Once a male-dominated industry, the auto industry has undergone a sex change. In recent years, the stereotypes against having women in the auto industry have been changing worldwide.
Women are now regularly joining careers in areas such as automotive technology, welding, electric power, heating, and manufacturing.
Some major reasons for joining these careers are long-term career prospects and good wages.
Here are some stats to show you the extent to which women have made inroads into the auto industry.
- Volvo had 80% women on a concept car design team
- Women make up 30% of BMW’s global design staff and 20% of GM’s
- Women now hold 11.5% of C-level positions in the auto industry, compared to 7.5% in 1998
- On average, auto companies’ boards of directors consist of 12.5% women
- 47.3% women car shoppers prefer women dealers
Let us take a look at the various options for women in the auto industry
- A mechanic – performs car repairs. This is not necessarily a filthy job. Many of today’s mechanics work with computers and advanced technology.
- CAD operator – uses software applications to create car designs.
- Quality control inspector – assures automotive parts’ reliability and prevents future car defects.
- A parts specialist – assists in locating replacement parts of vehicles.
- A car salesperson – handles customer service, sales.
- Operations manager – manages garage or trucking businesses.
- A dispatcher – directs transportation trucking companies, is responsible for the movement of fleets of trucks.
- Log book auditor – maintains the log books of trucking companies.
- Loss prevention administrator – ensures that the drivers get essential safety training.
- Truck driver manager – manages the recruitment of drivers, time sheets; plans loads, delivery, pickups and inspection; uses logistics software applications.
Many employers are boosting the number of women employees as more and more talented women enter the industry. Interested women can look for jobs at http://www.abautomatics.com.au and http://www.motafit.com.au/ These unconventional workplaces offer a lot of opportunities to grow and gain success. Take example of Mary Barra, who started as a technician. With hard work and determination, she reached the position of CEO at General Motors. Her story is an inspiration for women worldwide to pursue their dreams and passions. So, women, this is the right time to join a career in the auto industry. Do not let the male dominance factor of the industry bother you. Use your passion as the power to stay. Remember, it is better to choose a career that your heart beats for than the one you are not interested in. A person works harder if given the work of his or her choice. Be a part of this movement, and have a successful career in the auto industry.