certification or degree?

[charliefaison]

hello,
i a carpenter,builder of million dollar homes,historical renovations with 20 years in this field. i am currently working on autocad certification,online classes.
i'm wondering with i am better off with a few certifications,or an associate degree in engineering.
if cerifications,which ones?
if engineering degree, which specialization?
also how do you get into freelance cad?
thanks, charles faison

[Lazer]

:huh:Engineering degree, are you wanting to change career?

[charliefaison]

yes,i want to be on both sides of the desk.
any suggestions?

[PS_Port]

Charles,
I have an associate degree in Engineering and have been working a structural draftsman for 19 years, however I consider myself a tradesman, have a trade cert. did 4 year apprenticeship, moons ago.

Do you wish to work/draft architecturally or structurally, A degree may get you in the door, but I believe most experience is gained on the job.

Your building background will give you a good standing in desing/drafting but how will you go starring at a screen all day.:D

[charliefaison]

structural engineering,i hope.
just looking for some advice.
please help?
which direction should i turn?

[PS_Port]

Before I give advice on direction, where abouts are you from, better still, go to the introduce forum and introduce yourself:D

[PS_Port]

Charlie,
The certificates/degree are good, they show you have commitment, but are not essential for drafters, you have building knowledge which is good, you need to get your cad skills up to speed, that doesn't mean just a cert.
Draw everything you can, side jobs, your house, work as ex. of your jobs, things that interest you not just tutorial exercises.
Also stick around places like this and you'll learn heaps.

[rustysilo]

Mr. Faison,

I would say it depends on what your future plans are as to whether to get a degree or just certifications.

When you say you want to be on both sides of the desk do you mean you want to engineer and draft your own plans or do you simply mean you want to start your own business?

If you want to engineer and draft your plans then of course you will need to get your degree in engineering or architecture.

If you want to "be your own boss" and start a business then I would recommend sticking with a cadd certificate program OR an Associate Degree. On top of that perhaps you would want to consider an MBA to help with running the business.

[Noahma]

Do you wish to work/draft architecturally or structurally, A degree may get you in the door, but I believe most experience is gained on the job.


sooo true, so true

[Shiloh]

I would say if you want to change jobs go for the degree. Unfortunately in many places you can have all the experience you want but until you have that little piece of paper that says you can do the job, you can´t. You don´t need a certification or title to use AutoCAD, just somebody willing to give you a chance and be patient until you get better. But, hey...why not do both? If you do the degree (assuming that there are autocad classes as part of the course), when you do the cert it will be that much easier.

[Alan Cullen]

Structual engineers get payed a whole heap more than structual drafties. If you have the time ( about 4 years) and the money, than go for the degree.

Richmond? Aust? if so, than definitely go for the degree. :lol:

[pennylove]

It really depends on your long term goals and where you want to end up in the future. If you are content with being chained to a desk and drafting like a slave day in and day out, then go for the certificate or associates degree. That will work as well if you just want enough knowlege to draft plans for houses that you are building yourself. And if that's not the case, and if you want the experiance of drafting and then move onto something bigger in your life, go for a more professional degree. You will get there about 10 years quicker with a professional degree.

[Vikes_Fl]

I have a 2 year degree in Architectural drafting and construction estimating, and I've designed roads for a D.O.T. and now I'm updating standard drawings for a firm. I think if you have some schooling showing that you had AutoCad as a class most, I think you can label yourself a draftsman. and start you're own drafting company.