Should I teach myself AutoCAD to improve resume? 2

[MEGrad123]

I graduated in May 2010 with a mechanical engineering degree and have been actively job searching. I want to get into HVAC and sustainable design, and work for an engineering firm. I have not had an internship and am not proficient in AutoCAD, but I have a high GPA. Should I take a couple of weeks to teach myself AutoCAD to improve my resume? Any tips or suggestions are appreciated.

 

[TheTick]

Why shouldn't you?

 

[KENAT]

While having CAD skills probably aren't the be all and end all for an Engineer in your situation it's unlikely to be a bad thing and likely to be a good thing.

Other than your time, are there any cost or other negative implications?

If so then you need to look at the trade off, but it certainly sounds like a reasonable idea.

As well as how to use the CAD system, learn what you should be doing with it, old fashioned drafting skills (beyond neat hand writing and using a T square etc.). Find out what the industry standards are for drawing in your field of interest and learn them too.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[macmet]

If you were working at a small firm, and another recession were to occur, it could be the tie-breaker between you and another engineer.

It's really easy to use and be effective. But, to be an expert in CAD isn't as easy, but in most circumstances it isn't necessary either.

 

[cvg]

to be an expert or even barely proficient in AutoCad will take far more than just a couple of weeks teaching yourself. You will need an instructor and might be better off taking a course at the community college.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

IHD - If you are computer competent and can do some hand drafting - teaching yourself AutoCad is not hard. If you have had ANY computer CAD - it will be easy. I did!!

But I am not designing rocket ships either.

Want something simpler - try TurboCad. I swear I could teach my secretary (if I had one) in about an hour....

 

[Ashereng]

It can't hurt.

The more you know and can do, the more opportunities.

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[KENAT]

How common is TurboCad in the OP's industry?

I think the point is not 'what software should I pick to do my drawing on' or 'what is the easiest CAD system to learn' it's more of 'AutoCAD appears to be the defacto industry standard, will learning it make me more employable.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Simple answer is "YES" ifof only to fix a draftmen's mistake at 9:00 PM BEFORE the big meeting the next day!!

 

[ctopher]

Anyone can teach themselves AutoCAD.
Teach yourself a solid modeling CAD app (SolidWorks, CATIA, etc) will help stand out more on your resume IMO.

Chris
SolidWorks 10 SP4.0
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

 

[TheTick]

http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/download-draftsight/?xtor=SEC-6-GOO-

[]-[]-S-[draftsight]

Draftsight is a free AutoCAD clone. Learn it and AutoCAD proficiency is only a step away.

to be an expert or even barely proficient in AutoCad will take far more than just a couple of weeks teaching yourself. You will need an instructor and might be better off taking a course at the community college.

Perhaps you're thinking of one of the difficult programs to learn. I taught myself AutoCrayon while working as a 3rd shift machinist. I got my first AutoCAD drafting job shortly afterward, and was up to speed in the drafting pool workflow within two weeks.

 

[MEGrad123]

I should have mentioned that I will probably need to learn AutoCAD MEP for designing building systems. I learned I-DEAS (2D) and then Pro-E (3D) in school, so I do have CAD experience. I believe there is a free trial, so hopefully there will be some tutorials and exercises to do.

 

[drawoh]

MEGrad123,

Knowing AutoCAD will not hurt your resume. Showing that you took the initiative to learn it will not hurt either.

Your real problem will be finding a good course. The original AutoCAD course I took was very close to a waste of time. This was almost twenty years ago, so computer instructors have had some time to improve.

All of the good computer courses I have taken have been taught by software vendors, and they have cost around $1500 to $2000 Canadian.

JHG

 

[casseopeia]

Teaching yourself is a start, but it would look better on your resume if you took an accredited course. Autodesk offers training where I am, and courses are available at most community college adult education programs. Also consider checking your local vocational schools for options.

As a recent graduate, you may also be eligible for training at no or low cost through a Federal program called the Workforce Investment Act. You can get more information at a local governmental agency which varies from place to place. I'd try googling your city or state and 'WIA' to start.

As far as programs, Autocad is good, but I've noticed many employers looking for Solid Works and Revit proficiency. Good luck to you!

"Gorgeous hair is the best revenge." Ivana Trump

 

[casseopeia]

I found this link from my local unemployment office. Mine is called Richmond Works and they provide guidance for jobseekers wanting to make themselves more marketable.

"Gorgeous hair is the best revenge." Ivana Trump

 

[PEDARRIN2]

If you want to get into HVAC and sustainable design - good CAD skills/knowledge are a must (IMO).

While you have an engineering degree, unless you have experience with laying out the systems and such, there will be CAD proficient designers with no engineering degree who will still have sufficient HVAC engineering knowledge (layout and fitting and can do ordinary calculations) and will be able to put it on to a piece of paper as well. So you would be behind the eight ball starting out.

I would most definitely learn Cadd. But I would be leary of direct Autodesk assistance - they tend to not have industry specific instructors who can help you with HVAC issues. They will be able to teach you how to get into it, navigate the software, i.e. open files, saving, drawing lines, etc. - but when you ask them how to draw a duct or a pipe and use some of AMEP inherent design features, they will not be able to tell you how to do it. I know this from experience. If you want to go that route, find an Autodesk certified training company who works with the MEP industry. They tend to have actual designers who have experience in using AMEP in the consulting industry.

Also, you might look for a company that is willing to bring you on board as a designer (starting out) and give you the Autocad training free of charge and also help you learn how to use your ME degree in the industry. My company does that all the time and I am sure others do as well.

 

[controlnovice]

If you want to get into HVAC, and have a step up on the competition, learn Spanish.

______________________________________________________________________________
This is normally the space where people post something insightful.

 

[TheTick]

While it is certainly possible to teach yourself a CAD program, that won't help you make new connections. Taking a class is far more likely to help with that.

 

[moon161]

If you still have your .edu email address, quick go to students.autodesk.com, you can get 3 year non commercial versions of Revit, AutoCAD MEP, look up Vasari as well.

WIA has been squeezed dry by the current recession in my area.

As for teaching yourself CAD, I saw my temp job coming to an end, the office had Solidworks essentials books all over the place from a CAD transition, and SW had a free non-commercial version at the time. 1 summer later, I had a SW design job.

 

[casseopeia]

moon161,
Having a student card entitles you to significant discounts on software of all kinds. I purchased Autocad Inventor while taking a CAD class at a local community college for under $200. I remember the retail price was in the thousands, but you need academic proof, like a student ID number and a course enrollment.

I'm lucky (or unlucky depending on your perspective) to be living in one of the three economically depressed cities in the US determined to be worthy of additional subsidy. At least that's what they said during the WIA qualification classes in 'how to write a resume', 'how to network' and 'how to conduct yourself during and interview' that I took to qualify for the benefit extension.


"Gorgeous hair is the best revenge." Ivana Trump