Education · 1 of 5

The path

The shortest route into an engineering office. Two years and a portfolio of drawings.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Geometry, drafting or technology classes, and art if you have room. Learn to read a tape measure properly.

2. 2

   Associate degree or certificate

   1 to 2 years

   Drafting, CAD (computer aided design) technology, or architectural or civil technology at a community college. One to two years.

3. 3

   Learn the real software

   During school

   AutoCAD, Revit and Civil 3D for buildings and infrastructure, SolidWorks or Inventor for products and machines.

4. 4

   Internship or first job

   Summer or on graduation

   Junior drafter or drafting technician. You start by redlining, correcting and detailing other people's drawings.

5. 5

   Specialize

   Years 2 to 5

   Structural, civil site design, mechanical piping, electrical, or three dimensional modeling coordination. Each one narrows you and pays you.