Technical designers make drawings and designs, which other professionals use to make their products. The drawings they develop are very specific, because they contain measurements, materials and instructions, based on the principles of mathematics and engineering that they use to make the calculations to be included in the projects. If you like to turn ideas into images, spend your day working on the computer or drawing tables, taking measurements, working in groups and with very precise methods, this could be the job for you.
Steps
Step 1. Sign up for the right courses to get started in this industry
Academic courses in mathematics (especially geometry), sciences such as physics, computer science and design and design through the use of CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) can be an indispensable basis from which to start.
Step 2. Pay attention to the choice of university or technical school
Each institution that offers drawing and design courses varies as much as the quality of the classes it makes available.
Find out if the courses you want to follow focus on a particular sector, such as architecture or engineering. The level of design and programs used differs according to the branch of specialization. It is good to leave a choice open
Step 3. Improve your communication skills
You will have to exhibit your projects to builders, engineers, architects and many other insiders. Courses where there is the opportunity to speak in front of the class can help you express your ideas more clearly.
Step 4. Learn to use various CAD systems and other drawing software as technology has rapidly evolved in the 21st century
Only very few technical draftsmen produce drawings manually.
Learn to distinguish between two-dimensional and three-dimensional drawing systems. 3D drawing systems may seem more difficult to manage at first, but they are much more effective for creating three-dimensional objects and have now become the standard in industrial design, especially in mechanical design. Two-dimensional systems are still used for various purposes, often alongside 3D ones
Step 5. Learn the symbols and language associated with the industry you have chosen
You may need to know what a screw thread is or understand welding symbols or geometric dimensions and tolerances, if you are doing mechanical drawing.
Step 6. Learn at least the basics of drawing
If nothing else, these notions will help you communicate with your future colleagues, engineers, architects and draftsmen. At the same time they will be an advantage for your professional career, since by assimilating them you will be able to insert the details of the drawing in the right place. It is possible that an engineer will create a list of features and elements, leaving you some decisions on the scheme to be made. Would you be able to draw and design a very simple part, like a lid plate or a gasket, if you know where it will fit into the corresponding piece?
Step 7. Learn about databases
Even if they do not directly concern the activity of the technical designer, you may find it useful to understand how they work. Many companies use databases to archive projects and BOMs.
Step 8. Take an internship
It will help give you a competitive profile and you can start this career with some experience already gained in the field.
Advice
- Don't be afraid to start small. A flood of highly successful technical designers have worked for small companies under tight control, starting at the lowest levels. You must have the right experience to become the technical designer you want to be.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth in this sector is set to advance more slowly than the average. Most of the doors should open when it is necessary to replace the technical designers who abandon this career, moving on to others, or who are retiring.
- Technical designers with an adequate level of education can work in the interior design, architecture, electrical or mechanical engineering sectors or for companies operating in the woodworking sector.
- Talk about your career with as many people as possible. Getting to know other colleagues can give you good opportunities for improvement.
- Most draftsman jobs require a bachelor's degree.
- To alleviate problems related to tiredness, eyestrain, back pain, wrist and hands, it is advisable to take small breaks at regular intervals.
Warnings
- It takes hard work and dedication to become a technical draftsman. It may also happen that you go to occupy positions that are not very pleasant in order to reach the level you want to reach. Be patient and don't give up on your goals.
- While many successful drafters typically work eight hours a day, five days a week, they may work overtime to meet deadlines.
- This kind of work is becoming difficult to obtain. Be prepared for several rejections before you land on your first job.
- Not all drawing and design schools are the same. Asking potential employers for advice and recommendations on courses to take will help you find your way to a school that is able to offer quality, highly qualified training courses in these disciplines.
- Technical designers can experience fatigue, eyestrain, back pain and wrist and hand problems due to the constant work done on the computer and with great expenditure of energy for the attention to detail.
- Few technical designers work part time.
- Be prepared to take refresher courses on a frequent basis to keep up with technological advances. If they will be offered to you by your employer, accept them.
