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HELP. How to get into the industry?

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Skierra69
Posts: 14 - Karma: 151
Here's the thing: I'm not this amazing talented skier protege, I'm a sophomore mechanical engineering major with a passion for skiing. I'd like to start making skis or something along those lines out of college, but I have no idea where to start. HELPPPP.
Nov 13 2013 12:35PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,008
I am in the same situation as you (sophomore me) I am building skis as a project for the program, I would recommend the job forum here on newschoolers.
Nov 13 2013 12:57PM
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MacMahoooon
Posts: 9009 - Karma: 3,305
He's right. This is a good place to start

https://www.newschoolers.com/ns/forums/forumthreads/cat_id/202/

More postings going up all the time
Nov 13 2013 1:09PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
GET INVOLVED AND MEET PEOPLE. talk to everybody that you can in the industry, get your name out there. apply for internships to get your foot in at a company, and work your ass off there so that they either bring you back in the future, hire you as part of their staff, or can provide great references to other companies.

if you really want to get into ski building, one thing that would probably help (and be really fuckin fun too, im thinking about doing it this summer) is to build a few pairs of skis in your garage. set up as small press and run out a few pairs. this would show employers initiative, provide great experience, and im guessing it would help a ton to put yourself ahead of the pack if you already have experience building skis when you try to get a job (a lot of people will have degrees in engineering and stuff but real world experience with a degree almost always trumps just a degree)
Nov 13 2013 1:33PM
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first_rodeo
Posts: 2385 - Karma: 7,781
recommended east coast located companies?????
Nov 13 2013 1:43PM
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BigScaryLarry
Posts: 1448 - Karma: 2,732
HG skis, pretty sure Line has an HQ out here, pretty sure the same with Nordica also, not skiing but Burton is on the EC
Nov 13 2013 1:56PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7147 - Karma: 17,498
Start working at your local shop. This is your best way to meet reps and people involved in te various companies. Get your self known by the reps an they are much more likly to take you on then some random application for work. So basically get in the bottom and work your way up.
Nov 13 2013 2:39PM
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PKNeison
Posts: 313 - Karma: 721
This is the type of lifestyle I'm heading for aswell, going to study design engineering next year and want to get into the skiing industry. Can't wait.
Nov 13 2013 2:47PM
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pat_in_the_hat
Posts: 3019 - Karma: 2,695
with a name like sierra69, Im sure you can figure out how to get in the business
Nov 13 2013 2:54PM
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4805 - Karma: -651
Do an IT minor.


The employees of ski resorts who I have met who have been my age and have jobs I am envious of which allow them to shred do IT stuff for the mountains.


If you have a mechanical engineering degree and have IT skills you can probably get one of those jobs.


But listen to the other advice in this thread.  If you work in a ski shop, make connects, and can bring a skill to the table (which your engineering degree is) something decent paying should pop up sooner or later.
Nov 13 2013 7:03PM
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