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How can I make the most of my creative side in engineering? What would it take to get into the design sector?
Former USC music graduate looking to graduate from USC's Viterbi School of Engineering #engineering #design
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Matt’s Answer
Hi Jon,
I second Hagen's perspective. check out https://dschool.stanford.edu/resources/design-thinking-bootleg and google "design thinking", Stanford d.school, and IDEO to learn more about design thinking.
Good luck!
I second Hagen's perspective. check out https://dschool.stanford.edu/resources/design-thinking-bootleg and google "design thinking", Stanford d.school, and IDEO to learn more about design thinking.
Good luck!
Updated
Hagen’s Answer
Hello Jon,
In my role, I work with the world's System Integrators (think Accenture, Deloitte etc.). All of those firms have either acquired or created a Design practice over the past 3 years so Design Thinking is an up and comer in the world of business. You just might be on to something ;-).
Over the past few months, I took 4 online courses from IDEO. Those aren't free - ($400 each) but they are a great way to put your toe in the water and get direct exposure to one of the premiere design companies in the world.
From a career perspective chances are any of the global SIs would be interested in an engineer with design aspirations. You could look at their websites to get a picture of their focus and possibly job postings in the design / engineering arena.
There are also a number of books that have emerged on this topic:
Change by Design Tim Brown
Creative Confidence Tom & David Kelly
Designing for Growth Jeannie Liedtka
The Design of Everyday Things Donald Norman
In my role, I work with the world's System Integrators (think Accenture, Deloitte etc.). All of those firms have either acquired or created a Design practice over the past 3 years so Design Thinking is an up and comer in the world of business. You just might be on to something ;-).
Over the past few months, I took 4 online courses from IDEO. Those aren't free - ($400 each) but they are a great way to put your toe in the water and get direct exposure to one of the premiere design companies in the world.
From a career perspective chances are any of the global SIs would be interested in an engineer with design aspirations. You could look at their websites to get a picture of their focus and possibly job postings in the design / engineering arena.
There are also a number of books that have emerged on this topic:
Change by Design Tim Brown
Creative Confidence Tom & David Kelly
Designing for Growth Jeannie Liedtka
The Design of Everyday Things Donald Norman
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Jon,
To make the most of your creative side in engineering and pursue a career in the design sector, there are several steps you can take. This comprehensive guide will outline the necessary skills, education, and experiences required to excel in this field.
1. Develop Your Technical Skills Engineering is a technical field, so it’s essential to have a strong foundation in the relevant technical skills. Start by gaining proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA. These tools are widely used in the design sector and will allow you to create detailed models and prototypes.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with other engineering software programs that are commonly used in the design industry. These may include finite element analysis (FEA) software for structural analysis, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software for fluid flow simulations, or electrical design software for circuit design.
2. Cultivate Creativity Creativity is a crucial aspect of design engineering. To nurture your creative side, engage in activities that encourage imaginative thinking. This could involve participating in art classes, attending workshops on creative problem-solving, or exploring different artistic mediums such as painting or sculpture. By expanding your creative horizons, you’ll be better equipped to approach engineering challenges from an innovative perspective.
3. Pursue a Relevant Degree While it’s not mandatory to have a specific degree to enter the design sector within engineering, obtaining a relevant education can significantly enhance your prospects. Consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, industrial design, or a related field.
During your studies, focus on courses that emphasize design principles and techniques. These may include product design, industrial design, materials science, ergonomics, or human factors engineering. Additionally, take advantage of any opportunities to work on design projects or collaborate with other creative individuals.
4. Gain Practical Experience To stand out in the competitive job market, it’s crucial to gain practical experience in the design sector. Look for internships or co-op programs that allow you to work alongside experienced professionals in engineering firms or design studios. This hands-on experience will provide valuable insights into the design process and allow you to build a portfolio of your work.
Additionally, consider participating in design competitions or joining engineering clubs and organizations that focus on design projects. These extracurricular activities will further develop your skills and demonstrate your passion for design engineering to potential employers.
5. Build a Portfolio A well-curated portfolio is essential when seeking opportunities in the design sector. Include examples of your design projects, highlighting your creativity, problem-solving abilities, and technical skills. If possible, showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to work across different engineering disciplines or collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Consider creating an online portfolio or website to showcase your work. This will make it easily accessible for potential employers and allow you to continually update and expand your portfolio as you gain more experience.
6. Network Networking is a valuable tool for finding job opportunities and connecting with professionals in the design sector. Attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to meet like-minded individuals and industry experts. Join professional organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) to expand your network further.
Additionally, reach out to alumni from your university who are working in the design sector or connect with professionals through online platforms such as LinkedIn. Building relationships with individuals already established in the industry can provide valuable insights, mentorship opportunities, and potential job referrals.
7. Stay Updated The field of engineering and design is constantly evolving with new technologies, methodologies, and trends. Stay updated with the latest advancements by reading industry publications, attending webinars, or participating in continuing education programs. This ongoing commitment to learning will not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your dedication to the field.
