I have no idea if passing a SolidWorks exam carries any weight. I'd like to hear others opinions on this subject because I really don't know. You say you don't have experience in design. If that's what you need, then does the course you're interested in address this in any way? What kind of job are you looking for?
Gareth.. the course is about using solidworks. Just like training in solidworks. Though i have no industrial/intern experience. I do want to be a Mechanical Design Engineer. So i am thinking taking this certification exam if it helps me in securing a position as a new grad student...
A few years back Autodesk inaugurated their certification program. I became Inventor certified hoping it would help develop my business. At this point, I don't believe it has made any difference except for when I offering training on Inventor use. Clients, employers want you to use what they have and if you tell a prospective employer or client you're conversant in a software package they expect you to be so, or occasionally will test you. I have used many CAD packages and if a client is using one of those that I'm not current with and fast on, I tell them the truth; that I have used it in the past and I'm rusty, but that I am a very experienced 3D CAD designer. In general I've found prospects to be more concerned with that 3D skill and knowledge than the specific CAD package since, to some degree, they all work in a similar manner. That usually suffices and I always give the client several hours of free work as I get back up to speed again on the package. I believe and generally my clients selection of outside design talent bares out that engineering knowledge of materials, manufacturing process and ability to think/design creatively in 3D are more crucial than what software.
I agree with you. I'm a final year student and during my second and third year i got certifications by autodesk, PTC and Catia. As i used different softwares, i realised that though the UIs are different but most of them have the same approach. After i got my certification for ANSYS, i realised that for analysis in ansys, the CAD package we use is not at all important, what we have to do is just analyse the model, no matter where it comes from.
I agree with you. I'm a final year student and during my second and third year i got certifications by autodesk, PTC and Catia. As i used different softwares, i realised that though the UIs are different but most of them have the same approach. After i got my certification for ANSYS, i realised that for analysis in ansys, the CAD package we use is not at all important, what we have to do is just analyse the model, no matter where it comes from.[/quote:l06zoxw9] Thank for replying but.. I want to know the advantage of Solidworks certification for a Solidworks Design Engineer. If i rephrase in your context, is it useful for you to get Ansys Certification as you only use Ansys?.
Certification will be useful for a new grad. Just to get your foot in the door, then you can prove your skills while working. This is from a practical experience...
We use Solidworks for machines desing. I think the certificate is not so important. The important thing is the technical knowledge and skills...
Although a certification may not be nessassary in your current job, it may give you the edge you need in a new opportunity, it definitely can't hurt especially during raise time. I have been using SW for 10 yrs but I have been thiking about certification myself. In my opinion it's just another positive on your resume.
Getting the certification is let us say a good but not necessary beginning. Weather it will help - it will only help you to later to focus on design but not on software. I always say: software is like a pocket calculator. They all have the same buttons but in different places. (the enter button of Pro/E is at the back side of the calculator ) In this sense - knowing how a calculator works does not mean that you are mathematician. Anyway go ahead and have a good luck!
