July 31, 2013 - Hit the Career Road: Tips for UTI’s New Grads
Students graduating from Universal Technical Institute (UTI) this year are looking forward to a bright future in the growing automotive service industry. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts the field will employ about 1.4 million skilled workers by 2020.
As they launch their careers by scouting job opportunities and interviewing with employers, what should graduates keep in mind? With decades of experience as technicians and managers, three members of UTI’s Program Advisory Committee at the Orlando campus recently offered their advice.
Be Ready to Work
Joe Schlueter, director of fixed operations at Morgan Auto Group, stressed the importance of being prepared to jump right in.
“When I meet potential employees, I’m always interested in how easily they’ll transition from school to the working environment,” said Schlueter. “We need graduates who are ready to quickly become productive employees.”
In addition, he suggests:
- Don’t just answer questions – ask them! Use the interview to get a realistic sense of what an employer expects, what the team is like, and whether the job fits your skills and working style. Bring a list of questions about the shop’s policies, benefits and continuing education opportunities.
- Be a team player. Schlueter looks for new grads who can collaborate with a team. In many shops, techs work in groups of four or eight, which allows new hires to learn from their more experienced teammates.
- Stay updated. Pay attention to service manuals and model updates, many of which are online. At Morgan Auto Group’s dealerships, certified technicians must have received updated product training before the manufacturers will even consider reimbursing for warranty claims.
Focus on Long-Term Goals
Robert Martin, assistant manager at Firestone Complete Auto Care, believes school performance is a good indicator of whether someone will be a reliable employee. He looks closely at graduates’ grades, classroom attendance and hands-on experience.
Martin suggests new grads should focus on three other key areas:
- Make service a priority. Attitude and long-term goals set an applicant apart. Customers want the highest level of service, so it’s important to go beyond the minimum job requirements and pay attention to details.
- Think long term. Martin looks for a sense of loyalty in potential hires. If a company is going to invest in you with employment, benefits and training, it expects you to make an equally long-term commitment.
- Be patient. Try not to get frustrated when bigger jobs go to veteran employees. Your school qualifications are important, but their experience is, too. If you find yourself working alongside a seasoned tech, look for ways to learn from them.
Attitude is Everything
Fixed Operations Director at BMW of Sarasota Ram Singh advises new grads to keep a positive attitude.
“If your credentials are impressive, make your attitude just as exceptional,” said Singh. “Too often, I see graduates who seem focused only on what they want. That sense of entitlement won’t get you anywhere in the workplace.”
To succeed in the long term, he also recommends that you:
- Never stop learning. As a UTI grad, you’ve earned a high-quality education. Maintain your edge by finding a mentor and taking advantage of training opportunities.
- Respect your boss. To succeed as part of a team, treat your superiors and fellow techs with courtesy and respect. “People skills” and character are just as important as the technical side of the job.
Singh adds, “Invest in your career by purchasing quality tools and keeping current with certifications and training. The automotive field is growing … stay focused, and you’ll grow with it.”
From everyone at UTI, PAC members and industry partners, congratulations to our recent graduates. We wish you a successful career and many opportunities in the automotive industry.
