HVCC students/alumni AND future job market opinions wanted here!

[gebby1029]

After graduating 3 months ago with a degree in Business Administration degree, I am no further ahead in my career than I was when I graduated high school (if anything further behind ).  The only job offers I receive are 100% commission which isn't going to work for me.  So now I am thinking about something I didn't think I would have to for quite some time; going back to school.

My interest in cars has always been pretty high even, especially after getting my WRX.  I like working on cars and learning as I go.  Unfortunately, that isn't enough to get a job as a mechanic so I have started to look at HVCC's automotive program.  I have heard nothing but good things about it so I thought that might be my best option since it is relatively inexpensive and not too far away.  While I don't think I would want to be a mechanic my entire life (unless it was at an exotic car dealer or with a racing team), I do think it'd be a good start.  In the long run I'd like to combine my current degree with an automotive degree and make some big bucks.

In short, I am looking for people's first hand experiences and opinions with HVCC, their automotive technical services program, and the future job market/potential for mechanics and automotive managers.

Thanks in advance.

[Photofixer]

Smart 

First off *Gratz*

You gotta think now adays. You really gotta sit down and realize what your potential is and strive to become that!

You get karma for your actions thus far in reaching your goal, Now  I would venture to guess you have tried all of your networking

abilities and have explored all avenues before " Following the next road " ?

The Economy is shitty, companies  can't even pay bills let alone in service companies where you are Fifth or Sixth on the totem pole...
the  company i work for  is owed mucho money...

Don't forget you can go to  a lot of staffing agencies who specialize in placement of individuals with giving talents. You simply give them your Resume fill out some info and bam, Have you looked over your Resume and what not and have changed it to apply towards a certain job? I hear that helps... 

I have no experience with HVCC ..I went to ITT but I did have some Experienced info I could share with you..

Also..I know you worked hard for that degree .. but basically you gotta think about it .. All it means is you are trainable, it's just a expensive piece of paper , that says you know the basics of any given trade...  If you think that way and explore the avenue of over coming the "piece of paper" mentality you will shine on interviews

Good luck 

[flutyr525]

i have thought about doing this same thing...i just got my Bachelors of Technology degree in network administration and cant find a job that will pay me more than my current job at target as a warehouse worker. that and as much as i love computers, i love cars more and i figured both an automotive degree with a IT degree wouldnt be a bad idea and then potentially find a gig involving both (i.e. tuning )

depending on how things go between now and when the fall semester start...there is a VERY good chance of me at least going to HVCC on there automotive track part time if not full time based on my work schedule at that time. that and with the baby coming in july, i doubt ill be able to do anything but part time

[spoolordie]

I love hvcc.... You guys should look into mechanical engineering at hvcc I'm finishing up my degree in a month the programs hard but look at the salary of one LOL

[LarenF3D5]

I have an AS in Individual Studies and an AAS in Computer Information Systems from HVCC. I also have a BA in East Asian Studies with a minor in Business Administration (hence Deadly's nick for me as 'JDM Andy').

Currently I'm collecting unemployment. The trick with school is to realize its more about making connections, networking, and meeting people than it is the degree you walk away with. I don't have any strong school contacts. I went to class, did my work, and that was about that.

From what I can tell school is about who you meet, not what you learn.

That being said, I've heard very good things about HVCCs automotive mechanic program. I've considered taking courses myself actually (it was a plan for me and a friend of mine). However our scheduled would have involved night classes, and automech seems to be daytime only.

[aldog1330]

Just be careful turning your passion/hobby into work.  All of a sudden, you won't want to go home and work on your own car. 

I don't know if the automotive industry is any better than the rest.  If you really want a job, you could get a nursing degree.  Times are tough, no one is hiring anywhere.  Good luck though, I feel for you guys just coming out of school.  Life is a bitch.

[deadlydave]

Let me know if you decide to go for it.

The Capital District Chevrolet Club has a scholarship for the HVCC Auto Tech program, I just remembered.  I grew up with the members there, and they're always looking for a good guy/gal to award that to.

EDIT: It's only a couple hundred bucks, but every little bit helps.

