Parts Specialist

Let's face it, you've got lots of interests. You like computers, math and science. And you like to talk to people and help them solve their problems. but mostly you love cars -- any motorized vehicle really. You understand them and how they work.

But can you combine all this into a profession? Make a living at what you love?

What's the good news?

You can bring all your interests together as a parts specialist. You can have a solid, fast-paced, stimulating career... and make good money too. U.S. vehicle owners spend nearly $150 billion each year to service, repair and equip their motorized vehicles. This means there are millions of parts and accessories to be ordered, shipped, inventoried, sold, and delivered. It's the job of the parts specialist to see that all this happens.

What do I need to get started?

Although a good knowledge of vehicle systems and a strong desire are important, they're just the beginning. Stick with your books. You'll need a solid education.

Believe it or not, the basic knowledge and skills you are learning in your other classes will be essential to your success.

You will use your computer skills to operate sophisticated inventory databases as well as manage invoicing systems and other business matters.

You will apply what you learned in math to help you with problems involving measurements, conversions, and financial transactions.

You will also need strong communications skills to deal effectively with customers and coworkers and to access technical information from manuals or computers. And your technical knowledge will allow you to identify the proper parts for particular problems.

What might my future hold?

If you have the drive, there are numerous job opportunities available to you. Some parts specialists choose to work in dealerships or independent repair shops; others may prefer working in a truck fleet, a jobber store, or a retail parts store. Anywhere you choose to work, there are personal rewards from helping people solve their problems. Knowledgeable parts specialists are in demand, which means a secure job and future.

Although many students get jobs right out of high school, others may decide to seek additional training through technical colleges, community colleges, or manufacturer-supported training programs. Still others will come into the parts field after graduating from two- or four-year degree programs in business, marketing, or another field.

Whatever path you choose, the parts specialist field is broad enough to make your dreams come true for years to come.