Hello everyone I'm not sure if this is the right forum to post here but I'm looking for some information in regards to Mechanical Engineering or I should write more specifically Mechanical Engineering Technology. I'm currently looking at getting either the Computerized Architectural and Industrial Design – A.A.S. Degree or the Mechanical Engineering Technology A.A.S. Degree http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/academics/files/College-Catalog.pdf The programs I'm talking about are both listed on page 120 and page 124 on the link above. Now I'm trying to find out just what would my job prospects be for either of those A.A.S. Degrees that I listed above. I very much love to draw/sketch/illustrate and am a very creative/artistic detailed person. Yes I'm well aware that these fields are now mostly if not all done on computer and that it's also not the same as getting an art degree but I feel that I would really enjoy this area of work. My main question is what are my chances of getting a job once I have completed either program in the 2 maybe 2 plus years it would take me to complete? I've been told that there aren't a large number of jobs for drafters and that I would be at a serious disadvantage but needless to say I don't know if that is true or not so I'm trying to find out more information. Needless to say if any of you have any other suggestions for other types of degree/fields to look into I'm very open minded into that and would love to hear what you have to say. Take care!
Hey BlackBolt, Both are good industries to consider. If you are not against moving around you can have many years of employment. The reason being is that both can be a little cyclical as far as steady employment. The jobs will be in a particular area dependent on the economy in an area. So if you don't mind following the market you will be employed for a long time. The pay as you get experience will get better. I would suggest that you learn more than just one CAD package which will broaden your opportunities as well. Do your research and you will find that certain industries typically use a particular CAD software. I have been working with my degree for more that 20 years in 3 totally different industries (aerospace, oil, HVAC/construction) so there is variety and longevity. I have been laid off a couple of times but those both happened within a year of each other so I chalk that up to the current economy. I also will say that there were positions in other parts of the country at the time but I did not want to move my family. Finally I must also suggest that you use (unlike me) the AAS degree as a stepping stone to getting a 4 year degree. It will get you more stability later in your career. take advantage of your company's tuition reimbursement benefits. If you choose to step into either career I wish you the best.
