does anybody work in the bike industry?

Question

i'm very passionate about bikes, and i am finishing up my masters in business. i would really like to work in the cycling industry in some way. any advice? and applying is a lot harder than it sounds!

Answer 1

It is indeed tough to get into the industry. The "inside" staff is very transient as well, moving from one company to another.

If you have no experience in the business AT ALL (experience does not include working on your own bike), get a position in the bike department at a retail store...Dick's Sporting Goods (in the Northeast and Midwest) has a pretty comprehensive training program for techs (I wrote it) and will give you a very solid base in wrenching and selling.

During this time you will also likely develop relationships with several different manufacturers reps... and there is your 'in'.

While you are in retail you'll need to push the envelope and stand out as a leader in your district and region. Increase sales and customer satisfaction and you'll practically have carte blanche. Don't take a management role in retail unless you want to stay in retail. You will max out at about $32K in a 'head bike tech' role.

Fair warning, I have an MBA and a BSME plus 26 years of experience. In the bicycle industry this means a salary of under $50K.

Answer 2

I assume you don't want to work in a bike shop.I was a sales rep for a ski company for several years the money was great as was the lifestyle. I landed the job because I had a ton of retail experience as well as being an instructor etc. I did it without a degree (one of the few) this was in the 70s, as for cycling go to bicycleretailer.com and look at their classifieds that is the mother lode of jobs in the industry, then send out your resumes. that is the quickest and as far as I know the best way to go about it.

Answer 3

try google it fore work in the cycleing industry or Monster or Yahoo jobs

Answer 4

You can do whatever you please... as long as you believe