Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
(OP)
In a recent thread, Thread731-68323, a forum participant indicated that he was looking for a new job as a mechanical designer using SolidWorks.
This got me wondering. Is it wise to limit your job search to only potential employeers that share your preference in CAD package?
The primary marketable skill you have it the ability to produce a design that works. A secondary skill is knowledge of solid modeling techniques. A tertiary skill is specific knowledge about a particular tool. The modeling techniques are easily transferable to any of the popular CAD platforms.
Imagine an auto mechanic limiting his job search by tool. "I want to work as a mechanic, but only at a shop that uses 12 point sockets, not 6 point sockets." Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? (Well that's because this is an example of "reduction ad absurdium").
Anyway, what do job seakers and employers out there think?
This got me wondering. Is it wise to limit your job search to only potential employeers that share your preference in CAD package?
The primary marketable skill you have it the ability to produce a design that works. A secondary skill is knowledge of solid modeling techniques. A tertiary skill is specific knowledge about a particular tool. The modeling techniques are easily transferable to any of the popular CAD platforms.
Imagine an auto mechanic limiting his job search by tool. "I want to work as a mechanic, but only at a shop that uses 12 point sockets, not 6 point sockets." Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? (Well that's because this is an example of "reduction ad absurdium").
Anyway, what do job seakers and employers out there think?





RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
Last time around job hunting, I drew the line at working in parametric 3D, and not regressing to AutoCAD 2D design. I had experience with UG and Pro/E, and was able to convince my employer that I could learn SolidWorks on the fly (I actually had already started with the demo version at home).
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
Just my 2 cents
Cyril Guichard
Mechanical Engineer
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
thanks
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
To increase your chances of finding work try and and avoid Human Resource people and Recruitment Agents, the leeches of society, who are less likely to be aware of technology skills.
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
Imagine an auto mechanic limiting his job search by tool. "I want to work as a mechanic, but only at a shop that uses 12 point sockets, not 6 point sockets."
I have refused jobs based on CAD packages available. This was not because the particular package was not to my liking, but because it was more like: "We'll give you a pliers because we don't have wrenches and socket sets."
It's not that I am unwilling to learn new CAD packages. Sometimes, a companies software selection speaks volumes about its willingness to get the right tool for the job.
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
I feel if a company doesn't use a good CAD pkg, what does that tell me about the rest of the company? I feel comfortable limiting myself, and I have the patients. I have used AutoCAD for several years and now use SolidWorks. Moving to a job that only uses ACAD will be a big step backwards in my opinion, so why make the move?
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
1) They're so borderline that they don't have any cash available to invest in the business, or
2) The decision-makers do not understand that increased efficiency conferred by the state-of-the-art software.
I would not choose a job there unless no other choices were available.
It's also a matter of you continuing to be competetive. By working for a place using old technology you are falling behind all the folks who are mastering the new technology.
It's also very frustrating to have to use AutoCAD after having used paramtric modelers.
ctopher said "Why take a job using AutoCAD and be miserable? If I were laid off and was desperate, I would take it temperarily until I found the job I was looking for." - Amen brother/sister. That's me to a tee and it really sucks. Talk about seeing your career going down the toilet.
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
I've been considering trying to talk him into splitting with me the cost of a seat of SW, provided I own the license. It's a pretty chunk of change, though.
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
Maybe let him read some of these forums?
You have to spend money to make money...
I hope it works out for you.
ctopher
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
My last place of employment was kind enough to let me lay out a PCB using a demo program that expired in 30 days. I told them they need to buy it. To no avail. As far as I know, they are still spending about 1.5hrs per board to place the Kluges on the board from the first proto-type board. Morons I tell ya, Morons.
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
I happened to meet the man who was hired for that position (I met him at a SolidWorks rollout at our VAR). He spent a lot of time an energy trying to bring 3D modeling to his department. He said there were too many problems that couldn't be overcome with their current software situation, including hiring and retaining competent people. Ultimately, he quit.
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
To MintJulep's original start to this thread, CAD is only a tool but it is a VERY POWERFUL tool. It has a significant impact on a companies ability to compete in the marketplace (and hence provide employment opportunities).
Regards
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
Many years ago when I ran a large Design department, I aquired the name 'Changeit'. That was because when I acquired the department it had a large complement of people whose only concern seemed to be the appearance and 'integrity' of their conformance of their pretty drawings to (BS308 at the time) standards. They didn't like changing things, and were too focussed on presentation.
It did not seem to matter that the products were difficult and expensive to manufacture, that they did not work well and were out of step with what customers wanted. Re-educating some and removing the remainder of these Prima Donnas proved to be the salvation of the business, and changing designs for the better meant a bigger order book, better profits and personal rewards for everybody.
If you want maximum satisfaction from your work as a designer, its the product you should get it from, not the tools.
"Putting Automation into CAD ©"
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
I worked with someone like you, once. I enjoyed it immensely.
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
totally agreed there
Cyril Guichard
Mechanical Engineer
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
I agree oldluddite,
But myself, I create dwgs per specs/stds and I will change the dwg as many times as possible to make sure the part is machined effeciantly. When the part is designed, we run it thru COSMOS, send a mockup to the customer for check, then send it to the machine shop. With AutoCAD, and can't do this as easily as SolidWorks or Pro-E. This is not only enjoyable, but is the future in design/mfg. In my opinion, any company not in step with this process is doomed. This is why my job search is limited.
