Would I make a good... | Motoring discussion | Back Room Forum

Sat 15 Apr 2006 15:47

Would I make a good... - Adam {P}

...car salesman?

Don't laugh...or at least hold any laughs in until you've read all this.

As you may all know, I've pretty much finished Uni. I have one exam and a few presentations left but by the end of the first week in May, I'm done. Completely. Finito.

The problem is, I've suffered a minor career setback. I won't go into details but suffice it to say, what I've wanted to do for the past 10 years and pretty much pinned all my hopes on, I can't do. So I've been mulling over options which in my less sober moments have included joining the Navy as a Royal Engineer, becoming a mechanic (I still haven't dismissed this idea) and even setting up my own business. However, when I realised you needed money to do this, I quickly abandoned the plan.

Today, I've noticed that the local Ford group both in my home town and Bolton (a short drive away) are recruiting trainee salesmen. Now ordinarily I wouldn't consider it but I need a job and obviously I love cars so you'd think it'd be the perfect job.

The only thing putting me off is having to lie to people to meet targets. (And the fact I'd have to look at the new Focus every day) I have no doubts I'd be able to talk till the cows come home about all the cars themselves but it's fairly certain I'd have to be...unscrupulous at times. Isn't it?

I've also looked at graduate options for pretty much every mainstream car manufacturer but either they require a Business related degree (I dropped this aspect in the first year!) or the ship sailed in January (Navy link!) and because I was all set for something else last week, I never even gave it a thought.

Is it really as bad as I think? I know Kev will be able to contribute a lot to this but what does everyone else reckon? Any advice on this and any other careers in the motor trade for someone who doesn't strictly have any relevant qualifications(!) would be very much appreciated.

I'm not sure that this would be a career but I need a job pretty damn soon so I'm not *too* worried about that aspect for the time being.

Many Thanks,

Adam

P.S. The first one to sing one line out of "In The Navy" will promptly get punched in the face.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 15:58

Would I make a good... - Altea Ego

Take your best shot big boy

In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy

8< SNIP 8<

They want you, they want you in the navy

{Snipped in the interests of a moderators sanity - DD}

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 16:27

Would I make a good... - bell boy

you have got to want to sell,
if it isnt in your heart,
dont even try,
sorry.

bear in mind there is selling and being a representative for a company
there are many representatives,
there are few good sellers,
your local dealer needs a seller.

ok :)
--
\"a little man in a big world/\"

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 16:42

Would I make a good... - local yokel

Adam

Did your mean join the Royal Navy as an engineering officer, by any chance? Great job, great lifestyle, but you won't be getting your hands oily.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 20 Apr 2006 13:15

Would I make a good... - L'escargot

Adamski

Did your mean join the Royal Navy as an engineering officer,

by any chance? Great job, great lifestyle, but you won't

be getting your hands oily.

Good pension too. Start drawing it at the end of your 22 years or whatever, and then it's uprated in line with the salary of your rank when you reach normal retirement age. You won't get that in civvy street. Seriously, it's never too early to start planning your pension ~ not that you'll take any notice of pensions advice at your tender age!
--
L\'escargot.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 16:56

Would I make a good... - Number_Cruncher

>>The problem is, I've suffered a minor career setback.

Sorry to hear that Adam.

If I were heading back into the motor trade, I would be aiming for a specialism or niche. Considering your IT related background, I would suggest that you might have a good head start in automotive electronics. Another obvious niche would be in air-conditioning repair.

However, I would not encourage anyone to bother with the retail motor trade - at all!

One of the other career routes for people who are trained or educated in technology, but don't want to do the technical detail (or have been turned off it by their degree study!) is to become a sales engineer. In this position, you would be much closer to selling a professional service, or a bespoke solution, where long term customer relations are vital, as opposed to aggresively pushing volume targets - i.e., you would not need to be Alan Sugar's type of salesman!

Good luck!

Number_Cruncher

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 20:09

Would I make a good... - Roly93

However, I would not encourage anyone to bother with the retail

motor trade - at all!

One of the other career routes for people who are trained

or educated in technology, but don't want to do the technical

detail (or have been turned off it by their degree study!)

is to become a sales engineer. In this position, you

would be much closer to selling a professional service, or a

bespoke solution, where long term customer relations are vital, as opposed

to aggresively pushing volume targets - i.e., you would not need

to be Alan Sugar's type of salesman!

Good luck!

I was one of these people in the Telecomms/IT industry and have now moved over to a 'full-blown' sales role.
The comments above are completely correct, my only albeit minor gripe about sales engineer jobs is you end updoing all of the donkey-work, paperwork and selling for a salesman who actually only takes people to lunch, if you're not careful, and getting the blame when things go wrong !

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 16:48

Would I make a good... - Union Jack

Adam - From my observation of your postings over the last two and a half years, I suspect that you would indeed make a good ... stab at quite a wide range of careers, assuming that the one you allude to really is a non-starter. There are others here who can five you a far better idea than I could about a car sales career (and plenty of past posts on the subject in general) - assuming that they are not all going to sue you for defamation first!

Unless I have missed something, you don't say what degree you expect to achieve, but don't forget that many degrees (including both vocational and non-vocational ones) prepare you for a far wider range of careers than you might imagine including, curiously enough, the Navy.

Keep calm, don't give up the ship, and keep us posted so that
those best qualified to help you with specific or general advice can do so.

Good hunting and a happy Easter!

Jack

PS I am assuming that a virtual blow has been dealt to TVM even as I write ....

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 16:41

Would I make a good... - quizman

I think that you would make a very good car salesman if you can talk as well as you can type. This is not meant to be patronising or rude, but you seem to be very keen on cars and motoring, so you would be good with customers.
Don't worry about lying to customers, just don't do it, people don't want pushy salespeople, they just want you to have knowledge of what you are selling.
Ford would be a good make to start with, they are popular with most folk, but don't push booted Focus' esp in gold.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 16:51

Would I make a good... - Lud

Adam: sorry about the career setback. But you are young enough for it even to be a blessing in disguise, anyway soon to become a fond memory.

You are enthusiastic and lively, and like cars, so you would be a good salesman at present of a product you sincerely believed in. If they put you in a forecourt full of classic Focuses you'd be laughing.

Two things though: boredom might set in surprisingly soon. And secondly, as I am sure oldman will agree, selling any old carp isn't everyone's cup of tea. And irony, sarcasm or offhand behaviour can send skittish punters sulkily away.

So think about it before applying (or dress up as Davy Crockett and just give it a try). Good luck whatever you do.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 16:54

Would I make a good... - Avant

Adam - Go for a first interview and find out more about it. You love cars - that's a good start - but you must also:

- enjoy selling as a skill in itself
- sell a product that you believe in.

If you believe in the product, obviously you have to laud its good points and keep quiet about its bad ones (some of which, like the looks of the mark 2 Focus, are subjective anyway); but I wouldn't say that this necessarily amounts to lying.

