Engines were not the only thing revving at the Pierce College Automotive Job Fair Career Expo on Tuesday, April, 22.
The event was organized by Professors Kimhou Chhith, Thomas Fortune and Michael Van Dyke. Many of Pierce’s automotive students networked their resumes to Valley dealerships hiring managers, allowing students the opportunity to explore areas such as Snap-on’s tool industry, Tesla’s engineering and Northridge Toyota’s technician openings. The Automotive Department’s fair featured dealers such as Tesla, Toyota, Ferrari and Porsche.
Chhith has worked in the automotive industry for 16 years, from mom and pop shops to BMW. Chhith now works as a professor and is the department chair for the Industrial Technology Department at Pierce. He encouraged students to dress nicely and come with a prepared resume to connect with potential employers.
Chhith guides his students to try different areas of work to see where they truly shine.
“There’s pros and cons to everything. And if you’re comfortable with independent shops, you go there. You’re comfortable with dealers, you go there. They both have their benefits,” Chhith said. “I encourage all my students to try both, don’t just stick to one thing. The industry is pretty broad, and you can take the skill anywhere. This right here is the pathway for them to move forward into the auto industry, into the real world.”
Tesla showcased at the event with free tote bags and test drives. Depending on the degree, Tesla has positions available in engineering, design and sales, and students can apply for seasonal or full-time apprenticeships based on their schedule flexibility with their college courses.
Tesla Advisor Richard Estrada detailed Tesla’s value for the education of their employees.
“Once you’re hired with Tesla, there’s an incentive that we have for employees where we actually pay for some of your education,” Estrada said. “We always promote higher education with students.”
Automotive student, Saam Cheshmaghil explained his strategy for networking his skills.
“Just showing that I’m another human being. I’m not showing them that they are superior. I’m showing them that we’re both humans,” Cheshmaghil said. “I go in with a positive mindset and show them that I’m confident. I’m learning new things. I would love to have any internships if they were available. I’m looking currently for more areas to learn.”
Porsche also made an appearance to find future employees at the job fair. General Manager Scott Stanley shared his advice for the automotive students looking for work in the industry.
“For the students, a lot of times we’re interviewing people, or when people first get on the job if something goes wrong, own up to your part of it,” Stanley said. “But just make sure you’re that dependable person. On time means a lot, and just being a team player. No matter how long you’re in this industry, there’s still things to learn.”
