Additional Information
Background in the industry is always helpful. This can be learned in community
college courses. "It's good to learn about different processes so that you
know how things you are designing are made," says designer Christine Parry.
You can also contact a car body designer to see if you can watch them on the
job for a day.
In the Detroit area, a high school curriculum has been developed to give
students an opportunity to start developing the skills needed to become body
designers. However, if you aren't in an area that offers these studies, courses
in drafting, geometry, math and physics will help. Computer-aided design with
an emphasis on car design is offered at many community colleges and technical
institutes in the Michigan area.
"Lots of people who have been designing for years just have a high school
diploma," says Parry.
However, most employers now require a two-year degree in computer-aided
design. "More and more education is required, and I think in a while people
will be wanting a four-year degree," says designer Jerry Richard.
Engineering courses would also be helpful in finding a job as a car body
designer. "I don't mean that you have to go out and get a full engineering
degree, but a few courses will always help," says designer Norm Robbins.
Certification isn't required to be a car body designer. However, the American
Society of Body Engineers is starting up a three-level body design certification
program. "In five years, I can see it evolving into a requirement," says Richard.