I've dealt with many car salesmen as a customer and I can't remember when I was last told a blatant lie. I appreciate the ones who

- know their product better than I do (I read several car magazines and am reasonably well-informed)

- actually want to sell the car to me. I've met too many who don't seem to pssess that vital spark.

For what it's worth, and in case it's of any help to you, I recruit graduates for a largish accountancy firm. The ideal candidate;

- really wants the job

- has done some research and has found out something about the potential employer

- manages to put it over that (s)he has the capability to pick up the principles and be trained to be capable of the job

- is a person that I can get on with and establish some rapport with in a short space of time (if they relate to me as a stranger, then they should relate to our firm's clients).

There are a lot of potential car buyers out there who if they like the salesman will think they like the car - particularly if they've seen several competing models (e.g. Focus / Golf / Astra) which seem much of a muchness.

I hope that's helpful - even if it isn't, good luck!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 17:10

Would I make a good... - Altea Ego

Get in touch with British Airways. They used to do a graduate aircraft engineering entry scheme.
------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 17:10

Would I make a good... - nick

Adam, out of the options you have listed for me it would be a no-brainer. The Royal Navy. Or the RAF. Or if you like mud, the Army.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 17:18

Would I make a good... - nick

Or, if you have a scientific or engineering degree and want to work on really interesting stuff, how about here: www.awe.co.uk
I used to work there, a mate still does and loves the work. I believe they're recruiting quite a lot at the moment, can't think why!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 17:20

Would I make a good... - Pugugly {P}

I was the black sheep in our family by not going into the RAF. There are times I regret it, especially when you see the Company cars the pilots get (Tornados, Typhoons etc) and there's a big part of me that yearns for it. (witnessed a Hecules at 200 feet the other afternoon)......go fly boy.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 20:47

Would I make a good... - bikemade3

I was the black sheep in our family by not going

into the RAF. There are times I regret it, especially when

you see the Company cars the pilots get (Tornados, Typhoons etc)

and there's a big part of me that yearns for it.

(witnessed a Hecules at 200 feet the other afternoon)......go fly boy.

10 years ago i would have said join the either the RN or RAF,today both have been decimated to provide funding for the Army, the RAF's going thru' a period of restructuring with compulsary redundancies cutting manpower to 40,000 from present 48,000.The Navy's had its number of frigates/destroyers chopped at every defence review (which seems to be every 2 years)to the point where the ex First Sea Lord ( recently retired) stated that there now existed insufficient assets to meet the task ( pity he didn't say something when in the post, but then again he had one eye on his pension).

Another thing to consider is the pension scheme has recently changed for new joiners after 01/04/05, if you make it a career say 35 years then the pensions worthwhile, but those leaving at the 22 year point will recieve a pension about 40% less those leaving under the old scheme.

How do i know this, i'm in the andrew and have 2 years to do b4 timeex @ 40 with a 12K pension B4 i get out of bed.Would i do it again from when i joined in 1986 yes, would i do it again from tomorrow leaving in 2028 knowing what i now know the answers no.

Best of luck what ever you do

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 17:21

Would I make a good... - Stuartli

Also very sorry to hear the news Adam.

But it could be a case of What's For You Won't Pass You By... Hope it is.

My obvious suggestion, as you are able to express yourself lucidly, would perhaps be to seek a job in the Public Relations side of motoring.

Those working in car manufacturers' public relations departments generally have a varied and interesting life and a lot of travelling, especially far and wide on new car launches.

You would probably have to do some media training for qualifications but the rewards would be excellent, including financially.

Perhaps some of these links might also help:

tinyurl.com/j959z

tinyurl.com/ovwra

tinyurl.com/lljxv

tinyurl.com/pkswj

tinyurl.com/levsu

www.careersbox.co.uk/intro.shtml
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What\'s for you won\'t pass you by

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 17:34

Would I make a good... - local yokel

>Another obvious niche would be in air-conditioning repair.

A friend does this - now very seasonal, ie no work October-April, and rates have dropped big-time. Not a long-term career choice in his opinion.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 17:38

Would I make a good... - cheddar

I agree with RF re BA, a graduate training scheme or whatever they call it lots of opportunties.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 17:49

Would I make a good... - Martin Devon

Good luck Adam whatever you do. Can't be 100% sure, but I don't think you'll fail very much at all. Be straight and honest and look 'em all in the eye. Oh! and stay away from the Building trade. It knackers yer knees..Happy Easter

VBR............MD.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 17:57

Would I make a good... - deepwith

Navy - you didn't mention the Merchant Navy - they go to better places and you don't get shot at! Still have a good uniform to get the girls though. Always jobs off the water for later for the engineer - one we know is now mainly driving a desk as Engineer for the Coast Guard. Has fun trying out new boats and helicopters too!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 18:16

Would I make a good... - Pugugly {P}

don't get shot at!
They do...! (see the Falklands War and more recent activities in
the Gulf. I'd rather go with the grey funnel line so you could at least shoot back !)

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 19:20

Would I make a good... - barchettaman

Adam, I meant to wish you good luck for your final exams but as you´re all but finished, good luck for the last one anyway.

Career wise, if you´re interested in selling go and have a chat with the salesperson who got you to buy the Focus saloon, he must be pretty good :-)

Seriously though, try opera singing. If I can do it anyone can.
Regards,
Barchettaman

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 19:33

Would I make a good... - barneybee

Adam, I don't know you but from what I can gather you've been studying IT? Why not enter the wonderful world of IT? I'm 25 and struggled for a few years to get into IT but I've been doing it now for 2 years and now I'm there I'm getting all the training I could want. It can be tough to break into but once you've done it your laughing. I always found it was if you had experince they wanted qualifications and vice versa, but trust me it can be done! I've no official qualifications higher than GCSE's and a couple of unfinished IT courses!

I'm happy to chat if you fancy this or this was your original plan!

Ps. I was a part time salesman whilst at College studying IT (working @ Time Computers) and hated every minute, I hated the lying, I hated the pressure of targets, so if your not 100% sure I'd steer clear.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 19:40

Would I make a good... - mss1tw

Adam, I don't know you but from what I can gather

you've been studying IT? Why not enter the wonderful world of

IT? I'm 25 and struggled for a few years to get

into IT but I've been doing it now for 2 years

and now I'm there I'm getting all the training I could

want. It can be tough to break into but once you've

done it your laughing. I always found it was if you

had experince they wanted qualifications and vice versa, but trust me

it can be done! I've no official qualifications higher than GCSE's

and a couple of unfinished IT courses!

Who are you working for now?

Adam I think you like cars too much to be a salesman. They're not another 'white good' to you. The clones you see selling cars could equally be pointing out the merits of a dishwasher.

