A Degree In Technology Is In Demand!
Here’s something to contemplate. Whenever someone in the STEM (science, technical, engineering, math) fields thinks up anything outside a pure theory, someone has to create the blue prints. It’s a laboriously detailed sort of work, although computers have made the work considerably easier. Thanks to that technology, this work is called Computer Aided Design or CAD. It has become one of the most stable of the STEM professions. It also makes a computer science degree online a popular college choice.
Back in the pre-digital days, CAD technicians were called draftsmen. They practiced their craft with an artist’s easel, slide rule, T-square, pen and blue pencil. It was a craft that demanded extreme precision and concentration as the drawings had to be as close to “scale” as possible. The end result could often be so visually stunning they’d be hung up like the precious art they are. If you are interested in getting more information about online computer science degree research the internet.
Then came the introduction of the personal computer. Suddenly many of the draftsmen’s tools weren’t needed. A computer could be every bit as precise, if not more so, than doing it by hand. Also, it could do all the minute calculations without the need of a slide rule or pocket calculator. It was an incredibly labor saving device, but it meant a whole new set of job skills.
According to their main professional society, the American Design Drafting Association, a CAD tech needs strong visual/artistic and computer skills to begin with. They should attend a technical institute, community or online college, get a minimum two-year degree, then go to the Association for certification. The Association recommends four-year programs as they provide more rounded educations, as well as drafting theory and other courses that will be beneficial when its time to advance up the career ladder. Usually the next step up the promotion ladder is as a CAD Supervisor, who inspects the work of the technicians under him.
As with other STEM fields, financial aid is not only available through standard Federal Pell and state grants, but also from professional organizations and private corporations. The Association itself holds annual drafting contests, with worthy students getting scholarships and recognition. Students should also be on the lookout for Federal S-STEM grants. For any additional information about bachelor science degree check the internet.
The future for CAD Technicians is incredibly diverse. The biggest employers are still architectural and civil engineering firms, where the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate nearly 50% of them are employed. At the same time, other major employers include everything from advertising and other media-related firms, electronic and mechanical manufacturers, to even advanced research facilities.
The Bureau states growth in the field is dependent on what specialty is pursued. Civil and architectural drafters should expect about 9% growth between 2008 and 2018. The Bureau declares this as average. Advancement within the field is heavily dependent on furthering one’s education. Median salaries tend to be in the mid-40’s, although it’s possible to go into the mid-50s with experience and depending on what specialty one pursues. For an abundance of information about college grants and scholarships check out the web.
Those who understand the intricacies of CAD design would understand why a getting a computer science degree online might be a smart move. Perhaps they took classes while interning, with the availability of Pell grants and other financial aids providing the assistance they needed. People will continue to think up new ideas and there will need to be those who can render it for all to see.
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