What would I need to do to get into the industry?

Hey, I have been thinking about this for a long while(a few years) and I know that my dream job would be something do to in the roller coaster/thrill ride/amusement industry. So, what would I need to do to get into a job in the industry? I know school, but what kind of school? I would really appreciate some help as I really need to start looking into my career path and where its going to take me! Thank you!

The grownup in me likes the prospect of fun, but the kid in me is suicidal over what a fat bastard I'll become. -Peter, Family guy.

A wishing well, a few pennies, and a lot of luck...

Not kidding, either.

http://unorthodokz.deviantart.com

University of central FL Has a degree program for theme park manangement or are you more mechanicly inclined. You might major in computers (ride controls) and minor in mechanical engineering.If you are triing to stay near where ever you are.

If you choose the second option your summer breaks send letters to the ride manufacturers or parks for summer internships or at least go work for a park.

P.S. If you end up in management some free passes would be nice.

*** Edited 7/3/2004 5:36:37 AM UTC by kevin38*** *** Edited 7/3/2004 5:39:39 AM UTC by kevin38***

If you want to design rides, or something along those lines then you need to consider engineering school. I would recommend mechanical, but then again maybe I'm biased =). Internships or co-ops are also a good way to get your foot in the door, look for schools that have co-op programs.

Whatever you do, don't just base it on coasters, make sure its something you wouldn't mind doing even if you can get into that field right away.

Also, like someone else said, a lot of luck too.

You also need to learn how to use the search feature.

Hobbes: "What's the point of attaching a number to everything you do?"
Calvin: "If your numbers go up, it means you're having more fun."

give him a break Andy, he was just asking a simple question....geez.....

still trying to think of a good signature...

I actually sent in a new ride vehicle drawing into Arrow Dynamics. They still havn't responded.

We received that drawing. We are building 6 of them for next season. Your check is in the mail.

d00d! I can't wait to ride them! They're gonna be @wesumeee!!!! Where they guuna get built???!??!!!1111onetwo

*rolls eyes*

I don't see the point in this question any more. You gotta get into the industry like any industry. Hard work and good schooling. Plus it's good to know a few people. End of Story.

http://unorthodokz.deviantart.com

I know I am working my way into getting into there, I plan on pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Missouri Rolla. I have also gotten a job as a ride op at SFSL, and, I am currently doing a summer internship with the Corporate Engineer of SFSTL. I am trying to get as many opportunities as I can, and I think getting a job and an internship is the way to go..... good luck to you as well, I know I need some :)

justcazisaidso, I hope you are kidding. They (Now S&S Arrow), has already thrown away the letter you sent them.

It was never opened or viewed, just thrown straight into the trash. They do that not to be mean, but to protect themselves. So don't ever count on hearing from them. But if they do reply (rarely), it will just be a signed photo or something.

As far as getting into the industry Rollerfreak8, I would recommend starting off small. Actually working at a park for the summer (preferably more than just one summer), and build on from there. Get to know the people at that park, and when you go to college, see if they offer internships in the area you are studying.

Darth Saambe said:
Where they guuna get built???!??!!

Morey's ;)

why are you guys so mean to new posters on here? what is the matter with you guys?? i remember when most of u started posting here on Coasterbuzz and you were the one making dumb comments asking dumb questions. i swear, i hope to God i never meet half of you, because id be ashamed to be associated with a lot of you....

still trying to think of a good signature...

justcazisaidso said:
I actually sent in a new ride vehicle drawing into Arrow Dynamics. They still havn't responded.

I sent in for employment information for a Careers class once, and it wasn't until a year later after I got on their website (RIP) and gave my address to Arrow (also RIP) a second time did they send anything back. The entire year was well worth it though, I got all kinds of pamphlets for their rides (including flats) and other engineering/employment information.

As for your situation, there was a FAQ section to the information I recieved, and it mentioned designs sent in by outside sources. It said that while the ideas people outside of the company may be good, they can't be used because that person would most likley want compensation for "their" design. TheNewLMHDesign is right, your drawings (while they may have been looked at for a few seconds) were thrown away.

Well if you want in the park side of the industry go to your local park get a job sweeping puke and strive for advancement.

If you want to design rides, I would suggest Civil Engineering. Personally, I plan on writing programs that design coasters, so I'm heading towards Computer Science (at Georgia Tech).

And what is your dream job Willster??...I'm curious!

And Tim....Tim Tim Tim my boy. Consider the new member bashing a rite of passage :) I made (and still do I am sure ) assinine posts and got blasted too. It normal for this environment. No sense sending up your blood pressure on something so trivial. Now about Britney Spears being engaged....that we can swoon over :) *** Edited 7/5/2004 5:29:42 PM UTC by Antuan***

Fate is the path of least resistance.

Antuan said:
And what is your dream job Willster??...I'm curious!

Tried to post a pic but couldn't.

I used to design F1 cars.

I'm also interested in the roller coaster/thrill ride industry, but I highly doubt any of you care about that.

A theme park is a like a little world:

They need engineers, mechanics, cooks, cleaning people, marketing people, PR people, managers, actors/singers (shows), designers, etc.

Keep in mind that fabrication and construction of rides and theming is done by other companies, not by the park itself (in most cases).

Anyway, enough to do at the average theme park.
Just go do something that earns enough to stay alive and try to get something better each season.