That's a compliment by the way. ;o)

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 20:17

Would I make a good... - local yokel

Have you considered working your way into business IT sales? You'll need to get into a company via the technical part of the business, supporting customers or similar, and then push for a sales role. I'm in a specialist area in telecoms, but it's comparable. Good (and I mean good) sales guys in their early 30s make £120,000 at 100% (base 60k), and they are selling to blue-chips, not cold-calling round industrial parks.

Think of any of the global IT businesses eg Oracle, Accenture, BT.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 20:45

Would I make a good... - malteser

Have the best of all worlds, become one of Her Majesty's Jollies.
You can look down on the pongos, sneer at the Bylcreem boys and patronise the fish heads & plumbers!
The Regimental quick & slow marches are good too and the Commando march past, Sarie Marais, is just super!
Per Mare Per Terra. (perhaps)

Roger. (Costa del Sol, España)

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 21:18

Would I make a good... - Union Jack

Roger - Or "Per mare per terram (even)....

Jack

PS Fully agree about "Sarie Marais"!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 21:11

Would I make a good... - Avant

Even if you don't want to go into detail, you might like to tell us what door it is that's just been closed to you: if it's one of the ones that people have been mentioning we wouldn't want to rub salt into the wound.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 21:13

Would I make a good... - Altea Ego

I *think* Adam wanted to be a plod.
------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 21:47

Would I make a good... - bell boy

if thats true then i think it fair to say they may well have lost a good recruit because adam seems to have a good grasp of life around him and would be an asset to the force in my opinion
--
\"a little man in a big world/\"

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 22:15

Would I make a good... - Hugo {P}

Adam

You've got an excellent opportunity.

You're young, bright and you've no bills to pay.

Draw up a shortlist of dealers in your area that you are comfortable with and write to the sales manager in each one. Explain that you are very interested in car sales, and you feel that you have a lot to offer the industry and his dealershio as a whole and you would like a chance to meet him or her to discuss your proposal further. Enclose your CV, honed to the sort of skills, abiliies they would be looking for.

The proposal would be a 4 week (?) work experience stint working within the business supporting the sales oganisation in exchange for an insight into and experience in the career you're keen on.

Follow this up with a call and ask for a time to meet the salesman.

With a bit more discusion this idea could be assessed/deveoped properly.

You may find that out of 10 deaerships you get to speak to, one may give you half a chance. You may not even secure a job with them, but that doesn't matter because you will have;

1) gained some experience within a role possibly
2) Raised your profile within the trade locally (believe me if you've got potential word will get around)
3) found out whether sales is for you. If this excercise hacks you off then maybe sales is not for you.

Best of luck Adam!

...oh, and if Mazda Man comes along he'll be able to giv eyou good advice I'm sure.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 15 Apr 2006 23:41

Would I make a good... - Pugugly {P}

It'll disillusion you.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sun 16 Apr 2006 13:17

Would I make a good... - Adam {P}

Wow,

Can I just say, without sounding soppy, that I really appreciate all the replies and advice everyone's posted. It really means a lot.

I can't address everyone's individual posts in turn otherwise this post will be huge but I'll try and mention each point in general. Don't feel left out if I don't mention you by name - every single reply has been extraordinarily helpful.

RF is right. I had wanted to be a copper but am let down by my "Sight without spectacles." Laser eye surgery is an option but I'm not entirely sure I want to go down that route. Besides which, there's nothing to say I could get it done and then get rejected on something else.

With regards to the Navy, this was a completely crazy idea that, when left to think about, I actually thought "That wouldn't be a bad idea". But (There's always a but isn't there!), a couple of things would put me off. I think I'm the type of person who, whilst wouldn't mind putting hard work in, would like to come home every evening and relax. It's the little things too. I like meeting my mates every week and just spontaneously getting in the car and driving somewhere. Something that would be very difficult at sea. (Unless they wouldn't mind me taking the Harriers out for a spin!) I had envisioned getting my hands dirty whilst being shot at and it may sound ridiculous, but in a way, I kind of wanted that. Something exciting! That does sound crazy actually. Given what local yokel says about it though, maybe that wouldn't be the best thing. But Nick says it's great! As does Roger! I've certainly not ruled it out yet though.

It's reassuring to know that you don't have to be a slimy character to sell cars. Not that I though Kev was slimy or anything! Despite this, it seems people are split half and half on whether it'd be a good thing or not. It would be purely a stop gap - I wouldn't want to do it all my life but I can see where a lot of people are coming from with regards to it being monotonous. I think I'll ring up tomorrow for an application form and try and have a bit of a talk with them. The one in my home town is literally 5 minutes away so I could even follow H's advice and pop down in person.

In answer to a few people's question, yes I have done a "degree" in IT. I say it like that because it was the worst decision I've ever made. Apart from the friends, I don't really feel I've brought much away from it at all. Certainly not as practical a course as I'd have liked and I find it difficult to picture myself using any of the knowledge I've learnt from there. However, before I went to Uni I used to always help out in the I.T. department in Sixth Form. I've fiddled around with PC's pretty much most of my teen life trying a setting and if that cocks it up, never trying that setting again! You might not think it, but I know far more useful stuff than I ever learnt at Uni from trial and error. I'd be perfectly happy...no - I'd be perfectly able to set up a network, maintain a network or anything like that until the cows come home. The problem is, I'm not entirely sure I want to.

Reading all the comments has really cheered me up and I'm looking on this as an opportunity - even if what I do in the coming weeks isn't a career, it'll be my first proper job. My first proper chance at earning money and (hopefully) doing something useful. I'm keeping all my options open and checking various websites nearly every day. At the very least, I'll get an application pack and mull it over some more. There's nothing lost by trying is there?

Again, thanks very much to everyone. Even RF who has a fantastic singing voice. (I will be getting him back by the way!) I not only appreciate the advice and links to websites, but also the comments everyone has made - it's brightened my day up!

I'll keep everyone updated whatever happens but now, I'm going to start my Easter Egg Feast. I think I'll start with the Terry's Chocolate Orange one.

Many thanks once again and Happy Easter!

Adam

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sun 16 Apr 2006 13:25

Would I make a good... - Altea Ego

Sight without spectacles." Laser eye surgery is an option but I'm not entirely sure I want to go down that route.

NO dont go down that route. Not yet anyway. There are plenty of vocations that will reject you outright if you have had laser surgery.
------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sun 16 Apr 2006 13:32

Would I make a good... - Adam {P}

I'm glad you said that. The procedure in itself is a little too new for my liking anyway.

The funny thing is, with my glasses on, I can see better than any of my mates being able to read signs from very far away. Even without them, I wouldn't be walking into walls or tripping up - it's just reading that's a bit of a problem.