Conclusion To make the most of your creative side in engineering and pursue a career in the design sector, it’s crucial to develop technical skills, cultivate creativity, obtain a relevant degree, gain practical experience, build a portfolio, network, and stay updated with industry trends. By combining your passion for design with engineering expertise, you’ll be well-positioned to excel in this exciting field.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) - ASME is a professional organization that provides resources, publications, and networking opportunities for mechanical engineers. Their website offers valuable information on design engineering and related topics.
Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) - IDSA is an organization dedicated to promoting the practice of industrial design. Their website features resources, events, and news related to the design industry.
AutoCAD - AutoCAD is a widely used CAD software that enables engineers and designers to create precise 2D and 3D models. The official AutoCAD website provides tutorials, forums, and documentation for users looking to enhance their CAD skills.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, paying attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective studying. You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your performance in exams and assignments could also improve, especially if your diet has significantly improved. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders.
GOD BLESS YOU,
[BECAUSE HE CAN AND WILL]
James Constantine.
To make the most of your creative side in engineering and pursue a career in the design sector, there are several steps you can take. This comprehensive guide will outline the necessary skills, education, and experiences required to excel in this field.
1. Develop Your Technical Skills Engineering is a technical field, so it’s essential to have a strong foundation in the relevant technical skills. Start by gaining proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA. These tools are widely used in the design sector and will allow you to create detailed models and prototypes.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with other engineering software programs that are commonly used in the design industry. These may include finite element analysis (FEA) software for structural analysis, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software for fluid flow simulations, or electrical design software for circuit design.
2. Cultivate Creativity Creativity is a crucial aspect of design engineering. To nurture your creative side, engage in activities that encourage imaginative thinking. This could involve participating in art classes, attending workshops on creative problem-solving, or exploring different artistic mediums such as painting or sculpture. By expanding your creative horizons, you’ll be better equipped to approach engineering challenges from an innovative perspective.
3. Pursue a Relevant Degree While it’s not mandatory to have a specific degree to enter the design sector within engineering, obtaining a relevant education can significantly enhance your prospects. Consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, industrial design, or a related field.
During your studies, focus on courses that emphasize design principles and techniques. These may include product design, industrial design, materials science, ergonomics, or human factors engineering. Additionally, take advantage of any opportunities to work on design projects or collaborate with other creative individuals.
4. Gain Practical Experience To stand out in the competitive job market, it’s crucial to gain practical experience in the design sector. Look for internships or co-op programs that allow you to work alongside experienced professionals in engineering firms or design studios. This hands-on experience will provide valuable insights into the design process and allow you to build a portfolio of your work.
Additionally, consider participating in design competitions or joining engineering clubs and organizations that focus on design projects. These extracurricular activities will further develop your skills and demonstrate your passion for design engineering to potential employers.
5. Build a Portfolio A well-curated portfolio is essential when seeking opportunities in the design sector. Include examples of your design projects, highlighting your creativity, problem-solving abilities, and technical skills. If possible, showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to work across different engineering disciplines or collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Consider creating an online portfolio or website to showcase your work. This will make it easily accessible for potential employers and allow you to continually update and expand your portfolio as you gain more experience.
6. Network Networking is a valuable tool for finding job opportunities and connecting with professionals in the design sector. Attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to meet like-minded individuals and industry experts. Join professional organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) to expand your network further.
Additionally, reach out to alumni from your university who are working in the design sector or connect with professionals through online platforms such as LinkedIn. Building relationships with individuals already established in the industry can provide valuable insights, mentorship opportunities, and potential job referrals.
7. Stay Updated The field of engineering and design is constantly evolving with new technologies, methodologies, and trends. Stay updated with the latest advancements by reading industry publications, attending webinars, or participating in continuing education programs. This ongoing commitment to learning will not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your dedication to the field.
Conclusion To make the most of your creative side in engineering and pursue a career in the design sector, it’s crucial to develop technical skills, cultivate creativity, obtain a relevant degree, gain practical experience, build a portfolio, network, and stay updated with industry trends. By combining your passion for design with engineering expertise, you’ll be well-positioned to excel in this exciting field.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) - ASME is a professional organization that provides resources, publications, and networking opportunities for mechanical engineers. Their website offers valuable information on design engineering and related topics.
Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) - IDSA is an organization dedicated to promoting the practice of industrial design. Their website features resources, events, and news related to the design industry.
AutoCAD - AutoCAD is a widely used CAD software that enables engineers and designers to create precise 2D and 3D models. The official AutoCAD website provides tutorials, forums, and documentation for users looking to enhance their CAD skills.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, paying attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective studying. You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your performance in exams and assignments could also improve, especially if your diet has significantly improved. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders.
GOD BLESS YOU,
[BECAUSE HE CAN AND WILL]
James Constantine.
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Jon:
If you are interested in the "Design Sector", as you call it, you are in luck. At least half of the activity in the Engineering Discipline involves design. Whether this involves developing code for a complex program, laying out a new roadway, developing a wastewater treatment plant or establishing a new chemical plant, project design is a key (perhaps the most important) aspect. Design is often the dominant activity for an Engineer, particularly in the early to mid-stages of a career.
You mention that you majored in Music at USC. If you would like to use that background, you could consider going into acoustical or electrical engineering, where a good music background would be an advantage in LA's film industry.
Good luck, Pete Sturtevant