How to Become an Auto Mechanic With Grace

Learning how to become an auto mechanic is an exciting time. But the smart student will keep their long-term goals in mind to guide their choices.

1. Find a healthy way to relax.

Becoming a mechanic is to assume a physically demanding job. Graduates of auto mechanic college are subject to certain aches and pains, notably carpal tunnel syndrome and lower back pain. To protect themselves from these kinds of repetitive stress injuries, students must learn to relax as they learn how to become an auto mechanic. This may involve taking regular breaks to stretch one's legs and roll one's shoulders while in the garage at school. Or it may mean taking advantage of college activities, like swimming or yoga classes.

2. Look for a niche

Use your time in auto mechanic college to soak up as much information as you possibly can about your chosen industry. The more you know about becoming a mechanic, the easier it will be for you to find your way.

Ask yourself, are you becoming a mechanic so that you can:

- become a mechanic for the new breed of electric vehicles?

- overhaul classic cars?

- inspect vehicles for emissions?

- repair heavy machinery on work sites?

Other questions that you may want to contemplate while still in auto mechanic college:

- Are you becoming a mechanic so that you can one day go into business for yourself? If so, what steps are you taking to make this dream come true, e.g., taking business courses on the side as you attend auto mechanic college.

- Are you willing to relocate temporarily or permanently to secure additional training - in the form of an apprenticeship on a racetrack or a course from a manufacturer - or employment?

- Do you have a sense of what your salary goals are? How long will it take you to pay off any student debts? (Your auto mechanic college may have an employment counseling service that can help you answer these kinds of questions.)

3. Forge lasting relationships with your fellow students.

Enrolling in auto mechanic college is a way for you to immerse yourself in your chosen profession. Your fellow students will be your future colleagues, and it is in the best interest of all to foster good relations. Taking the time to build a strong professional network with other students learning how to become an auto mechanic can buffer you in the future, when it comes time to find a new job or seek new employees or service providers.

4. Treat your professors with respect

Is there a professor at your auto mechanic college whose class you particularly enjoyed? Find a way to thank them. Invite them out after class, or simply drop them a line, explaining how much they helped you on your journey to becoming a mechanic. The more you treat your professors with respect, the more willing they will be to help you when it comes time to write recommendations letters for you as you seek employment. And, who knows, one day when you are running a garage, race track or work site repair shop, they may send their best graduates our way.