Need to learn civil drafting
Need to learn civil drafting
(OP)
I am proficient in AutoCAD and SolidWorks, but only with regards to mechanical engineering (I have an ME degree). There are many more CE jobs around here than ME jobs, so I'd like to start as a drafter if possible, then move up to more engineering tasks. I'm sure I can handle any of it, but I was wondering if anyone knows of a CE drafting reference or handbook so I can at least gain some familiarity to get my foot in the door. It doesn't seeem like such a thing exists, so I'll probably just have to find some drawings and study them, but I was hoping someone might know of a resource for learning CE drafting.
Thanks for the help.
Andy
Thanks for the help.
Andy





RE: Need to learn civil drafting
RE: Need to learn civil drafting
RE: Need to learn civil drafting
Thanks.
RE: Need to learn civil drafting
RE: Need to learn civil drafting
An expensive but doable way to "reset" would be to get a master's degree in CE. If you hit a brick wall trying to get CE jobs, it might be easier to get into graduate CE programs than to get CE jobs with the ME degree. There are 9-month MEng programs that would have you not too long out of circulation (& salary), or longer MS programs (1.5 years) that might carry funding so at least you wouldn't be paying tuition out of your pocket. (I think there may be other threads that covered this issue.)
Hg
RE: Need to learn civil drafting
RE: Need to learn civil drafting
What kind of CE positions are you seeing around you?
Hg
RE: Need to learn civil drafting
RE: Need to learn civil drafting
But it's likely to be three semesters, which puts you on the same timeframe as an MS.
I'm not sure any more which route I'd recommend, if you do want to go the school route. The BS will get you a broader basis; by grad school people will specialize in geotech, structural, hydraulics, transpo, environmental, and you won't get to see any of the other fields. And you'll be coming from behind in an MS program--although they'll run through the principles again, they'll be assuming everyone's already had a class in how to, e.g., design a reinforced concrete beam or size a steel member. It'll be a LOT harder. On the other hand, for the same time investment you'll have a higher degree with the MS, and a more sophisticated understanding of whatever your specialization was.
RE: Need to learn civil drafting
Its good to know CAD, but depending on where you work you may find that is all you will be doing.
I have stayed employed over the last several years, but I have had to change jobs to get into doing design and not just "redlines" .
RE: Need to learn civil drafting
graduated in may 04 with a degree in biological engineering (environmental emphasis). i tracked down a job with a classic civil engineering firm that does water/wastewater plants, water infrastructure, road work, structural, etc. one of the main reasons i was hired was my experience with autocadd. for the immediate future i am doing drafting as well as design. the information i have picked up drafting others projects is invaluable and certially helps you learn quickly. plus in the future you are a one man show. the path your considering does exist. as for the civil/mech debate i would plow ahead with finding a job. you will learn most of the things you need to know on the job anyway. you have the basic engineering skills and think like an engineer which is all you need. i have found the emphasis on what degree you have is over-rated anyway. you continually learn material throughout your career whether you had a 'class' on it or not. also, in my opinion a masters degree is also a waste of time (unless a phd is your ultimate goal). it does not change your job capacity in anyway. if your goal is a liscense don't bother with a masters. focus your time on experience and studying for the exam.
RE: Need to learn civil drafting