IT Techie to Performance Cars?

[ÜberDan]

Hi All,

Been working in IT as support Technician for over 5 years and would really love to work with performance cars. I don't want to leave the queue so to speak and start a new career from the bottom. Does any one have any experience or knowledge on possible transitions from IT to Cars?

I have good analytical skills and a methodical approach to fault finding and troubleshooting. I thought these may work well with car tuning possibly?

One idea I had was to initially contact certain garages and offer my IT skills at the weekend in return for them letting me work in a type of apprentice role to get a taste for it.

I am fortunate that I am a self-employed contractor so have a fair amount of freedom on where I work and what jobs to take.

Just wanted to sound off my ideas to the ether and see if anyone has any thoughts, or as a long shot made a similar transition.

All the best

Dan

[Doku]

I had considered doing just that when I was changing jobs about... 5 years ago. What I had found is that companies like BMW and Mercedes, and ... were hiring ex-techies turned grease monkey as fast as they could. There is so much computer krap on new cars these days that the old fart grease monkey who knows everything about everything that makes your car go voom! has not a clue about the new gadgets and such.

Working for a tuner would be difficult I think. Most of the performance shops that I have been to are owned by two or more friends and employ friends of theirs to do the work... They are the ricers, etc. from the high schools that just don't stop playing with their toys when they get into the real world.

[ÜberDan]

Thanks Doku.

Good point about new bmw and mercedes

[Dwane J.]

You are on the right track. I have explored a career transition from IT techie to construction.

You need exposure to the trade. Start talking to mechanics and hang out where they hang out. Also, try looking up some of the mechanic boards. Focus on the most popular and see who is looking for assistance. What about mechanic certifications? Are there any trade or night schools to accomplish this? Might help get your foot in the door at some garages.

You say your schedule is flexible? Try working part time in IT and part time in fixing cars.

I know some mechanics doing very well specializing in luxury cars. Making more cash with better job security than IT Techies

[TheBull]

As a techie and gear head myself, I would say either look at going to one of the schools (wyotech, hot rod U, etc.) or learn how things like engine management systems work. If you have a hot rod, this could be done via an aftermarket fuel injection setup or something similar.

There is always the engineering side as well, from structural analysis to simulation software and CAD systems.

Good luck!