[JayS02RS]

I got my Env Studies degree from hvcc before moving on to Oneonta.  Have to say I enjoyed my time there.  My teachers were all really cool and helpful with everything.  My Ecology teacher helped me get an awesome job doing Bass research on the Hudson R.  Unfortunately, it was a summer only job.
All in all, great experience at HVCC

As for job hunting.  I grad oneonta in 04-05.  Im still trying to use my degree.  I have Env Science, biology degree and Im stuck at a medicaid billing company which i HATE...but, its a job...  Job market is tough and if you see something, you have to fight for it,

[hookedontronics]

I love hvcc.... You guys should look into mechanical engineering at hvcc I'm finishing up my degree in a month the programs hard but look at the salary of one LOL

Can't go wrong with mechanical engineering.  4 years of extremely hard work but then it's all cake....it's not for everyone though

[madlife]

i have thought about doing this same thing...i just got my Bachelors of Technology degree in network administration and cant find a job that will pay me more than my current job at target as a warehouse worker.

I'm a bit shocked at this.  I find more network jobs than I do Systems Admin jobs, at least out in central NY.  You should be able to land one for $15-20/hr easily, then once you have 1-2 years experience make sure you they give you a raise to at least $20/hr or leave.

The recruiting firms I have been talking to say how when the economy is tough like this, jobs lean a lot of certifications becasue they know you can go in and do the job they need.  Employers often see degrees as people that will need some training which they can groom to their needs and more likely to stick around for a longer time.  But that training period is what they are avoiding.


Kevin,
I wouldn't know where to begin with a business administration degree other than starting up you own business.  I have been looking into starting my own IT business but dont know a lot about starting it and running it hence a lot of learning for me.  If you have an interest in being a mechanic, or even if there are a few knowledgeable people on here that could work for you,  you can always look into opening a garage.  Get a good mechanic or two lined up, and you can do the business end.  If your free time you can be the oil change / tire change grunt until you learn some new things.

Like my brother said...  be careful mixing hobbies with work.  When you have to do it all day, it will lose its appeal.

[gebby1029]

Just be careful turning your passion/hobby into work.  All of a sudden, you won't want to go home and work on your own car. 

I don't know if the automotive industry is any better than the rest.  If you really want a job, you could get a nursing degree.  Times are tough, no one is hiring anywhere.  Good luck though, I feel for you guys just coming out of school.  Life is a bitch.

I think it'd take years to become bored of working on and driving my car (and others possible?).  I will look into a nursing degree though since I can't avoid pharmaceutical sales postings no matter how hard I try.

The Capital District Chevrolet Club has a scholarship for the HVCC Auto Tech program, I just remembered.  I grew up with the members there, and they're always looking for a good guy/gal to award that to.

Will do. Thanks

Can't go wrong with mechanical engineering.  4 years of extremely hard work but then it's all cake....it's not for everyone though

After 3 semesters I decided it was not for me.

Kevin,
I wouldn't know where to begin with a business administration degree other than starting up you own business.

I would love to start my own business but I don't feel I have enough experience and I know I don't have enough capital to do so.  Taking out a loan on an idea seems too crazy for me right now.

[LarenF3D5]

I'm a bit shocked at this.  I find more network jobs than I do Systems Admin jobs, at least out in central NY.  You should be able to land one for $15-20/hr easily, then once you have 1-2 years experience make sure you they give you a raise to at least $20/hr or leave.

I have an AAS in CIS and a year's experience in an Admin role in a 16000 user environment. No certs so Im still on unemployment. I'm lovin' it!

[flutyr525]

I'm a bit shocked at this.  I find more network jobs than I do Systems Admin jobs, at least out in central NY.  You should be able to land one for $15-20/hr easily, then once you have 1-2 years experience make sure you they give you a raise to at least $20/hr or leave.

i guess eastern NY is different than central. that and i make more than that in my warehouse job...thats why is so difficult finding a job in my field that will pay me at least $20/hr

[gebby1029]

After starting work at Lowe's close to 4 years ago, I am leaving them in 8 days.  They have served me well while I was in college but since I graduated, I realized I needed to move on to a place that has more money and potential for growth to offer.

I will be starting work at the Firestone in Scotia towards the middle of this month.  It's a little bit of a trek but it's a slower store so I will get more one on one time than if I were to start at the Colonie store on Wolf Road.  I obviously won't get a automotive degree by working there but I will be getting paid while I learn more about cars.  I think I have found a good compromise there.  I will also be getting a nice discount on parts and labor (should there be something that I cannot or do not want to do myself). 

All and all, I think I have made a good decision but only time will tell.