How do i get into the automotive buisness? (engine building)?

I was just wondering how exactly someone could get into the automotive business as an engine developer for a company such as Nissan or Honda. I am currently a freshman at UCLA as an aerospace engineer (which is closely related to mechanical) and wanted to know what steps i would have to take to get a job at a car company as an engineer for engines/parts/chassis. i'm not sure yet, but am more interested in engines at the moment. i realize knowing the "right" people is a plus, but as of now i know no one that could help me. ur answers are appreciated. thanks. and have a good day.|||I graduated with an aerospace engineering degree.





If you know what you want early enough in your studies, it should be relatively easy to get a job where you want.





The most important thing is to get at least a 3.0 gpa. My next recommendation is to take electives in the field you are interested in working for. For engine development and design - the best classes are likely propulsion, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Both the mechanical and aerospace departments likely have those courses.





3rd Recommendation -- Undergraduate Research in the field you are interested in. Go to a proffesor and tell him you are interested in working for them as a research assistant. Work there no matter how badly they pay you or even if you have to work for free. Graduating with this experience will open more doors than you can imagine. It will set you apart from most people.





Try to obtain a good internship or Co-op. Don't limit yourself to automobile. Rolls-Royce, Pratt and Whitney, General Electric are good engine developers. If you can master jet-propulsion, car powerplants will be easy.





4th recomendation -- Have a good attitude and a passion for what you want to do. This is very rare.





5th recommendation -- attend all expos and talk to the recruiters with the company you are interested in throughout your studies. If they sponsor events -- go to those events. They will remember you.





Have a balance -- don't overload yourself at school. Don't try and do too much too quickly because you need to do everything relatively well.