Automotive Career Choices for Women
by Kathy Gilbert of ADP Dealer Services
- I never thought about it -
During
my senior year in high school, which was a long time ago, I asked
myself many times what I wanted to do for a career. After looking at
the jobs available and considering the ones that would be of interest
to me – plus talking to my family, teachers, mentors and friends, I
determined that computers was the way to go. My plan as I entered
college was to focus on general business and understand how to use
computers. I looked at several industries, but never really gave much
thought to a career in automotive.
- Good things can happen -
Many
years later, and several turns along the way, I find myself in an
industry that I never really gave a chance. Having spent almost 13
years servicing the automotive industry, I have found the most
rewarding opportunities, along with some unique challenges and much
personal growth. It’s easy to think that a career in automotive is
only based on what you see when you go into a car dealership – the
salesperson, the cashier, the technician. But, there is so much more.
When speaking to young women today, I encourage them to
consider a career in the automotive industry. Whether their interests
lie in sales, marketing, accounting, finance, product design,
advertising, training, engineering, production, dealership owner or
technician, you can find many rewards in an industry once not thought
of as for women.
- New players as the game changes -
The automotive industry is still predominately male. Although, the
dealerships, car companies and suppliers are doing more to address the
changing demographics, it takes a woman to really understand a woman.
The industry leaders understand this. They are beginning to target
women for job opportunities traditionally held by men. The statistic
that fascinates me is that women account for 51% of the U.S. population,
but represent a significantly smaller percentage of the jobs in the
industry. This alone opens up so many possibilities for women willing
to give the automotive industry a chance.
You can talk to anyone or better yet, you can pick up a newspaper or
magazine and hear about the challenges that the automotive industry is
facing. I have heard many say that the game is changing and many will
speculate on where the industry is going. I would tell you now is a
good time to consider a career in automotive. This is a time for
change and you never know where this road will take you.
by Kathy Gilbert
