posted
First off, i'm 16 years old (17 in Sept.) and have been into car audio for about 5 years (installing stero's, design, wiring schemes, etc.) and am now interested in getting a job at a car stereo installation shop. I was wondering if they will just hire a kid that comes in off the street, and i was also concerned about, training, or testing, or certification? Is there anything I need to know or learn that would better my chance of getting a job? Any advice would greatly be apprecieated, thanks.
------------------ Just starting out, but starting out STRONG!!!
posted
Go and get MECP cretified. With that you can work at most large electronic stores, and get professional experience instead of garage experience. Starting out is the hardest part of this industry.
------------------ True winners never cheat So that makes Tim a real loser Way to go Tim!! F T M
Posts: 169 | From: Duluth, GA | Registered: May 1999
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posted
Actually, my first job in the business came after I built a novice car that took 2nd place at the finals (Scott Alexander, Ok. City, 1990??) I landed at my first shop, learned all I could, and now, 10 years later, look where I am.......... Actually, I got burnt out on doing it evey day, only took about 5 years to burn out big time. Now I do it only for myself. I was mecp certified master the second year of my career.
------------------ If it dont fit, force it... if it breaks, it needed to be replaced anyway... members.tripod.com/Audiophyle
Posts: 3120 | From: nowhere | Registered: May 1999
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posted
Nog, you can find MECP certification schools in CA&E, AS&S, CSR, etc. Many have financial aid packages available, or if they don't, you can get $ from the US gov. to go to school (Stafford/Perken's Loans).
Carrying on Audiophyle's train of thought, make sure that you document your events and take pictures of the installs as you do them, then take those pictures with you on interviews and application shopping. Consider it your professional portfolio . The last time I talked with the guys at one of the large chains in Lancaster, PA I wouldn't need my MECP certificate to instal there. Pay might not be as high either, without it, but look around. Perhaps you could start in sales and work your way into installing?!
Much luck dude
ub
------------------ "Captain Budget" Never tick off a klingon!
Posts: 7272 | From: No. VA | Registered: May 1999
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Hey, Im 16 as well, (17 on july 23!) I have been doing automotive electronics for about 7 months now. I kinda first started in the "stereo" biz when about 2 years ago i built my first set of speakers for my room. They werent the best, but i knew i loved to do that. Then i got into computers and thought thats what i wana do, but i know now i want to do this. I have been pouring over my dads old electronic books from when he was at DeVry to get my basic electronics foundation and learn how amplifires and crossovers work. I think i might go to R.I.T.O.P, but thats a far distance from where i am, Boise idaho. So i might find somewhere in Arizona. My mom and i were talking about this subject today and she suggested that i start a portfolio to take to my interviews, so its kinda ironic you mentioned it on here. Does anyone know if Circut City would hire me, or do they require MECP Cert. like Ultimate Electronics does?
------------------ 2 MTX Thunder 3000 12" Power Acoustik 500x2 130watts x 2 Can you say DISTORTION!?
posted
You can also take the MECP test at your local library (which would save on travaling to a test site)u just have to ask the librarian if they would do it. for more info goto www.cemacity.org/mecp
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Posts: 89 | From: kankakee,IL | Registered: May 1999
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I`ll tell you what to do. I am 18 and I plan on going to R.I.T.O.P. and maybe to Installers Institute also. But I have a job at a car audio store here in my town. Mainly the best advice I can give you is learn car audio, know you stuff, become familiar with wiring, brands and everything about it. Basically Eat, Sleep, and live car audio. Thats basically what I do. I started out small with the normal Jensen 10"subs, a Legacy amp a set of Urban 6 1/2" coax`s and a Clarion deck. Even though it wasnt much I learned more from that setup than anything else. I learned how to bridge and paralle wire, wire amps to certain ohm loads, and most of all TUNING! I learned how to tune from that setup I had that thing so fine tuned it didnt sound like a cheap system, but more like a $1000.00 setup. And it was clean. I kind of miss selling it to a friend of mine, I should of kept it all and hanged it on the wall or something and put a sign saying "This it what started it all." But once you learn your knowlege build a resume and put your skills and what you know and do the best you can to impress your employer. And remember if you only get a job selling it thats great too, because you can`t sell it if you dont know what the product is capable of. And another thing, if they say they only hire MECP certified people, ask their head salesman if he`s certified? I doubt he will answer YES.
Good Luck Man!!!!
------------------ Ratfink, Real Racing Is A Drag.
Posts: 373 | From: Twin Falls, Idaho | Registered: Jun 1999
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posted
What does the average installer gross a year? A certified installer? Check it out at the library or on line. Check out college at 17. Start designing electronics. Get into computers.etc. etc. Don't get me wrong...this is a great hobby(expensive) but as a worker I know I'd rather be golfing, going on business lunches, having my pockets lined with money, sitting through meetings, and having a secretary than crawling around on my hands and knees for the 1000th install. As exciting as it might appear now, Make your life easier up the road.College. At least, THINK about it!
You wanted occupational advice, right?
There's no vice like advice.
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[This message has been edited by gun-G (edited 07-13-99).]
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That's my plan.. I am currently a student in electronic engineering, with plans to go to Mobile Dynamics Installation School..That way, If I decide I want to install as a career, which I am considering for now, I can, and if not, I can still have a career in with a great future..
Posts: 5353 | From: Nash-Vegas, TN | Registered: May 1999
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Well, thanks so much for the help and advice, since I do need all the help I can get. Just wanted to let ya'll know, you got a good thing going on around here, if I ever have any question, i'd be proud to have you guys (and girls) answer it for me. Thanks again.
------------------ Just starting out, but starting out STRONG!!!
posted
MECP seems to be important lately, and is a good idea. Past that, the first thing I ask of prospective installers is to let me see THEIR car. If it's a mess, or they have no system, just how serious can they be?? Audiophyle got his job like I got mine, by having a nice system (notice NOT necessarily expensive) to show.
Also, heed what others say about this being a dirty, usually boring job. Go rip your deck out and install it 200 times. Fun? Maybe twice a month..
I waited until I was 26 to go to college, and had a mortgage, wife, and kid at the time. Go to school while you have no encumberences.
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And that's the bottom line, cuz: LORD DUKK SAYS SO!
The Big Show The Dukk says: Know your bass: PORT your damn box!! Have HoleSaw, Will Travel!
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