When you think of a mechanic, you typically think of a guy working on your vehicle. Studies show that you're probably right, with women making up a measly 0.8% of workers in Miscellaneous Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Mechanics, Installer and Repairers according to a Department of Labor study published in 2010.
Nevertheless, there are women in the industry. We wanted to know what kinds of challenges and experiences women can expect entering such a male-dominated industry so we decided to find someone who experiences it first-hand.
Coincidentally, my friend Ashley (we are not using her real name to make sure her job is not in jeopardy) works for one of the largest auto parts distributors in the country. She also happens to be female. She was willing to sit down with me and answer questions:
Q: What is your current position and what does it entail?
A: My official job title is commercial driver/customer satisfaction. Basically i show up for work, punch in, and keep busy until a shop from the area calls and orders a part. Sometimes I'll answer the phone and take orders but mostly my boss, the commercial manager answers it. I give customers good prices for parts, pull the parts, and deliver them to the shops. If the DIY (retail) side of the store gets busy, I'll answer their phone or go out front and help customers get their parts. When we aren't busy I'm supposed to be putting parts on shelves or organizing. This doesn't happen often. I typically stay out back.
Q: Do you think you're treated different being a female in a male-dominated industry?
A: Yes, absolutely.
Q: How so?
A: There have been times where i would answer the phone and the guy on the other line will say, "Oh, eh is there a guy there that i can talk to?" I'll usually respond, "I'm pretty good at my job and i can help you out." They typically persist and again ask for a guy. This also happens in person. When I was working the retail counter, guys would hit on me constantly. I also felt a lot of older guys would let me help them but I could tell they were hesitant to believe any answers I would give them. I also encounter a lot of second guessing; "You're sure that's for the right vehicle? You put in the right year?" I try to be as polite as possible, grit my teeth and say yes, that's the right info. I even had a customer offer to get me body parts for my car if "I spent the weekend with him."!! I've developed a thick skin.
You have to, being a female in the auto industry
Q: What's the most extreme example of how you were treated differently than a male coworker would be?
A: A customer walked in one night, I greeted him, he said nothing back. I'm thinking, maybe he didn't hear me, whatever. He walks up to the counter so I walk to him and ask him what he needs and he walks away completely ignoring me! He walks over to my coworker Nick and starts casually talking to him! Not even a second glance from the dude. I was shocked.
Q: Would you recommend joining the industry to another female?
A: I think it would depend on the female. If she were a sensitive person then definitely not. If she could take criticism and not take things to heart then yes.