Im faxct, ive juyst tyuped thius lazst lin witghout my specs and there'as nothing wrong withj it is tjhere?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sun 16 Apr 2006 13:47

Would I make a good... - henry k

Having worked in IT for 40 years a small comment.
"There are plenty of techies/nerds out there but what is wanted is people who can communicate"
I have had to work with many good people but most I would not want out in the field with me.

You seem to have what is required so good luck and remember to identify the interviewers level of understanding and do not pitch things over that. Never lie at an interview. If you do not know, says so, else you will dig yourself a big hole.

e.g My son went for his interview at one of the top UNIs and told then he had just decided on a totally, totally different subject hence no work experience or research or any other background.
He got his place and was a great success.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sun 16 Apr 2006 13:59

Would I make a good... - Altea Ego

Having worked in IT for 35 years I can say there has not been IT for 40 years.

There was Data Processing, There was Word Processing, There was Telecomunications, there was printing.
------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sun 16 Apr 2006 14:51

Would I make a good... - henry k

Having worked in IT for 35 years I can say there has not been IT for 40 years.

There was Data Processing, There was Word Processing, There was Telecomunications, there was printing.

>>

Well I do not know the difference between 1965 and 1970.

I was working on a major realtime computer that was switched on
24 April 1965. The first of its type outside the USA and only the sixth of its type in the world.

Remarkably, some of the programming coding is still in use today around the world. 40 year old coding- not bad?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sun 16 Apr 2006 22:16

Would I make a good... - Altea Ego

I was remarking that the term "information technology" is a bit of a new boy
------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 02:11

Would I make a good... - mss1tw

Remarkably, some of the programming coding is still in use today

around the world. 40 year old coding- not bad?

As a techy I'd be grateful if you could elaborate!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 10:10

Would I make a good... - smokie

"As a techy I'd be grateful if you could elaborate!"

Not here though - off topic...

Thanks

smokie, BR Moderator

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sun 16 Apr 2006 14:00

Would I make a good... - Altea Ego

There are plenty of techies/nerds out there but what is wanted is people who can communicate"
I have had to work with many good people but most I would not want out in the field with me.

We call them "customer safe" Plenty of techies are positvely "dangerous"

------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sun 16 Apr 2006 16:18

Would I make a good... - quizman

>>>Unless they wouldn't mind me taking the Harriers out for a spin.

I think you will find that Mr. Blair has scrapped the Sea Harriers so you will have to stay on the ship, until they scrap that.

A friend's daughter joined the Royal Navy and is serving on one of the Aircraft Carriers, she says that she is having a fantastic time!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sun 16 Apr 2006 19:03

Would I make a good... - local yokel

Adam

The RN now has Engineer (Information Systems) Officers - see tinyurl.com/n8vbj - and despite what I said, it's a great way to start your working life - good training, good work opportunities, and some great experiences with good mates. get to the AFCo and emand an acquaint trip - normally 3 days, pref on a ship. They'll be able to arrange it, and then you can talk to the guys who are only a few years ahead of you.

HM forces are still a great place to learn the things that set you up for life - communication skills, people skills, resourcefullness etc., and they are pretty good at looking after their guys compared to most companies.

The uniform is great, the ladies love it, and your Mum will cry when you pass out of Dartmouth. Look for me on the wall - I'm there in Dec 1978.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 00:32

Would I make a good... - Chas{P}

Adam

Sorry to hear of your predicament.

I wouldn't do the retail motor trade thing.

You come across as a concientious and diligent sort of chap who would get incredibly frustrated working with the majority of people that work in dealerships. Anyone with any sense of aspiration gets out of them asap.

Early in my automotive career I worked in various dealerships up to management level and would never go back to it. Later on I realised things hadn't improved when I went mystery shopping compressing about 20 years worth of customer experience into one year travelling all over the country.

I know what attracts you: company car, selling something that you're interested in and the potential for earning good money. The reality is long hours including weekends, struggling to get home in something with tax on it, colleagues closing sales the you did all the work on, rude customers and a sales manager that is probably on the fiddle.

You have IT skills; surely there are opportunities you could explore and maybe you could complete your degree part-time once settled in somewhere.

HTH
--
Was Charles {P} but someone c o p i e d my name with spaces.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 09:55

Would I make a good... - blue_haddock

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!

Adam take it from me you really don't want to be in the motor trade, the idea of swanning round in nice new cars and earning lots of money is a very nice one, unfortunately the reality is somewhat different and is very close to what Chaz has described above me.

Remember me and Blue were roughly your age when we started in the trade and he's already left and i don't think i'll be in it much longer!

The trade is very slow at the moment and the deals that you are doing have very little in them which means you will be under massive pressure to sell things like GAP, paint protection etc at highly inflated prices - would you be willing to sell something to someone for £400 when you know you can get it elsewhere for £50?

The targets will be high and the pressure even higher. Often the basic salary is not great and i suspect a trainee's wage will be barely above the minimum plus you won't see any commission for several months. Also as the most junior of salesmen you won't get much choice of car and will probably end up in a KA or something equally lowly.

I really think you'd look good in a sailor suit adam!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 11:26

Would I make a good... - midlifecrisis

I 'did' Dartmouth in the early nineties and spent time driving ships around in circles. (An Officer and gentleman don't you know!)

I've got friends who joined as Engineering Officers who are still in. In 15 years they've had an average of ONE tour at sea. The Navy is down to 25 Frigates/Destroyers.

It's a good life for a single bloke.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 12:22

Would I make a good... - Archie35

All this talk of the Navy... What about the Army? Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers? Royal Signals? You sound as if you could well be qualified as an officer in either (though the former used to, and maybe still do, prefer some form of Engineering background). And most of the time you do go home at the end of the day, and you can drink with your friends at the weekend; you just have to be willing to be sent off once every couple of years or so to somewhere hot and dusty for 6 months!
\"Archie\"

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 12:34

Would I make a good... - local yokel

Can't advise a career in the Army right now - the support guys (Signals, REME, RE, RLC, RAMC etc) are very overstretched. It may improve if UK pulls out of Iraq, but it's a hard life right now. I never thought I'd hear my self say this, but also look at the RAF - the Typhoon and JSF/F-35 will make for some interesting engineering work.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 12:34

Would I make a good... - T Lucas

At age 16/17 i wanted to go to sea,tried Merchant Navy as Navigating Officer,no luck,bad eyes,tried as Engineering Officer,missed the intake,both as Cadets,then drifted into the motor trade,and although i have made a reasonable living and am sort of 'retired' at 46 i still think what if?,especially as a good friend became a Navigation Officer and then Master and had a really intresting career all over the world before settling in Australia about 5 years ago and running a property development company.
Motor Trade is still okto earn a living but no different to working in PC World or Furniture Village,you still have to make your money dealing with Joe Public and working long hours and weekends.
Put it this way,there is no way i would encourage my son to get involved in anything to do with retail motor trade.
Listen to the stories a salty sea dog has to tell,then see how they compare to the 'intresting'stories of a car salesman.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 13:09

Would I make a good... - Adam {P}

I've been sufficiently put off the retail motor trade now! That's probably a good thing though to be honest.

