How to get experience? SOS
I have 3+ years of experience in CAD with Fusion 360. I finished the official "Autodesk Certified" course. And multiple Fusion courses on coursera. I want to fill my portfolio with projects to apply for remote "Mechanical designer" jobs. But I lack experience. What can you recommend? Maybe I'm missing something in my strategy.. Or I just miss something...
I've watched all possible YouTube videos and projects, and checked different online courses almost everything I found is for beginner level. Yet, I'm not that professional to be able to recreate any design I see on the internet..
I've contacted some professionals and approached them with offers to consider me as an intern with no payment, so that I can improve my skills under assistance and work for them - got no results in this.. What can you recommend? Or please share your journey of improvement in the field..
Thanks a lot in advance! Will be really thankful for help.
1 Answer
First, you need to understand there is a difference between knowing CAD and being a mechanical designer. They are not the same thing. While knowing CAD is a necessary skill for a designer these days. Being highly skilled and proficient in CAD does not make you a designer.
Second, few professional designers are going to be using Fusion 360. I'm not saying none do but it is not the preferred choice amongst professionals. It has too many limitations. Most professionals are using high end CAD software like Solidworks, Catia, Inventor etc. Much of what you have learned will go a long way towards learning these high end softwares so all is not in vain. Fusion is better suited for small shops that do occasional design work and individuals that can't afford or can't justify the high end software.
Maybe you should concentrate on offering your CAD skills specifically as a draftsman or detailer rather than a designer. In doing so you will gain a lot of skill towards becoming a designer.
