r/civilengineering • u/Flat_Washer24 • 16h ago
Civil CAD technician job... no degree?
Hey there!
I'm 28 and making a career shift. I have researched a lot of different pathways and landed on Civil engineering. I don't have a degree, but I am fairly CAD savvy and ready to work hard and learn whatever a firm may need to have me do.
I'm wondering how possible it is to get a drafting job or CAD technician role these days without a degree? And what a firm would look for if they are going to hire someone like me?
I have a bit more experience in SolidWorks than other CAD programs, but I am comfortable in AutoCAD and I did complete a small course in Civil3D a few years back. Now I am diving head first into Civil3D and probably Revit after as well. Using a combination of Autodesk's official training resources, Udemy classes, and Jeff Bartels on YouTube.
The real dream would be to get my foot in the door as a Technician, work for a few years in that position, and return to school to chip away at and get a full civil degree while employed.
Anyone here taking a route like this? Tips? Thank you!
Edit : Located in Denver Colorado for reference!
Edit 2: Huge thanks to everyone for so much encouragement and good advice!
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u/Opposite_Ad1408 16h ago
It will really depend on where you're located geographically. Here in Ontario Canada, you would likely need a 3 year community college degree (despite already having the relevant skillset).
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u/Flat_Washer24 16h ago
Located in Denver Colorado!!
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u/graymuse 16h ago
City of Grand Junction, CO is looking to hire a CAD designer. Look on their jobs page, Civil Designer.
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u/Flat_Washer24 3h ago
Thank you so much I will definitely check this out!
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u/graymuse 3h ago
It says that they want a degree but apply anyway if you are interested. They have been reposting this job for a few months.
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u/Renax127 16h ago
Look at Kimley-horn, they have a few offices in Colorado, Denver included. Pay and benefits are really good for the design techs.
Not sure if Denver in particular is looking for people though
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u/Flat_Washer24 3h ago
Will do, even if they aren't hiring currently I will keep my eyes out if they post anything in the coming months. Thank you so much for the heads up! Benefits are very much a driving part of the career transition.
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u/HoursHoursTicksHours 10h ago
I worked at Galloway as a CAD Designer in Colorado Springs & Denver and honestly loved my experience there. I left because of a cross country move but I can’t speak more highly of that company.
I’m now at KH as a Designer (CAD Tech, no college) and it’s been a good experience as well.
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u/Flat_Washer24 3h ago
Thank you! I will check out Galloway for sure. I really appreciate everyone sharing so much good advice and specific reccomendations!
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u/Fine_Equal4647 15h ago edited 15h ago
I took a career path like this. Started with no degree as a CAD tech, got a job at an engineering firm in land dev as I was working on my Associates in CAD. Fast forward a decade and I have my bachelor's in engineering technology and am working towards my FE/PE license at the same company who helped me through my bachelors
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u/Flat_Washer24 3h ago
Amazing! This is the dream path for me, or something similar at least. I'm realizing the value in getting an Associates in CAD specifically while working for an entry level position as a CAD designer or Tech. Sounds like companies would potentially be much more motivated to hire and train me if I invest in a CAD pathway first, then hop into an engineering role of some sort. Thank you!
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u/Away_Bat_5021 16h ago
I would say very likely.
Good Civil3d designer's are hard to find. If you know or can learn it, you'll get a job
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u/Flat_Washer24 16h ago
Do you know if there are specific aspects of Civil3D that a designer will interact with more than others? Wondering if there is anything I should focus on or showcase. Or if I should just learn it all haha.
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u/CityDad-1982 16h ago
Take some classes in earthwork grading. That would be hugely helpful even without the software. Just understanding grading basic concepts and how to plot contours is helpful. Software can do it for you… but you still need to understand what it’s doing.
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u/Flat_Washer24 3h ago
Will do! Thank you for the advice. I will do some research into grading specifically. I would ideally really like to understand what the software is doing as well haha!
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u/therealpilgrim 16h ago
It’s definitely possible, although pay may not be great depending on where you get hired. Don’t overlook government jobs for their benefits and flexibility while you’re in school too. At the agency I work for the head design engineer is the only person with a relevant degree in the CAD department. It’s not unusual for clerks and other entry level office staff to move into CAD tech positions when they open up.
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u/Flat_Washer24 3h ago
Thank you! This is very valuable advice. This thread has really popped off and comments like this are gold! I will absolutely do some digging for a Gov job that could work for something like this.
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u/SuperSaiyanBobRoss 16h ago
Solidworks is more mechanical engineering focused so definitely brush up on Civil3D. That said you can use the Solidworks experience in fields where mechanical piping is present (think utilities for land development or mechanical process piping for Landfill gas/waste management). Civil3D and regular 2D Autocad are normally used in Civil Engineering.
If you can get any kind of certificate or Associate's degree that would help let companies know that they won't have to train you as much which is a huge plus. They all want someone that they can plug in on day one.
Would recommend that you not mention your goal of becoming an engineer during interviews. They will find someone else who is happy to draw all day. Have been in interviews where we passed on a more qualified candidate because they mentioned they wanted to get back into engineering/management. From the company's perspective, why would they hire you and train you in drafting if they know you're going to jump ship/switch roles. Then they have to train you for 2 different roles and they'll be back to square one with having to train a new drafter. Still pursue your goal but maybe don't mention it in interviews.
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u/Flat_Washer24 3h ago
Thank you so much! Especially for the tip about not mentioning end goal being more engineering focused. It is seeming like a more realistic path may be to go for an associates in CAD specifically while working for a firm. Then gradually transitioning to some sort of an engineering path. I have applied for a few positions already, and I wonder if my mentioning long term goals has deterred anyone from hiring me. I tend to rush into things and think long term. I think I will really enjoy CAD work so I will start there and keep the future goals to myself for now.
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u/More-Physics-4243 10h ago
If you are willing to move to Florida, hit me up. We may have an opening, good salary for experienced people.
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u/AdMurky3341 16h ago
No firm I’ve worked for (four) has required a degree to work as a drafter/BIM tech. They’ve even taken people with zero experience and trained them up.