Could someone please help a future CAD graduate?

Edwards Finance > CAD Drafting

Q. I am about to pursue an AAS degree in Drafting Technology, and I would like someone to give me as much help with the following as possible. What areas should I concentrate on now to increase my income later? (short of pursuing my Bachelors degree) In your opinion, what will be the predominant discipline of CAD in 5-10 years? (civil, electronics, engineering, etc.) Are there any courses that I should truly concentrate on for the future?

A. -If you want to increase your income, and always have a job, know the programs you are using, and know them well. Then worry about the other stuff -I don't think anything in particular that you concentrate on now will increase your income later. Experience will be the most determining of your future income. And not just the amount of years but what you have accomplished and further learned in that time, especially directly relating to your field. Expect not to be taken too seriously the first 5-10 yrs. A Bachelors degree isn't always the answer. Depending on the field you are in, a few years of good experience can outweigh the degree. You could spend two extra years getting your BS then another two years as a junior engineer making a low salary, where as those four years you could have been getting real experience. I have an AS degree and started where I am with a decent income which steadily increased over the years. I learned everything I could about what my company does, took the initiative to learn all new products thoroughly and take on all new designs. I have the most knowledge on our products. After 7yrs I'm now in a position where I'm doing all the design and engineering. Last year I basically named my price and was given it, without a Bachelors. Don't worry what the predominant discipline of CAD will be. Don't choose a career only because it is the most demanded. In fact that would be a bad idea. Take lawyers for example. Years ago everyone wanted to be one. Now there is such an overwhelming number of people in law school (isn't that scary) that many are graduating and not finding work or working for peanuts. Being in a career where there is less people that you are competing with can make you more in demand and yield higher salaries. Choose one that you will enjoy! Life will be much happier! Besides, no one can predict 5-10yrs down the road. Pick one that interests you, follow the future, and grow with the technology. 10 years ago CAD was looked at as a fad and not lasting. Anyone that hesitated the move to CAD found themselves behind the times in just a few years. I was taught board and CAD drafting in school. Now most schools don't even teach board drafting. 10 years from now CAD could be replaced, who knows. You do want to choose a discipline that there will be a demand for in the future. Do some research on salary trends for the field you will be choosing. I had found some good information online from the Department of Labor/Bureau of Labor Statistics for my area. It thoroughly broke down salaries for many occupations. Also showing trends since 1994 and predictions through 2005 comparing number of employment of US vs. State for particular fields and annual job openings.

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