I loved cars as a teenager, and I worked in an automotive repair shop and then a Ford truck dealership for several years, while I put myself through school. Drove truck, took after hours shifts on the tow truck, etc, to pay the bills. I took 6 years to do a 5 year Mechanical Engineering degree, and I added in elective courses in managerial accounting, finance, economics, and even philosophy. The mechanic background gave me an appreciation of the hands on aspects, and engineering taught critical thinking skills. Like many engineering graduates, several years later I wasn't doing what I call real engineering (design, etc) any longer, but I never regretted getting the education and my professional designation.

I went to work for a heavy equipment company (tractors, excavators, loaders, mining trucks, industrial power, etc), managed projects, sold engines and then equipment, went into operations management, spent time as a national general service manager, and rose through management to the executive level. I always tried to keep close to the service management side of the business, since that is where the money is made. Personally, I was successful enough to let me buy the cars I wanted, which brings the story full circle.

Education is never wasted. Don't think of it as job training, but rather life training. You need sales skills, people skills, and common sense, as well as technical skills. A natural step out of the shop or field service area in my business was as a product support sales rep, calling on customers and selling parts and service. It led to either service management, or equipment sales, both of which led to branch manager positions. Just a thought from another perspective.

__________________
2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue