Can I get a great job if I take AutoCad classes?
Asked by Lady-a
There is a local community college that offers a 8 week long course to teach AutoCad. I already have my Business Management bacholors degree but haven't had much success finding a good career. I'm planning on going back to school this fall to get my Civil Engineering degree. But for now will this AutoCad class open up new career options?

Best Answer:
Well you can get a decent job, but the pay will only be so good without at least an assciates degree in CAD. If you are money stricken you can do it and at least you get paid sitting at a computer instead of in a hot warehouse, and some companies offer tuition remburstment so you can probably go back and get a assocc or batchler. I say an Assocc degree is a foot in the door, just a drafting certificate is a toe, better than nothing.

I use it for rebar detailing. It is a pretty well paying job if you are good.
Answered by Lazarus

AutoCAD skills are useful if you have engineering knowledge. It may get a foot in the door, while you take Civil Engineering. Business Mgt. is too generic without some practical skills.
Answered by Robert S

Why do you believe AutoCAD will open up new career options? Now it COULD open up new career options, but honestly not too many people anymore simply hire an individual just because they can draw in AutoCAD. A 2-3 day day course can teach you the basics of using the program. The key here is good DRAFTING or DESIGN skills. I've used AutoCAD for 19 years and currently teach the program professionally. People that know the program are plentiful, people that are good at their profession are much harder to find. That being said, AutoCAD classes will help you get a job while you are in college and help you with your college courses. In this regard I think it's a good idea to take the class.
Answered by Brian Myers

The short answer is no. Technical Colleges have plenty of AutoCAD users, these guys aren't designers or draftsmen yet. As an CAD user you will not make a very good income. You will need AutoCAD/ Land Desktop experience if you are planning on being a Civil P.E.
Answered by thesuper