I am hoping to find a drafting job once I'm finished with my "drafting with autocad" course I'm taking. What (basically) is an entry-level draftsperson expected to know to apply for an entry level job? My course covers lessons in structural, civil, HVAC and electrical and started with regular drafting (mechanical drawing). I am really interested in getting into this field and hope the experienced users on this forum can share some insight on this. Thank you.
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autocad entry-level work
- Thread starter timj732
- Start date
MikeHalloran
Technical User
I haven't seen an ad for a "drafter" in years. Now every new grad is a "CAD tech". If you can drive the bare program fairly well, and can measure an actual part and make a hand sketch in pencil, and bring your brain to work, you'll be okay.
One of the first problems you'll likely run into is that there are people out there with decades of experience who really don't know squat about AutoCAD, or any other kind of CAD. They're not idiots; they just haven't had the luxury of going to school to learn. Give them some respect, listen to what they have to say, learn what you can from them, and be willing to share what you know, _if_asked_.
You may be tasked with fixing someone else's drawings, or 'just add a piece here and move that' kind of stuff. Beware. Beware of drawings that are out of scale, and lines that don't quite intersect and complex drawings all on one layer and all sorts of amazing stuff that they didn't teach you in school.
One of the worst sins you can commit as a newcomer is promising more than you can actually deliver. Don't volunteer to change the way things are done to the way they should be done ... you don't understand either one yet.
Good luck.
One of the first problems you'll likely run into is that there are people out there with decades of experience who really don't know squat about AutoCAD, or any other kind of CAD. They're not idiots; they just haven't had the luxury of going to school to learn. Give them some respect, listen to what they have to say, learn what you can from them, and be willing to share what you know, _if_asked_.
You may be tasked with fixing someone else's drawings, or 'just add a piece here and move that' kind of stuff. Beware. Beware of drawings that are out of scale, and lines that don't quite intersect and complex drawings all on one layer and all sorts of amazing stuff that they didn't teach you in school.
One of the worst sins you can commit as a newcomer is promising more than you can actually deliver. Don't volunteer to change the way things are done to the way they should be done ... you don't understand either one yet.
Good luck.
I'd have to say if you are comfortable with creating graphics in AutoCAD that is the easy part. Where you find a job is where the learning cureve may be. You'll have to get to know not only the product but how a certain company may want you follow their CAD standards...or lack of. Also your first job may be a trial by fire. Don't sweat it, just take notes, ask questions, and use your head. You'll get into flow of things pretty quick and down the road any experience good or bad will help you as your career moves ahead. Good Luck!
RobIdeateInc
Instructor
I can say that the two most important concepts are external references and paperspace/ modelspace concepts (ie. viewport scaling, paperspace and modelspace scale factors). Most students leaving AutoCAD courses dont know these concepts and SHOULD! This is why some companies are reluctant to hire students who dont know these principles. Even some of the well known CAD schools fall short in this department.
Ask questions related to the two topics I just stated. It isn't difficult to draw lines/circles but to be able to update drawing backgrounds, to change scales through the viewports from 1/4"=1'-0" to 1/8"=1'-0" and to manipulate the layer states effectively (on/off, frozen/thawed, frozen/thawed in viewport), this is what is going to give you a leg up on the competition. Stay late, come early and ask the questions and you should do fine. I have interviewed prospective applicants and have seen clearly those who did the bare minimum in school and those who went above and beyond what was taught. Good luck.
Ask questions related to the two topics I just stated. It isn't difficult to draw lines/circles but to be able to update drawing backgrounds, to change scales through the viewports from 1/4"=1'-0" to 1/8"=1'-0" and to manipulate the layer states effectively (on/off, frozen/thawed, frozen/thawed in viewport), this is what is going to give you a leg up on the competition. Stay late, come early and ask the questions and you should do fine. I have interviewed prospective applicants and have seen clearly those who did the bare minimum in school and those who went above and beyond what was taught. Good luck.
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