Drafting and designing jobs change with the latest technology as efficiency and competitiveness drive the markets. If you are contemplating a career in this field while in high school or at another job, you should understand the position from the ground up.
If you like to draw objects and design models or products, a job in this field will allow you to follow your passion. A variety of career opportunities are available to fit your discipline. An Associate Degree in Drafting and Design Technology will help launch a career in an entry-level job. Look at the following popular careers and plan your college education accordingly. Drafting and Design is a challenging and fulfilling career for those who are creative.
An Overview of Drafting and Design
Drafting and design is a fascinating career that takes on several different forms. Drafters use manual sketches, drawings, and computer software to create sets of technical drawings. These drawings and plans are used for making components, products, houses, bridges, and many other projects. This data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides some insights into them and their salaries:- Drafters: 2020 median annual pay = $57,960 with Associate Degree
- Graphic Designers: 2020 median annual pay = $53,380 with Associate Degree
- Industrial Designers: 2020 median annual pay = $71,640 with Bachelor’s Degree
Keep reading to learn more about four distinct careers in drafting and design.
Architectural Drafting Is a Viable Option
Architectural drafting consists of working with architects and engineers to design and draw different structures that need to be built. These structures include:
- Homes and garages
- Government agencies
- Stores and factories
- Office buildings
- Schools and colleges
- Military facilities
- Shopping centers
- Shipyards
- Medical facilities
- Industrial plants
Mechanical Drafting Draws a Lot of Attention
Mechanical drafters and designers take engineers’ notes and ideas to create workable plans and layouts for a variety of devices and machinery, including:
- Components and parts
- Electronic devices
- Automobiles and trucks
- Plant equipment and processes
- Mechanical installation infrastructure
- Factory assembly lines
“If you like to draw objects and design models or products, a job in this field will allow you to follow your passion. A variety of career opportunities are available to fit your discipline.”
Many of these professionals work in the automotive and manufacturing industries to help create parts and products we use in our everyday lives. They typically use AUTOCAD and other software to create their drawings. Drafters often add layouts, dimensions, specifications, fastening methods, and materials lists to their work. A two-year associate degree will help you find an entry-level job in drafting and design.
Don’t Forget a Career in Civil Drafting
Another energizing area of drafting that has opportunities nationwide in civil drafting. These drafts people work closely with civil engineers to prepare models and drawings for engineering projects. The projects are many and varied and include:
- Highways
- Bridges
- Pipelines
- Flood-control
- Engineering projects
- Mapmaking
Graduates may also find employment working with water and sewage systems and buildings. You may also draw dams, canals, harbors, railroads, public utility systems, and earthmoving operations. Projects are drawn in 2-D and 3-D with the most advanced computer software available to companies.
Drafters sometimes prepare graphs, diagrams, and maps, and calculate quantities of excavation and fill volumes. They may accompany surveyors in the field to collect and record data for preparing or revising drawings of projects.
Graphic Design and Illustrator
One more area you might consider is graphic design and illustrating while working for a firm or in your own business. Designers take ideas and turn them into logos, ads, packaging, and promotions. Designers accomplish this work with personal design software knowledge and skills. If you’re naturally talented in drawing and design, you may go to work for a marketing, advertising, or graphic design firm.Illustrators find work generating images and drawings for websites, books, newspapers, magazines, other publications, and artists. They also use both manual and computer software drawing skills for greeting cards, textbooks, and wrapping paper. Earn your Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in Drafting and Design Technology and step into an amazing entry-level job.
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at: https://iticollege.edu/disclosures/
