Hello, I finished my master's coursework as an Mech Eng but decided that I wanted to be a mechanical designer too late (basically after I took all the necessary classes). So I have little drafting experience (my undergrad was engineering but not ME). I am joining to lurk and hopefully get some ideas on how to proceed. I barely have the most rudimentary idea of software capabilities or what software I want to specialize in, if anything. Thank God for the internet.
You want to be a design engineer or a designer? A lot of times design engineers do the modelling and drawings as well as the calculations.
Well, I don't know because I have never worked in either capacity. I think I would like to do FE modeling and prototyping but being completely green in this aspect I don't really know what I am talking about. I have taken FEA classes and made prototypes for design classes but how useful is that in getting a job. Not very from my experience.
Well everyone is green coming rigjt out of school. Did you do any internships? If you think you want to go into design then look for a job in design. There really isn't much of a secret to it. Just have to work. If that job isn't for you find another one. At least you will have something to pay the bills while finding out what you want to do. I would recommend being an engineer not a designer. Significantly better upside. For an engineer software doesn't really matter. Familiarize yourself with the big 3 solidworks, pro/e, and inventor just so you can speak about them in an interview. Most jobs provide training for software.
Thanks for the advice. I am applying to pretty much all jobs that have the word design or design engineer or drafter in them. I tell them (in the resume) that I have 3 months industry experience with Solidworks and a few semesters academic experience with Solidworks, Inventor and pro/e but so far I haven't had much response.
Sounds contradictory. Which is it? Either you have experience or you don't. You don't need to specialize in any particular software, especially if you want to do design work... they all work, you use whatever your employer is already using. Once you know one CAD system it's easy to pick up another. A resume isn't enough. After a week or two has passed, you have to call them, otherwise they will think you're not interested.
TO clarify: It seems that I don't have enough to qualify as experience for many positions. I have been told at various interviews when I tell them about my 'experience' that I am not 'experienced enough.'
What is your "3 months industry experience with Solidworks?" They may see you as overqualified. Little or no experience, your masters degree still makes them think they have to pay a higher starting salary.
It was as a sustaining engineer. I was mostly standardizing drawings for the company's quality systems. I was also creating assemblies for any components that were being upgraded. I feel close to putting a engineer willing to work for minimum wage sign on my linked in account, but that seems desperate.
Look for a head hunter in your area. You can basically tell them exactly what you are looking for, and just include right now experience is more important than wage. It's a lot easier to get your name our there if you have someone helping you. Plus a lot of times companies that are looking for recent grads won't pay attention to any resumes that aren't in "their" format which a head hunter will fill out for you. The market is starting to pick up so keep up the searching and just get your name out there.
