Any one here do drafting for a living?

[BoomerD]

Looking at getting an AS in architectural drafting and would like to ask some questions about the schooling (local junior college) and about the trade in general...

 

[kranky]

I don't do it but I work with some (not architectural, though). I would want to know the placement rates and salaries of those who recently graduated, and where they got employment (in case relocation is a near-necessity).

There is a continuing move for architects to do much of their own drafting work instead of using drafters and I wonder what the long-term career prospects are for those getting an AS in a drafting field.

On the other hand, the software is extremely powerful and complex. Architects love to make high-tech presentations of realistically rendered buildings and landscapes, and not everyone can master the techniques. If you would be able to create those fly-through types of things which look super-realistic, that would probably be a big plus. That involves applying the right characteristics of materials and light sources and camera paths.

 

[minendo]

My wife has her AS in architectural drafting. She has yet to find a job which utilizes her degree as many require a bachelors. If you really want to go this way, go all the way and get a bachelors.

 

[BoomerD]

Unfortunatlly, the voc-rehab program I'm in won't alow a bachelor's degree, and it's pushing it to get an AS at my age. (still could get shot down.) Unfortunately, with my physical limitations, there are not many fields I can train in, and this is about the best choice if I want to avoid being trained in some type of clerical job...I'm planning on trying for a dual AS degree, architectural drafting and architectural engineering, and taking all the CAD courses offered at the JC. Not sure if it will translate into a real job or not at my age...that's a big concern in any field...

 

[kranky]

Ask them (the JC) about placement rates and salaries.

If they are getting people into jobs, great. If they aren't, why waste your time?