However, there's been a slight "possible" development. I don't want to say anything yet a) Just in case it falls through and b) To keep it interesting and mysterious but I'll know more on Wednesday.

Failing that, I might start looking more closely at Navy/Army careers in some sort of engineering capacity. I'd considered the RAF like Dad but as a pilot. Alas, at 6ft 5 I think I'm too tall. Dad was anyway so I've never tried. Might be worth looking at an engineering role though.

Thanks very much again for all the continued help and replies. I definitely won't be applying for that job at Ford (or probably any other motor retail job) so at least I've narrowed my options down somewhat.

Thanks again - I'll keep you updated,

Adam

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 13:17

Would I make a good... - Pugugly {P}

If you want to fly - don't get hung up with the "Crabs". How about the airlines ?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 13:18

Would I make a good... - Adam {P}

>>If you want to fly - don't get hung up with the "Crabs"<<

Pardon?!?

My mate's a cop and fails the eyesight requirements for an airline pilot. (He tried to get into it last year).

Plus, he said something about it costing 60 grand to do all the tests and stuff but I wasn't really paying that much attention.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 13:30

Would I make a good... - Pugugly {P}

RAF aka Crab Air - sorry reverted to slang.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 13:34

Would I make a good... - blue_haddock

I heard that MacDonalds were looking for staff......

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 13:57

Would I make a good... - Altea Ego

I quite like the orange overalls in Homebase
------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 14:32

Would I make a good... - expat

You are technically minded, you love cars, you can write - why not see if you can get into motoring journalism? Or maybe PR with a car company. It won't cost you anything to email in your CV. You might end up as the next Honestjohn.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 14:27

Would I make a good... - henry k

My mate's......requirements for an airline pilot.

>>....he said something about it costing 60 grand to do all the tests and stuff
>>
60k plus sounds about right. A few years ago there was a subsidy/tax relief but it was abused so it was withdrawn.
There are few sponsorships around these days.

There used to be an annual show in a London Hotel dedicated to " I want to be a pilot"
Google found this info which looks like an expanded version of what I attended.

www.londonairshow.co.uk/index_flash.php
Fly The London Air Show will take place for the third time from 21st - 23rd April 2006.
It is short notice if you want to attend.

N.B. BA do not want pilots! They want managers who can be responsible for a small team, look after a big machine, be aware of and control spending on all fronts and finally make a lot of customers happy. Oh and they will teach them to fly.

Another site
www.futureairlinepilot.com/?gclid=COLrjpf0s4QCFRpN...Q

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 14:57

Would I make a good... - Pugugly {P}

You might end up as the next Honestjohn

"Frankadam" ?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 17 Apr 2006 16:01

Would I make a good... - local yokel

There's no height limit as such for services aircrew, as it's based on limits eg, knee to hip, buttock to top of head etc. A mate is 6'6" and flies in the RN.

Eyesight is an issue and the limits are:

Outline Guidance on Medical Standards required for Officer Entry into the RN, RM & QARNNS

For aircrew, standard 1 visual acuity is required along with colour perception 1.

Standard 1 is:

to be achieved with correcting lenses:

Right eye 6/6 N5
E 1
E 1
Left eye 6/6 N5

to be achieved without correcting lenses:

Right eye 6/12 N5
E3
E3
Left eye 6/12 N5

Refraction limit

Right Eye

Total
Hypermetropia +3.00 sphere
Astigmatism +1.25 cyl
Myopia (in any meridian) -0.75 sphere or cyl

Left Eye

Total
Hypermetropia +3.00 sphere
Astigmatism +1.25 cyl
Myopia (in any meridian) -0.75 sphere or cyl

Your optician will understand it.

Colour Perception Standard 1 : The correct recognition of coloured lights shown through the small apertures on the Martin Lantern at 6 metres distance.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 01:20

Would I make a good... - 007

I don't know you from Adam....but whatever you do, bear this in mind:

Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later the man who wins, is the man who thinks he can.

Good Luck and God Bless You.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 13:10

Would I make a good... - Adam {P}

The Homebases near us have green overalls which just isn't my colour at all. I couldn't work at McDonalds as I like it too much and I'd become disillusioned.

Local Yokel - I didn't know that about the RAF but my eyesight (unsurprisingly) following those guidelines is too poor. (I think!)

Frank Adam! What a name. Look out HJ? Actually I couldn't do that. Because when it just got to testing boring cars, I literally would write "This is a boring car devoid of any character whatsoever. Do not buy". Although that would be frank!

007 - very philopsophical! Thanks very much for your words of support.

To everyone, thanks very much again for all the suggestions. I might just become a bin man.

Thanks,

Adam

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 13:29

Would I make a good... - Lud

Just a thought, Adam, but if you were keen to join the police they might well have some specialised, perhaps technical, departments in which spectacle wearing would be permitted. Might be more interesting than keeping order in central Nottingham early on Saturday morning too. No doubt this has occurred to you, and no doubt you have some contacts to follow up if need be.

Denis Jenkinson of Motor Sport, who wore spectacles and had had a career as a racing sidecar passenger (Bottle? Total insanity more like), once wrote that eyesight was a limiting factor in high-speed driving. He reckoned his was good for 120mph. Gave a great description of Moss driving the Mille Miglia winning 300SLR into dense crowds of Italian spectators at over 160, somehow following the parting curtains of spectators along the curves of the road without hitting anything.

Obviously Moss's eyesight must have been pretty good, but a normal person would call that blind faith.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 13:38

Would I make a good... - Adam {P}

I had/am considering that Lud. I'd wanted to join the Police for the excitement. Dad and his mates were constantly trying to talk me out of it saying it's changed (for the worse) since they joined but I wanted to try it out for myself. However, the I.T. Department of the Police is meant to be a very good job and interesting to boot. I do know someone who works there and I'm getting some information about that just so I can keep my options open.

The thing about my eyesight - with my specs on, I can see absolutely perfectly. When I take them off, obviously it's a lot worse but I don't need to squint or anything like that. The thing is, it seems to exclude me from all of the most exciting jobs!

Oh - and 120mph? Is that all? ;-)

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 23:34

Would I make a good... - Pugugly {P}

Adam,

Talking to a guy in the know today, are you sure about the eyesight standards ? Even guys on Firearms can wear glasses as long as its to correct to 20/20.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 13:58

Would I make a good... - Manatee

Sorry to hear of your disappointment. At your age though, it's just another opportunity, and you'll never know whether things would have worked out better or worse so you won't waste time worrying about it!

Nothing wrong with being a salesman - I've done it, financial products rather than cars, and you shouldn't need to lose all self respect by lying if you do it properly.

