Major: Automotive Service Technology
Restoring a 1986 Monte Carlo and maintaining his 1993 Camaro Z28 are what interested Brian Kavanaugh in cars.
He enrolled in College of DuPage’s Automotive Service Technology program because of its excellent reputation.
“Nothing compares to COD’s program,” said Kavanaugh, who also earned a Mercedes-Benz scholarship that he used to pay for books. “COD helped me achieve my goals by training me on my automotive knowledge. During my time in the program, I also enrolled in resume building courses, which helped me create a professional resume that made me stand out during interviews and led to my job with Ally Bank. Learning how to do presentations and talk about automotive repairs at a higher level also makes me stand out and sound more professional compared to my peers and helped aid me in success with my company.”
After graduating with his Master Automotive Service Technology Associate in Applied Science, Kavanaugh began in Ally Bank’s insurance division as a mechanical claims specialist. He reviewed and adjudicated low-dollar mechanical claims, which relied on his extensive knowledge of auto diagnosis. He then was promoted into a position as an office-based adjuster dealing with high-dollar mechanical claims and denials.
Graduating from COD has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. The teachers set me up for success.
Brian Kavanaugh
“I would review and adjudicate engine and drivetrain/transmission repairs, which was very fun because I got to see some interesting stuff,” he said. “
His next promotion was as team coordinator managing the day-to-day tasks of the MCS team, and currently he is a team leader overseeing the operations of the MCS team. This includes setting up meetings and collaborations with directors and managers to implement new procedures or to enforce other procedures. His goal is to continue climbing the ranks at Ally.
As for COD, Kavanaugh advises that earning an automotive degree is so much more than just learning about vehicles.
“If you continue and get your four-year degree, you will learn how to be in the automotive industry, whether you want to own your own shop, climb the ranks in a dealership or get to the corporate side of the industry,” he said. “Being in COD’s Automotive Service Technology program is a great steppingstone into the auto industry and it will literally make you stand out compared to someone who didn’t go there.
“Graduating from COD has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. The teachers set me up for success to achieve my bachelor’s and graduate with honors. COD showed me how to network, strive for my goals and show people there’s more to the automotive industry than just wrenching. I have benefits, I get paid vacation, I have weekends off and I recently purchased my first home. COD laid the foundation for my success.”
Learn more about the Automotive Service Technology program at College of DuPage