Fresh Perspectives
Wes Anderson
 

McPherson College is unusual in many ways, from the nature of programs to size of class

Why Go to College to Learn Auto Restoration?
 
McPherson College is highly regarded for its automotive restoration program, but graduates leave the school with much more than automotive skills. We’re not far enough into our next specialty area – I’m currently taking a course in engine rebuilding – to pass on any tips, so the editor asked me to write a little bit about the overall education program at the college.

Completing the Bachelor of Science degree in automotive restoration involves taking a variety of required and elective liberal arts courses to develop a well-rounded educational experience. We become proficient in other areas that will be vital in the real world, with proper communication being an essential skill, especially in today’s world. During the course of the four-year program, many communications-intensive courses are required, and can be found both inside and outside of the automotive program.

Basically, the automotive courses are scheduled to parallel our core academic classes. We’re required to take classes in many different disciplines, including mathematics, humanities, physical and social sciences, religion and beliefs, health, intercultural experiences, and oral and written communication skills. A variety of classes are offered under each main category to personalize our college experience. I am especially pleased to have this selection of classes, considering the small size of the college. The diversity of the classes also keeps the student-to-teacher ratio at a manageable level. Instructors are able to give students the personal attention that isn’t always typical at the college level.

I am genuinely impressed with the emphasis on oral and written communication at the college. No matter what career you intend to pursue, chances are that the proficiency obtained here in oral and written skills will give you an edge in the professional workplace. Personally, I’m comfortable with writing, but not the best at public speaking. But the only way to improve is to practice, and college is a great place for that. The program focus takes the view that possessing solid oral and written communication skills can set you apart from your colleagues and open many doors of opportunity. In the modern business of automotive restoration, communication is particularly necessary.

From a client’s perspective, communication could be the difference between what the client had in mind, and what the restorer had in mind. For example, the restorer could molest the originality of the client’s precious 300SL because of miscommunication about the overall objectives of the project. Also, improper communication regarding timetables or budgets could be an expensive embarrassment, especially if the car has an expected concours appearance in its near future.

I chose to pursue my liberal arts degree at McPherson for these reasons. Not only do we get hands-on training with classic cars, but we also gain useful career proficiencies. If the program were only a two-year degree, I most likely wouldn’t be here. Having a bachelor’s degree is greatly important, especially in these times, and can instill a kind of peace of mind for employers, knowing that they have hired somebody with good reasoning skills and the ability to analyze a situation from different angles. Instead of attending a basic two-year automotive program and earning apprenticeships, we gain the knowledge needed to compete for meaningful internships and top restoration jobs worldwide.

A bachelor’s degree with a specialization in automotive restoration is a win-win situation for me. I have the opportunity to learn and later earn a living in a field about which I am genuinely passionate. I’ve always loved older cars, so discovering this program was almost too good to be true – I was set to attend a state college to study something that really didn’t interest me, and I didn’t like the idea of spending the rest of my life at a job that was just a job, nothing more. Personally, I believe that you should pursue your dreams and make your life what you want it to be. I think when you find something you love to do, naturally you’re probably going to do it very well, and that might also inspire others.

In reality, I am already fairly certain that I would like to restore classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles as my profession after graduation. I would prefer to remain in the United States, but international experience would surely prove useful. I have yet to find a vintage Mercedes that fails to take my breath away, but only time will tell if I’ll want to specialize in a specific model. Pre-war cars are scarce, especially in America; realistically, post-1940s cars will most likely be my main focus. I hope to learn the tricks of the trade about classic Mercedes-Benzes – those special tips that help make restoration as authentic as possible. One of my main goals is to learn about maintaining and restoring the hydraulic system on the W100 Mercedes 600. Who knows what I’ll end up doing after graduation – only time will tell – but I know I’ll be prepared for anything.

Wes Anderson is an active member of the mbca.org Forums and a freshman in the Automotive Restoration Program at McPherson College, the only college in the country that offers an accredited four-year bachelor’s degree in automobile restoration. In his columns, Wes shares with us the principles and techniques he is learning in his courses.