Just wanted to see what you guys and gals think, I might land a job as a Solidworks instructor with a local Solidworks reseller, I think its a great opportunity to really get knee deep into learning the software, which I know the learning curve is fast, but there’s just a ton to learn…so I am excited…but I guess my real question is…have I deviated to far from my chosen profession which is being an Industrial Designer…(granted I am a recent grad, finding it tough to find that ‘ideal’ position)…or will this be one of those stepping stones for a great career?
Let’s open it up for discussion…any comments are well appreciated.
My advice would be to be careful not to get trapped there. Be sure to do a ton of design work on your own because you won’t do anything there. Most (80%??) of the people who use solidworks are engineers and have no desire to make anything aesthetically pleasing.
Its cool stuff, but just because you know how to use a pencil doesn’t mean you can draw. Keep that in mind.
cadmonkeys can make some good coin, but i would venture are pretty far from standard ID creative work. still a lot depends on where you are planning to go (CAD dept. in a big firm or designer who does in own CAD in a small studio), and what you are most happy doing.
Ultimately, nobody can tell you whats best and if its into ID should be less of an issue if you are happy.
My advice would be to be careful not to get trapped there. Be sure to do a ton of design work on your own because you won’t do anything there.
Yeah the way I look at it, its going to be a stepping stone, that can leap me forward into a gratifying design career, so as soon as I see that I’m not learning anything new, I will be looking to make a change.
I’m always trying to do my own design work on the side, ( I might get a jewelry design gig on the side )… but that’s a whole other story…I just don’t want to get stale sitting on a shelf…so I will be keeping fresh by staying in the loop of the design world and doing my own side work.
(CAD dept. in a big firm or designer who does in own CAD in a small studio)
I don’t know where this will take me in the future, but I do know that I’m on the right track, so eventually I know that I will most happy doing some actual creative design work…I feel like it will be an opportunity to really get some awesome CAD skills…and do some networking…I’m convinced that it will help my portofolio and give me a boost into finding that next ‘real’ design job.
Fellas I want to say thank you, I appreciate the words of advice…
I got a second job offer doing CAD work for a big company…I think it will be some good real world experience especially in the sheet metals category…
I think it def involves more creativity than the instructor position…so I think I’m going to reject the first job offer…
How do I reject the first job offer in a professional manner?
A good thing about the instructor position is that it more readily allows you to expand your network with contacts in many companies. You’ll also have the opportunity to show original design work as “this is what can be done” in the software. If you stay in touch with interesting people/companies offline, you can build your professional network leading to better things in the future. But to do creative work, you’ll need to do it on your own time. (Maybe you can do some of this for/with a student to show why the device doesn’t need to be a plain square box, and can be something much more relevant to the customer.) Many view instructors as advanced cad monkeys and creative thinking is not necessarily assumed.
The sheetmetal position sounds interesting, only if there is some sculpted or real ID work involved. A lot of sheetmetal is about pretty boring geometry. In a very general sense, with mass market products I see a lot more demand for plastics design experience than sheetmetal by about 10:1.
Regarding rejecting an offer, it’s not so complicated. Be polite and respectful. “Thank you for the opportunity to interview with you. I appreciate your offer and find the position very interesting. I have received several offers and have decided to take another position at this time.” You don’t need to offer explanations unless they ask for it. You should not complain about what they don’t offer you. Since it could be an opportunity that you look to in the future, and even if not, can be a good contact for you (or you for them) don’t be dismissive. They will hire someone else (most likely.) If things don’t work out for you (in whichever position you take) you might have a backup, or at least a contact that thought you were worth hiring at one time. Who knows, they might be able to hook you up with someone else, if they don’t have a position open when you are looking next.
This advice will def be put into practice…I really see what you mean about that instructor position as fas networking…but I think I really want to get to start making something that will be manufactured…I figure it will be more of a jumpstart for my future.