I would personally avoid car sales though. The hours now are genrally long and unsocial (all main dealers open weekends) for a start. I have had quite a bit of involvement with the motor trade and I would also say that a lot of management is very poor, including site management in some big dealer groups.

Also bear in mind there are different 'systems' for selling and you might find yourself with little or no discretion depending on how the dealer in question operates.

It might be a useful experience as a temporary job, but don't hang around or your CV will suffer.

Technical sales was a good suggestion - often teritory based (so not just grabbing sales from your colleagues) and involves finding solutions that work for customers, that they might not have been able to find for themselves. But do look for an growing sector.

The Navy sounds an interesting option if it appeals to you. I have no knowledge of HMF but I have met a number of people in business who are ex-forces doing very well in second careers as consultants or interim managers!

Good luck.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 14:56

Would I make a good... - Big Bad Dave

Lieutenent Columbo - glass eye. Nuff said.

And don?t be afraid to tell porkies. I lied to my foot on the career ladder and I?ve lied, cheated squirmed and slithered my way down to the bottom of it ever since.

I say go commercial pilot, and that?s what I?ll be saying to both my kids when they?re older.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 15:09

Would I make a good... - Lud

BBD you are a bad influence. Just as well he's steeped in the law already and knows about creative narratives.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 15:59

Would I make a good... - local yokel

Adam

I've not been watching too many repeats of Spooks, but have you considered the Security Services? In my days in green I had some contact with MI5, and you may have read that post 9-11 they have adopted a more open approach to recruitment. You now apply on a conventional basis, with no need to be rec'd by an old buffer.

Your eyesight will not be an issue, your intellect will be throughly tested, you'll get to work on the really interesting stuff, not clearing drunks off Saturday night pavements, and you'll probably find it quite satisfying.

If I had my time again it's something I'd be very keen to do.

www.mi5careers.co.uk/

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 15:57

Would I make a good... - Mapmaker

Do all police authorities have the same standards for eyesight? I have a vague recollection of a schoolfriend who managed to get in despite poor sight by moving elsewhere in the country.

I think you need to ask yourself what you want to get out of a job:

Academic challenge? Dealing with 'real people' as themselves (selling cars, for instance, an architect working on private houses)? Dealing with employees of other employers (most jobs, neither of you actually cares what happens, you just do it...)?

Work for yourself? Work with a group of people very similar to you (e.g. join a City law firm or accountancy firm or bank and you'll be with 1,000s of others who are your age)? Work for a small emmployer?

Work away from home? Travel abroad (sounds glamorous but has more in common with living in an airport lounge waiting for delayed flights)? Never work late/weekends.

Earn loads & have no time to spend it.

Work that one out and then decide what job fits.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 22:26

Would I make a good... - PoloGirl

Adam (Hello :) )

Being a police officer is neither glamourous or exciting. It's scary, frustrating, hard work and frequently you're damned if you do, damned if you don't. If you're attracted to the career because you want to help people and make a difference though, there are loads of things you can do that are still working for the police, but not actually being a police officer. For example:

Analyst (sounds really dull, but is actually really interesting - without the intelligence they provide and collate, nothing would get done).
IT (you're right that it's well paid, interesting and a good career, and there are lots of aspects from looking after the crime software to the general IT support and website design/maintenance)
Civilian investigator (tends to go to retired detectives though)
Prisoner Interview Team
Crime Prevention Advisor (a lovely job, and not bad money!)
Crime Prevention Design Advisor (as above, but advises businesses/builders instead of householders)

The list is almost endless if you still want to enter that area. Oh and there is always PCSO but you've been fairly vocal on your disapproval of them, though we'll have to agree to disagree on that one! ;)

What about one of the other emergency services though if you're still in search of unpredictability? Fireman? Paramedic?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 23:25

Would I make a good... - BobbyG

Adam, I too need to wear my glasses all the time. However, when I was made redundant last year and looking at jobs, my optician tested my eyes and advised me that I would dtill meet the requirement for Strathclyde Police. Not sure what my prescription is but I would say its pretty bad!

Whatever you do, and I know you have previous experience of it, don't be sucked in to going for a career in Retail as it will immediately kill your life stone dead! A lot of the big Supermarkets have what appears to be excellent graduate schemes but, trust me, they are not!

I am still trying to chase my dream of being a chauffeur - not on the tacky Fri Night limos, but a company chauffeur, driving the directors about in fancy cars and getting paid for it!

So if anyone knows how I can go about this (in Scotland) please let me know!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 23:33

Would I make a good... - Altea Ego

Darlington based, but an idea perhaps?
www.minsterchauffeurs.com/case_study.htm
------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 00:12

Would I make a good... - BobbyG

RF, very interesting link, thanks. Especially the background of one of the guys, now there is a coincidence!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 23:35

Would I make a good... - DrS

Train to be a plumber.
Emigrate to Oz.
Enjoy the Jag!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 18 Apr 2006 23:43

Would I make a good... - Citroënian {P}

I was thinking paramedic too. Would mean a lot more learning but would tick the excitement/helping people/unpredictability boxes.

And crucially, you'd have a skill that's always needed (people are always going to get sick) and you would be able to work whereever you wanted on the planet, be needed and useful - to earn a few more £££s than working in a bar.

You mightn't want to now, but if you decided to travel a bit, medical skills would enable you to work a lot of places in a good job for good money, and ease your return to blighty, should you ever miss the drizzle. Which incredibly, I did. For about two days.

Lee -- Without bills, magazines and junk mail, there is no mail

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 00:07

Would I make a good... - Altea Ego

Paramedic is possibly the most underated job in the uk.

The pay is rubbish, the hours are worse, and the respect you get from your management is non existant.

How we treat such highly trained, professional and dedicated people so badly is beyond me.
------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 00:11

Would I make a good... - Pugugly {P}

respect you get from your management is non existant......and the drinking public.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 12:41

Would I make a good... - artful dodger {P}

I know many have been suggesting becoming a paramedic, but why not consider becoming a representative for a drug company. This is an unusual and well paid job dealing with doctors. My wife works in the medical field and frequently meets them as they also take staff in the surgeries treats like sandwiches and pay for staff lunches at Christmas. It is well paid (usually salaried only) and provides a good company car and other benefits. Some years ago someone I knew became a drug rep and had a very good rise in salary from his previous sales job.

--
Roger
I read frequently, but only post when I have something useful to say.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 12:56

Would I make a good... - Mapmaker

Adam

It might help if we knew:

1. Which University you are at
2. What degree you anticipate
3. What your A-levels were

We might then have a better idea of your likely aspirations, so you wouldn't get 'paramedic-type' suggestions.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 13:19

Would I make a good... - Adam {P}

Thanks again for all the replies.

PU - absolutely positive. I've spoken to them - Dad's spoken to them and they've all said that unaided vision must be 6/36 AS WELL AS some other requirement with glasses. The latter is academic but I'm pretty sure it'd be near perfect.