Sorry, just my thoughts. :)
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
Lud•dite
a member of any of various bands of workers in England (1811–16) organized to destroy manufacturing machinery, under the belief that its use diminished employment.
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
I use to be an Automation Engineer. Whenever the union machinist saw use automating a machine or process, they were furious thinking we were putting them out of a job.
Until they started using the newly automated machine...now just setting it up and pushing 'go', sit down and read a book. Funny how updated the tools can make an employee worry at first, then happy in the end.
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
A case in point in Detroit--I know of experienced Pro/E designers who are having trouble finding a job, as that CAD platform has been pretty much dropped from NA automotive, and nobody wants to invest the time to retrain them. It's not an issue of no CAD jobs; it's rather an issue of the CAD users with proficiency in particular products getting the job offers.
Advertising oneself as an "IDEAS" or "UG" guy may give somebody a leg up on a general "CAD" Designer. Unfair and short-sighted? Possibly. But this is a reality at least from what I've heard from my CAD friends.
Brad
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
I believe though, that any engineer or draftsman worth his salt can move from one to the other relatively quickly. I mean this in terms of one type of package to another. I use Solid Edge. THe last 2 engineers we hired used Solidworks in previous jobs. They took about a week to get stuff squared away. Time is mostly spent figuring out what the new package calls this and the workarounds for all of the bugs.
With the way I design now, I would rather gouge my eyes out than have to do the same work on AutoCAD.
Since the subject has been brought up in this thread, I would like to share my opinion on 2D vs. 3D and CAD as a tool.
I think I am a halfway decent engineer, at least pretty good at designing machinery and coming up with new concepts. I am a crappy drafsman. I don't know anything about standards. I went to a very hands on engineering school (Cal Poly SLO), but they were changing the curriculum around and I did the minimum amount of drafting classes to graduate. I taught myself Solid Edge my senior year. I used it to design and build 2 food processing machines for my Sr. Project.
A full 3D package like Solid Edge or Solid works (or PRO/E etc.) allows someone like me to design very accurately and quickly, separate from the 2D angle. My model is then drawn out by a draftsperson, or in the case of my company the manufacturing engineer.
This helps to keep drawings standards from affect how to design something.
I can't draw an outline of my hand, I would be lost without 3D.
Adios,
Clyde
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
From my experience, it depends in what feild your looking for.
i.e, CATIA- automotive, med
UG- aerospace, mfg
ProE- commercial
SW- a little of all of above
Just limited to what I have experienced
ctopher
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
I agree--when I state Detroit, I'm talking automotive. ProE has been steadily dropping off the map in most of Detroit. These days, it seems if one doesn't know UG/IDEAS/CATIA, the pickings are slim for a CAD in Detroit. Similar things are likely seen in other "one-industry" towns (although the particular packages in demand may be different).
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
If you consider yourself a mechanical designer or engineer then maybe AutoCAD, specifically, could be excluded from your search. However, other areas use AutoCAD that may include some mechanical design that are not mechanical specific.
Then there are the companies that operate with antique tools when the new tools boost productivity and are easily justifiable. Like upgrading from AutoCAD to SolidWorks.
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
However, small companies like the one I work for can't afford the big names, so AutoCAD is good enough for us, and since so many technical schools teach AutoCAD, it's easiest to find grads that can hop in the seat and pump out drawings within a week or so.
I think it would be hard to justify the cost of upgrading from AutoCAD to SolidWorks in a small company because
a) we keep referring to the old drawings, so we'd have to keep AutoCAD current anyway
b) we draw quickly with blocks that would all have to be converted
c) EVERYONE in the company would have to take the time to learn the new system, because everyone draws.
d) our customers see nothing but paper drawings. The arrangement of the electrons provides no value added.
STF
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
Another way to look at this would be "I am an experienced, BMW trained mechanic, and want to work where my hard gained knowledge and experience will do me and my employer the most good. I do not want to work on Yugos." Doesn't sound quite as ridiculous now.
I have over 13 years of experience working with UG. It is not the only CAD system I can work on, but it is the one on which I am most efficient.
In the real world out there today, you can expect to earn much less (sometimes 50%) in a direct position that requires learning a new CAD system compared to what you can earn building on your previous CAD experience in the contract field. Permanent employers are willing to suffer your learning curve comfortable in the knowledge that you will learn to meet their needs at less cost over the long term. Temporary employers don't have that luxury, and are willing to pay top rates for proven designers to meet their deadlines. These jobs can and often do turn into direct positions.
I would rather expend my efforts in creating a good design with tools that I am very familiar with than suffer the frustrations of learning a new software package while those deadlines keep getting closer and closer.
I have been fortunate enough to land a direct position near my home with a company that utilizes three of the higher end systems, UG, CATIA, and SW, but at a cost to my income. I just hope those deadlines ease off enough to pick up those other systems.
The bottom line is that it all depends on your own goals. If you want to make the most money, regardless of product or location, go for the jobs with the CAD systems you know. If money isn't as important, but what you would be designing, job location and security are, then be flexible and emphasize your design ability and eagerness to learn differing CAD systems on your resume.
Just my 2 cents worth.
RE: Limiting a job search based on CAD preference
I totally agree with you.
I am also the most effeciant with one CAD system, but know something of a few others.