Possible Summer Internship?

86 911 · 86 911's Garage

I'm just about to start summer vacation, and I would like to get a summer internship job for a few months dealing with Porsches, mainly 911s. I get my license on the 24th, so I will be able to drive. I am thinking of a receptionist for some local Porsche dealers, or some other type of work dealing with Porsches where I can get paid, but enjoy what I am doing. I know a fair amount on the older cars, and a few things on the newer 911s, so I would most likely want to interact with other people. I live in Moraga (bay area), and I would like something that is relatively close (i.e. Concord, Oakland, Walnut Creek). Do any of you on the tech forum know of a place where I can do summer internship that is dealing with Porsches? My dad will ask Walnut Creek Porsche if I can intern as a receptionist, but the staff aren't that friendly, so it is no big rush. Where else would you suggest? Do you know of anyone that I could work for over the summer?

Thanks!

Hayabusa · Hayabusa's Garage

Ta hell with being a receptionist.

Mop the floors in the shop all day long,,,, you'll learn a lot more in there and you won't have to make sweet talk to the ever changing moods of the sales staff.

David · David's Garage

When I was new driver, 20+ years ago, Porsche did not truck cars from the Houston port. They were only driven! I talked to the dealer but they didn't have any openings. I don't know if that's still the case but last year I came up on a 996TT coming up from the coast driving exactly the speed limit. As I passed him in my black 79 and waved at him in the black 05 he waved back with this I wish I could look. I suspect it was a Porsche porter bringing in a car. The other exotic shops need porters sometimes too.

86 911 · 86 911's Garage

Hayabusa, I'm a janitors T/A for my 7th period, so honestly it would probably be boring sine I see da mop a lot already. Good suggestion though.
125shifter, I like that idea a lot. It would really sound like fun. Hopefully I could do it, although I'm not sure if the dealer's insurance would allow that. I'll definatley ask though!

Thanks for the helpful suggestions!

randywebb · 06-08-2005, 08:41 PM

mechanics helper

ZAMIRZ · ZAMIRZ's Garage

Just go in with an open mind and take anything you can get. Don't be picky about being a receptionist, just be honest about your situation; that you have nothing to do over the summer and want to work, and more often than not there'll be somewhere that could use your help. If you want to learn a lot, work on the shop floor (this usually means sweeping floors, doing some dirty work). Most important thing (I know this from personal experience) is not to be picky though, just take whatever you can get.

kycarguy 935 · 06-08-2005, 11:23 PM

I worked for the dealerships for a long time and generally they hire women receptionists and its a pretty tough job unless you have done it before and you wouldnt get to see many cars up close. If you wanted to work at a busy dealer you may take any job they will give you in the service area. This way you can be around the cars.

Another option is to find a independent shop in your area and see if they could use a helper. A shop I use to work at would almost always have a helper to keep the shop clean, wash cars and help a mechanic when he needed a 3rd hand.

Good luck on your search.

86 911 · 86 911's Garage

Thanks. I'll call around some shops/dealers and see what I can do.

rrpjr · 06-09-2005, 02:29 PM

Try Sam Sipkins in Oakland. 510/632-8232. He runs a small Porsche repair shop and might need a helper/apprentice/gopher. He's a mighty fine guy and knows the old Porsches about as well as anybody around. Good luck.

Oh Haha · 06-09-2005, 05:44 PM

Man, to be 17 again and know what we know now!

Matt--Are your friends looking to work this summer?
You seem ambitious and generally interested in learning more about cars. More than a lot of high school kids I know. I hope you find something that works for you. Consume all of the free advice you can and you will be better off in the long run. Good luck with the search.

86 911 · 86 911's Garage

rrpjr, Thanks for the contact info.

I will get in touch with Mr. Sipkins soon and see if I can do something for him. Do you know Mr. Sipkins personally? If so, may you give me your name so that I can tell him who reffered him?
Oh Haha, A couple of my friends are looking to work this summer. They say that they will most likely work at the local grocery/drug store though.
Thanks for all of the information so far. I really appreciate it!