June 5, 2013 - Marine Industry Partner Helps Grads Navigate the Job Search Waters

For students of Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI), there’s no secret about what it takes to succeed in the school’s renowned program: hard work, commitment and technical talent. But what do graduates need to know as they look for employment in the marine industry?

We sat down with Angel Asacio, the service manager at Boat Wrench in Longwood, Fla. and a member of MMI’s Program Advisory Committee at the Orlando campus, to find out what he has in mind when it comes to new hires. As a professional with years of experience in the field, Angel has some suggestions that may be just what grads need to land their first marine technician job.

“When you walk into an interview, the most important thing to bear in mind is that first impression. I've had people walk in here wearing shorts and flip flops to talk to me about a job. No thanks! I’m looking for new employees who have clearly put some effort into the way they introduce themselves. For example, make sure you have someone proofread your resume. Give some thought to how you’ll describe your qualifications during the interview. Show them that when your fellow technicians need help, you’ll be happy to step up and assist. There are so many people looking for work these days. In this business, like any other, you really have to sell yourself.

Part of this is showing potential employers that you can be a positive “face” for their business. Most of the shops in this industry are small dealers, like us. We’re all looking for team members who not only have the technical skills to do the job, but the people skills to work with boat owners. We tell our techs that when they’re on the water testing a boat, they may be approached by potential customers who recognize them as experts and have questions. Their interactions with boaters can affect our reputation and our business. At our shop, we’re looking for team members who will always represent us in a positive way.

Finally, it’s never too early to start thinking about what you want from your career. I worked with someone once who was a great tech, but too rough around the edges for us to put him in front of the customers. It inhibited his career and he’s still in the same place doing the same thing. For some technicians, staying in the back of the shop working on boats for their whole career is just fine. For me, starting out as a tech showed me I could move up to being the lead technician, then service writer and finally service manager. I learned that the better you are at working with your fellow technicians and customers, the further you can go in this industry.”

To find out more about Marine Mechanics Institute, please visit www.uti.edu/programs/marine. For more campus news follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MMImarine.