Question about jobs for recent grad

Parents Forum
1

<p>I just graduated with a B.S. Industrial Technology from a big 10 school and am looking at applying for a job as an “engineering consultant.” Here is the job description:</p>

<p>*The Engineering Consultant is a member of a design and development team that conceives and provides practical and improved product design applications. This position will support Project Engineers and work under their direction in defining configuration. The Engineering Consultant conceives moderately complex product design concepts and prepares design models using a computer graphics system. Under guidance they are responsible for calculations, design decisions and computer simulations. Works closely with Project Engineers, technicians, manufacturing personnel and suppliers regarding product design, test and production schedule dates.</p>

<p>Requirements:
Pro/ENGINEER WILDFIRE, CATIA, Unigraphics, I-DEAS or Solidworks EXPERIENCE A PLUS
BSME or related degree.
U.S. Citizenship Required
*</p>

<p>I had class with one of the guys who works at the place, he says he spends a lot of time ‘detailing/drawing’ 2D models of construction equipment components (figuring out the best way to manufacture a part, printing the drawing off, giving it to the customer, etc.) as well as doing calculations for 3D models (maybe using trig or other math to come up with the best way to design a part from an element analysis, using the best angle on certain parts to handle certain loads, etc). </p>

<p>My question is, is does this sound more like a CAD tech position or truly an ‘engineering’ position? I ask because I would like to get into more of an engineering position in the future, and not be just a cad tech. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Well, you have to start somewhere. The job sounds like something a new engineer would do. Companies no longer use designers (design techs), for the most part. Engineers are now doing the work the designers used to do.</p>

3

<p>The question should be asked at your interview whether it is a cad tech or engineering related job. The question should not be whether or not you should apply for a job if you have already graduated and are currently unemployed.</p>

4

<p>Maybe you can word your question as something like “What is the typical career ladder for this position?” I know my H has hired several new grads with BS degrees into postitions that have “tech” at the end of the job title. They aren’t dead end jobs, but entry level for the career ladder.<br>
If it turns out to be less than what you want after a year, look to move on or to take a few grad classes.</p>

5

<p>the term conceives product design concepts “they are responsible”
etc…sound to me like reasonable jobs for a first time engineer and I agree with the comment from dragonmom above</p>