Manatee - that's what I'm thinking. (About it being an opportunity rather than a devastating career setback). I think I'm pretty much swayed away from car sales now based on what has been said but I haven't discounted the Navy yet I don't think. Technical sales sounds interesting too.

If I go on about Columbo, you won't stop me. Best detective EVER!

Local Yokel - You're going to think me fussy but I was looking extensively at the MI5 site and it says that you'd be pretty much expected to spend most of your career in London. I don't suppose I'd mind moving (although to be honest I'd like to stay in the North West) but I have no desire to live in London at all. It does sound stupidly picky I know.

Mapmaker - I'm reliably informed that the Police Forces are all standardised in terms of these requirements as they're laid out by the Home Office. Certainly Cumbria, Lancashire, Gtr. Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside Police are all the same. Although in reference to Bobby's comments, I did actually look at the Strathclyde Police website and there aren't any explicit eyesight requirements!

To be honest - I'm not sure I'd want to travel. It does sound glamorous but as you say, knowing my luck I'd end up sitting around in an airport lounge most of my life. Besides which, I think I'd like coming home every night and having the weekends to myself. Obviously though, this means a 9-5 job really. I had hoped for something exciting and I'd be more than willing to work late or some weekends but working away from home would ensure this happened nearly every week. Not sure I'd want that.

It sounds ridiculous but at the minute, I don't want to earn loads. I'd have been made up with a cop's salary. For the time being - I just want a job. It's no good having a shedload of money if you can't spend it.

PG!! Long time no speak. If I was going to be in an Police Ancilliary role, then it would probably be the I.T. Department otherwise I'd just look at all the cops and think "That could have been me if it weren't for my dicky eyes". I'll be honest, I don't hold PCSO's in particularly high regard. TO be fair, it's not their fault - it's the concept in general that I disagree with. 3 of them doing speeders on a dual carriageway every week probably doesn't do much to help their image either ;-)

With regards to the Fire Brigade - their eyesight requirements are even more stringent than the cops! And a paramedic - I don't really have any interest in it to be honest. I suppose it's good to have a definite idea of what I don't want to do! It's just something that really doesn't appeal to me.

Bobby - you know my feelings on who I used to work for! Never again! It's lower "mortal" employees mean nothing to them - I actually hate them after my experiences! If you move to Merseyside, I could get you a limo job driving an S Class every day ferrying pilots across the country!

Lee - as I said earlier, I'd feel very noble but I really don't want to be a paramedic or anything like that. I'd love to give you a reason but I just can't!

Plumber - it may strike you as odd - but I wouldn't mind doing something useful like that where you go in, fix something and get paid. It's just more training before you get any good job though. I'd rather be a sparky anyway.

Roger - that's quite interesting. My uncle's best mate is something to do with pharmaceutical sales and isn't doing too badly at all. I'll look into all these suggestions in much more depth.

Mapmaker;

I'll be getting my degree from Lancaster University (I know)

I'm expecting a 2:1. If everything went bad on exam day then a 2:2 but certainly no worse than that.

A-Levels. That's going back. Erm... Psychology, Business Studies, IT and an AS in English.

I keep saying it but thanks again. You've come up with far more obscure (and interesting!) ideas than I ever could have so I'm eternally grateful.

As always, thanks again.

Oh - one more thing - it only dawned on me whilst writing this that it's strayed somewhat from a motoring theme and for that reason, I'm very grateful to the mods for letting it stay. It's very, very helpful!

Thanks again,

Adam

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 13:51

Would I make a good... - cub leader

What is your degree in? One of the people i am currently working with was a car salesman for a year after he finished his first degree, can be quite a high pressure job but the way he talks about it he obviously enjoyed his time there. Try it the amount you enjoy your motoring would be a great asset, you could also suggest that the people who you sold cars to read this forum.
--
Temporarily not a student, where did the time go???

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 15:09

Would I make a good... - Adam {P}

No! Don't suggest it again! I've just about decided not to do it and now you go complicating matters!

My degree is in "Information Systems". Sounds flashy but it's really just messing around on a computer all day.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 15:14

Would I make a good... - commerdriver

it's really just messing around on a computer all day.

>>
I could think of worse things to do, that's a good part of what I've done for the last 29 years.

Look at the whole range of IT possibilities, it's a big industry with a lot of different options. You can, by and large, make what you want of it.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 16:15

Would I make a good... - Citroënian {P}

2.2? Accountant.

Lee -- Without bills, magazines and junk mail, there is no mail

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 21:09

Would I make a good... - AlastairW

2.2? Accountant.

Trust me, a Richard is plenty for an accountant. As long as you can do basic arithmetic (maths it aint) your set for life!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 15:17

Would I make a good... - apm

This thread really reminds me of that scene at the beginning of the Graduate, where Benjamin is at the party, being advised on his career by all of his father's friends- 'Benjamin, I have one word to say to you... plastics'.

Anyway, I can't add much to what's already been said. Just remember that you can change your mind at any point. I started as a lawyer- law degree, barrister training, and hated it. Went back to Uni, did an MSc & PhD in psychology, went into research, now work for the Healthcare Commission (really enjoy it). One day, I WILL set up my own brewery, making ales and strong belgian-style bottle-conditioned beers. In a barn. In Kent. Oh yes. My other (much less developed) lifestyle ambition is to run a small classic car dealer. Is this something that might appeal to you? Different kind of world, but I guess still selling cars.

If I had my time again, what would I like to be? Ten years ago, I'd have said medic or academic. Now, I'd seriously hesitate on both.

Best of luck, whatever you decide.

Alex.
--
Dr Alex Mears
MG BGT 1971
If you are in a hole stop digging...unless
you are a miner.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 18:50

Would I make a good... - artful dodger {P}

One day, I WILL set up my own brewery, making ales and strong belgian-style bottle-conditioned beers. In a barn. In Kent.

A friend of mine did just that. He asked me for advice about starting a micro brewery. I thought it was a bit obscure and risky. He gave up his job and started up in Chatham Dockyard. Now doing very well.

So Alex there may be hope for you in the future.

--
Roger
I read frequently, but only post when I have something useful to say.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 19:57

Would I make a good... - Avant

"2.2? Accountant.

Lee"

Shame! I recruit for a largish accountancy firm and we ask for a 2.1, like most other firms. Smaller firms may accept a 2.2 depending on how easy it is to recruit. The exams are demanding but worth it, and respectable A-levels and a 2.1 expected or achieved is a good pointer to success.

Adam, you haven't mentioned accountancy so I presume you aren't interested. I can tell you plenty if it is an option - all I'd say now is that

(a) it isn't any longer just a boring process of dealing with figures: thery are still important but not the whole story

(b) once you qualify there is a whole range of things you can do, and you don't need to decide at the beginning of the process.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 21:07

Would I make a good... - Citroënian {P}

Avant

OK, sorry.

