Some spare time to learn new stuffs...

[rotw]

Hello,

I would like to dedicate some spare time to learn some new stuffs (self-learning), so I making a sort of planning (it would be something like 10 hours/week). There are two subjects I am interested in (mostly not as core skills but as transferable skills), but I am not sure which one to pick. I can do both but I prefer to focus 100% on one or the other given the limited amount of time I can dedicate. I will like to list some pros and cons.

1/ Learn coding in Python
pros:
- I have previous coding experience that I can leverage on (Fortran, VB)
- I think it would be good to learn something like Tensorflow
- Lot of materials and books are available
- Seems like a desired skill in the industry going forward (e.g., machine learning)
cons:
- Still unknown territory and not sure if I could compete with 'pure pedigree' or professional coders
- If I would rate how much I would enjoy it, I would say 7/10

2/ Learn a computer aided-design (CAD) program (Solidworks)
pros:
- I would like to learn Solidworks and this seems like a nice thing to have and put forward in a CV
- I have some foundations on FEA (at least academic) so it would be an appreciated addition as I suppose
- How much I would enjoy doing it, I would say 8/10, if there is FEA on top I would say an easy 9/10
cons:
- Really not sure how this would really give me an edge in the market when I know I would be competing with professional drafters.

I am sure I am missing many aspects and implications here. Any orientation you would be so kind to share so I can see the larger picture and that would help me make a final choice?

Thank you in advance

If you plan an escape, you must succeed as if you fail, you will be punished for trying. Never say or write down your plan. Heart is the only place where secrecy is granted.

 

[CWB1]

You appear to have rated learning CAD higher than programming in terms of enjoyment. Not sure what niche you normally work in or your background, but IME 3d CAD is also generally a must-have skill for MEs stateside vs programming which is simply an occasional-use nicety. Most every company stateside still uses drafties for creating 2d prints, but the actual models are usually ME created/controlled. Pretty much every 3d CAD package today has a FEA plugin, usually as a standard feature with a base license, and analysis-driven-design is considered best-practice. Given the choices and your interests, I'd say learning CAD makes the most sense.

If you go down that path, my suggestion would be to do a few tutorials to start learning the basic functions then simply sit down with a beverage and start modeling projects or objects around you. Expect frustration at times, each software package has its quirks, but ultimately try to keep it fun.

 

[drawoh]

rotw,

Re: Mechanical CAD.

Look into Onshape. This is an online CAD which is being used commercially. You need a lot of disposable cash to get a SolidWorks license.

--
JHG

 

[rotw]

CWB1: thanks for the orientation.
drawoh: visited Onshape website, sounds interesting, will dig a bit more into it. Good that you brought this aspect, thanks.

If you plan an escape, you must succeed as if you fail, you will be punished for trying. Never say or write down your plan. Heart is the only place where secrecy is granted.