon92 SuperDork

MitchellC wrote:

In the meantime, why not try crewing for a race team part time? Maybe some sort of weekend racing where you can be back to work on Monday. You probably won't be paid, but what better way to introduce yourself to the companies that support racing than to work in racing? You will interact with a ton of racing teams on the track, as well as the parts suppliers. This may be a good way to find which companies you want to work for, and which you would not want to work for.

How do you go about doing that? I have not found any race teams that want my help (even for free... ) If you, or anyone you know needs race team help, please contact me!
July 2, 2011 9:13 p.m. MitchellC Dork

That's something I do not know
July 3, 2011 1:47 a.m. Wally SuperDork

In reply to Maroon92:

I'm sure more than one house in GA has a race car on a trailer. Don't be afraid to try a stock car or dragracer either if the car looks interesting. There's a lot to be learned from both. Take a ride through the neighborhood one night and see if anyone is working on one. Stop off, have a beer and see if they want some help. Most teams will welcome someone teachable with a bit of entusiasm. When got out of high school I worked on a Nascar North team that ended up running in Daytona with one paid employee and everyone else doing it for the chance to work on a racecar