2.1, no idea of a career? Accountant

Lee

;-)

Lee -- Without bills, magazines and junk mail, there is no mail

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 21:12

Would I make a good... - Citroënian {P}

Actually, that looks a lot cheekier than I intended. Both times I was at college, no-one was there studying to be an accountant but it's surprising how many turned out that way after not getting (perhaps not quickly enough, or with enough determination) their chosen career.

I've always seen it as a bit of a fall back career - not many people's first choice but will be respectable enough and provide a good standard of living.

Lee -- Without bills, magazines and junk mail, there is no mail

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 19 Apr 2006 21:24

Would I make a good... - Pugugly {P}

"2.2? Accountant.

Not if you want to go anywhere beyond a corporate post....

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 20 Apr 2006 00:21

Would I make a good... - Lud

Accountants can't drive.

Except the ones who can of course. But that's obvious.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 20 Apr 2006 01:28

Would I make a good... - Avant

"Actually, that looks a lot cheekier than I intended. Both times I was at college, no-one was there studying to be an accountant but it's surprising how many turned out that way after not getting (perhaps not quickly enough, or with enough determination) their chosen career."

Don't worry - we have thick skins and genuinely don't mind. There are more jokes about accountants than about Skodas, and both are much more interesting now than they used to be.

We don't prefer recruits with accountancy degrees - indeed the more interesting candidates are usually those who have read a completely different subject, preferably one they've enjoyed. My degree is in classics - no regrets at all.

Keeping the motoring connection alive, it can be quite fun to ask what sort of car a candidate drives - though fortunately that isn't a criterion by which we judge people. Come to think of it, it would be a good challenging interview question, wouldn't it: "Can you give me the reasons why you chose a Fiat...."

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 20 Apr 2006 02:34

Would I make a good... - Blue {P}

Hi mate, I've come into this a little late so can't add much.

I would agree with Blue Haddock, I wouldn't be leaping back into the motor trade in a hurry, you really have to have a certain personality I think (but no, you don't have to be dis-honest, I never was and I did ok).

I would point out that Carmad who used to post on here (he stopped when he got loads of stick for actually wanting to spend a large sum of money on a car IIRC) is actually doing really well in the trade, he is now working for one of the more prestigous brands, has a VERY nice demo and is not taking home a bad pay packet either. However, from talking to him on MSN, I think he has that particular personality that you need to success within the sales (and also a boss who doesn't go out of his way to make his life uncomfortable, not that I harbour any grudges lol!)

So to round off a fairly un-informative post, good luck finding something, I think I'm in a similar position to you, if someone said to me what is your dream job my answer at the moment would have to be a Traffic Cop, except I doubt I would ever apply as I couldn't be chewed with the hassle that goes with it, but the adrenalin rush when you fire up the blues and twos and wind a Volvo T5 up to full pelt must be unreal! :-)

My medium term career plans at the moment is to develop my very young driving school business and then in the longer term I hope to get a graduate job with the firm that I currently work for, I find their business (utilities) quite interesting and I love my job, I hope their graduate programme turns out to be as rewarding as the simple call handling that I do at the moment.

Good luck!

Blue

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 20 Apr 2006 12:03

Would I make a good... - Round The Bend

Adam, on an alternative note, you did say you wanted some excitement .......... how about going for an appearance on The Apprentice? Application forms for the next series are on the BBC website.
_______
IanS

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 20 Apr 2006 12:15

Would I make a good... - Citroënian {P}

>>Don't worry - we have thick skins and genuinely don't mind. There are more jokes about accountants than about Skodas, and both are much more interesting now than they used to be.

{laughing}, yes you're right.

It's an interesting point you make about not appointing accounting graduates - I think much the same thing applies in IT - if you find the right people you can train them for the skills they need to do the job. (I'm not thinking wires & pliers level here)

The which car question is a good one - I recall a friend who went for a job (at McLaren, admittedly) and hired an Astra for the day so they wouldn't see his beaten up Uno.

Lee -- You don\'t sell the steak, you sell the sizzle

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 20 Apr 2006 12:30

Would I make a good... - Adam {P}

I hadn't considering Accountancy actually. Wouldn't it be a setback that I haven't do anything to do with it in Sixth Form/Uni?

With regards to I.T, I'm trying to avoid it as a job that heavily features IT but it wouldn't surprise me if I did end up as some sort of I.T. Techie!

It is fascinating reading what people do and how different that is from what they originally wanted to do though - namely Alex the law practising Doctor! ;-)

Blue - I remember you telling me about Carmad and I also remember you telling me about your days at Ford! I think you're right - you have to have that kind of personality and I don't think I have it. Traffic would have been a superb job but I'm not sure I would have applied - the quick cars would have been great but I couldn't stomach clocking people for speeding on a motorway. I'd be the only cop who never issued speeding tickets!

Ian - The Apprentice - I've caught the last two of these and all I can say is "No!". I don't especially like "Sir" Alan Sugar (what's that all about anyway) and I don't think I'd be able to restrain myself from hitting one of the other hopefuls. I can't believe such arrogant people have got through life without being floored at least once!

Thanks for all the advice again!

Adam

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 20 Apr 2006 12:59

Would I make a good... - Stargazer {P}

Adam,

Dont rule out the BiB completely, a good friend of mine from University went straight into one force although he wore glasses for myopia all the time. He worked in the Coventry area (which forse is that?) which had different eye-sight requirements to many others. His eyes were worse than mine (3 dioptres).

He missed out on the graduate recruitment with accelerated promotion so went straight in at normal recruitment as a PC. He got fed up after 10 years and went into IT!

StarGazer

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 20 Apr 2006 13:09

Would I make a good... - Adam {P}

Hi SG,

I could be wrong but I think it would be West Midlands Police. The problem is, I think very recently, it's all been standardised. I can't remember which site it was - I think the Gtr Manchester Police that said the eysight requirements were set out by the Home Office so I think they're all the same now.

The funny thing is - I wasn't going to join under the graduate scheme as I didn't want a desk job. My degree was simply a fall back plan should everything fail.

Looks like it wasn't such a bad idea after all!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 20 Apr 2006 13:13

Would I make a good... - Mapmaker

>>Wouldn't it be a setback that I haven't do anything to do with it in Sixth Form/Uni?

No setback at all. If you can count to 100 then that's fine!

What were your A-level grades?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 20 Apr 2006 13:15

Would I make a good... - Adam {P}

I'm not saying!

They range from excellent to poor.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 20 Apr 2006 13:19

Would I make a good... - Altea Ego

but it wouldn't surprise me if I did end up as some sort of I.T. Techie!

Based on some of your replies to computer questions on here, I too wonder what sort of IT techie you would be.......

------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >

Ask Honest John

Sell Your Car

Real MPG

Fuel Calculator