As of today there are two CAD systems most widely used by major companies. They are PTC Creo and SolidWorks. The rest are also-rans which include big-time legacy systems and others trying to break into the market, gain market share and the rest struggling to survive. There is a trend toward pay per use cloud based systems. They claim to import and export all competitors proprietary files, enable users to generate models quicker and easier, and do things others cannot. We'll see. So long as you are not restricted by the need to standardize, if you can find one of those new programs, give it a try.

You will find large companies will standardize on only one CAD system. All users must create and maintain all new work on these systems. Any legacy files would be converted to pdf and the source files and paper drawing lost.

I recently worked at one of the top orthopedic companies which develop orthopedic implants, medical devices and instruments. They use PTC Creo and WindChill PLM system exclusively. Even across global company locations, they are migrating away from other CAD and PLM systems. They do not allow new work to be prepared or released on any other software. When we exchange files with vendors, we have to work with neutral files which are not associative.

Within my group there were four of us who had used SolidWorks for several years. Like me have previous exposure to PTC PRO/E and Wildfire. The most common phrase used on a daily basis is "I wish we has SolidWorks", second "I hate Creo". Three out of four medical device companies in my area are using PTC software. If we have the opportunity we would gladly leave and work for a company that used SolidWorks.

The answer is: If you have experience with SolidWorks, you need to learn PTC Creo or the other way around. In some industries they may be tied to proprietary software that was developed specifically for them (e.g. CATIA, UG…). You may find a company that uses other systems, it may help if you already have experience using them. If not it is up to them to provide training or expect there will be a learning period for you to get up to speed. If you learn AutoDesk Inventor that would be great.

 

I am an expert in project management (www.projectmanagementcoco.com) and made many machine and instrument developments. After a long way my today position is :
There is no CAD soft able to perform well in all project phases.
For the fast drafting of basic ideas at the initial project phase: often hard to beat a good 2D CAD, as Ashlar Vellum for instance, (not AutoCad: too heavy). At least for "regular" mechanical works.
For the seeking of solutions in the phases 2 and 3 of the project (see above site). Difficult to beat a direct modeling software as SpaceClaim. A parametric soft considers parameters mainly at part level, when they are required at the global concept one. So: very different concept => not comfortable.
For the detailed development in project phases 4 and 5, a parametric soft is good.
For tricky shapes, I presently works for external prosthesis making, Catia would be best. However its price is less compatible with prosthesis than with airplane making.
To perform means: 1) developper's mind concentrating on project and not soft, 2) speed.