entry-level Autocad job

[Timj908]

I want to find an entry-level drafting job when I complete my "Drafting with Autocad" course. This course starts out with basic drafting (mechanical drawing) and then moves on to Autocad and has lessons on structural, civil, HVAC and electrical drawing.
Bascially, what am I expected to know before applying for an entry-level job. I am new to this field but did work for an engineering surveying firm where I watched drafters drawing plans and surveys. I wanted to learn Autocad and took a course hoping my boss would get me started on simple survey plot plans but he never did. Too busy, or didn't care.
I really have taken an interest in drafting and Autocad and my goal is getting a job doing it. So, any insight from any of you experienced users would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[berkshire]

Whatever it is that you want to draw, engineering, civil, Hvac, Etc., make sure you know how to produce the part before you draw it, or get a more experienced person to show you.
There is nothing more annoying than a fabulous drawing that is impossible to manufacture.
B.E.

 

[LHA]

It sounds like you have surveying experience of some type. This will give you an advantage over those who don't, if site/civil is the discipline you wish to pursue.

Right now, in southcentral PA, USA you will have no problem getting a job using ACAD for site/civil design.

If site/civil is your goal, get good at realizing how Plan and Profile views are related. Start recognizing what details you will need with each Plan view depiction...it is a tremendous help when the CADD tech can see a sanitary manhole proposed, and knows to add that detail without me having to write "add san mh" on the plot. Likewise, you will should quickly learn which standard notes go on which plans...the engineer shouldn't have to say "add E&S notes" to each E&S plan file you lay out.

Obviously, Bershire is being specific to Aeronautics when stating "There is nothing more annoying than a fabulous drawing that is impossible to manufacture." But the concept will be the same even if you go into site/civil, where there is no part to manufacture, but where "There is nothing more annoying than a fabulous site layout that is impossible to grade in.

Remember, amateurs built the ark...professionals built the Titanic. -Steve

 

[ctopher]

I agree wih berkshire.
Also, learn the drafting standards, ASME and ANSI.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 05
AutoCAD 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

 

[JStephen]

Things I have observed:
Knowledge of the thing being drafted is about as important as knowledge of the drafting/CAD process. It helps if you're really familiar with some area of work, and how drawings of it normally look and work.

AutoCAD can be deceptive. I've been using it nearly every day for years, and am still learning new tricks. You may know how to draw anything, but knowing how to draw anything the quickest way is something different entirely.

Math skills help. You can lay out all kinds of stuff with AutoCAD, but if you have no way of checking that layout, you have potential problems.

 

[borgunit]

Make sure you get the expertise in the area you are going into, whether civil etc.. AutoCAD is just the tool to put your good ideas in a format others can see. I have been with two companies that have even had drawing board designers on staff because of their knowledge, and then let AutoCAD operators put their ideas into CAD. Its the knowledge and not the format that is important. That being said, look to work for good people and not neccessarily a good company. Your bosses and coworkers will make or break your enjoyment of any job. Even money can only go so far in your satisfaction level. Lastly, you might try to learn the ins and outs of AutoCAD by learning simple LISP programming. You gain great insights into what makes AutoCAD tick and you instantly become an expert at any firm you might work at. Good luck.

"Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." — Will Rogers

 

[Darken99]

My only suggestion is to work with a company that has a few experienced drafting personnel. That way if you have any question or problems, there is someone there to help you.