After a self described successful career in the retail auto industry beginning as a salesperson and maturing into a General Manager and Dealer Principal followed by an equally exciting role as a vendor partner with a diverse group of next generation solutions for the auto industry my considered answer to my own question is that a career in the retail auto industry is not only still possible but it is highly recommended!

I backed into my auto industry career after what was supposed to be an interim position selling Hondas until I could open a business in the electronics industry which was my first love.  The challenge of selling cars expanded into management positions where my skills were constantly tested to take on responsibilities in business operations, service, financing, real estate and all of the other inegrated facets of running an auto dealership.

Today's auto industry offers similar career opportunities only limited by your interests and talents to expand your areas of responsibility plus additional channels in technology based support services that did not exist in 1976 when I made my career choice.  Tomorrow's auto dealership will be supported by online resources and real world operations and processes powered by technology based vendor solutions that have yet to be imagined. 

Your individual people skills and business sense will still dictate which road will provide you the most success in the auto industry but the expanded universe of positions in both retail operations and support services designed to improve operations and enhance process in sales and service suggest that a career in the auto industry is a better choice than ever.  

No profession can exist without proper training and knowledge acquired by hands on real world experience but few can be found that can accomplish all of your goals without earning a college degeree. I suggest that you consider a career in the auto industry before signing the note for your college loans - or at least add Northwood University to your list of preferred colleges and start your career in the auto industry with the best of both worlds.