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Brush Shoulders with Interesting People
Question: name a workplace where you can brush shoulders with interesting people from all walks of life such as computer experts, bankers, lawyers, designers, accountants, even former pro sports stars ' all with different ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs'
Answer: In all likelihood, your nearest car dealership!
We're not talking about the owners or the customers ' we're actually talking about the employees!
Just as today's car manufacturers have reached a new level of sophistication, so too have the car dealerships throughout Ontario and especially in its heart, the GTA. Their staff are well-trained professionals who, in many instances, have crossed over from one successful career to another.
Let me emphasize that word 'career.' There are over 330 dealerships in the GTA employing thousands of people. If you add in staff at body and repair shops, car manufacturing plants, auto parts suppliers and related industries, you'll discover that one in seven Ontarians are involved either directly or indirectly with the automotive industry ' an amazing statistic.
Without a doubt, the automotive industry, and dealerships in particular, represent one of the most diverse, interesting, rewarding and exciting places to work.
With back-to-school time coming, it might be well worth keeping this in mind and investigating the opportunities for you or encouraging your son or daughter to check courses and programs available at the local level including high schools, community colleges and other learning institutions. There are also adult learning centres, including TADA's Training Academy offering a variety of training seminars and courses.
The important thing to remember is that employment within the automotive sector, including dealerships, falls into several categories. These include research, engineering, design, production, marketing parts procurement, wholesale sales and retail sales, service, parts, body shop, clerical customer service and general help.
The automotive industry today is on the leading edge of computerization and robotics. Similarly, dealerships today are state-of-the-art businesses where employees must be well educated and possess a myriad of skills. If you thought dealerships were simply mechanics and salespeople, think again.
In general, today's professional must be skilled in such things as product presentation, performance statistics, pricing, test driving, selecting models, after-sale service, warranties, insurance, used cars and trucks, financing and dealing with banks . . . in short, every product detail and customer service requirement.
Staffers must be good listeners and communicators and be able to handle all customer enquiries professionally. Certified mechanics at all levels must be totally familiar with the latest technology ' including computerization of the vehicles and the equipment used to diagnose, troubleshoot and repair. In addition to the most advanced products and repair methods, body shop staff must be aware of environmental concerns, and so on.
But at a dealership, the real lure (aside from financial considerations and other benefits) is satisfying customers, pure and simple. Employees tell me that nothing compares to the smile on a person's face when they leave the dealership in their new vehicle, confident they made the right decision on a great car ' and can return in an instant if there are any issues or questions.
Successful dealerships do whatever it takes to keep their customers happy. Small wonder their long-time customers' sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters return to the same dealership year after year and are welcomed with open arms.
From receptionist to service advisor to president, when you work at a dealership, you become part of a team. A team that is likely active and prominent in the local community. Many dealerships sponsor local sports teams and community events. That type of involvement, say staffers, is another reason they became employees.
To put it simply, if you are truly a people person you will find this business ideal.
Over the next few weeks, we'll be looking closely at various career opportunities and pre-requisites. If you or any member of your family is interested in this type of career, don't miss these future columns ' and as always I wish you safe driving.
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