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Dylon Husband
Dr. Anne Canavan
ENGLISH 1010
22 March 2016

Engineering Design/Drafting Career Report

Would you like to design 2D and 3D mechanical images for a living? Would you like to
make $40,000 to $60,000 a year right out of college? Well it is definitely possible with a career
in Engineering Drafting and Design Technology (EDDT). Through the use of computer aided
drafting software or CAD, technical drawings are rendered for the manufacturing and building
processes. CAD draftsman work directly with product and structural engineers to design these
technical drawings in 2D and 3D formats. If you have an interest in design and like to draw, a
draftsman certificate program in EDDT might be for you. However if you are good with math
and not afraid to dive into the engineering side of EDDT, many top colleges, community
colleges, and technical schools offer associate's and bachelor's degree programs in EDDT. With a
degree in EDDT, the design engineer is able to work on the design and development, from
starting concept to finished product. Engineers with the design and drafting skillset obtained
through EDDT degree programs are in high demand. The demand for this career is expected to
have steady growth through the next decade (Drafters) and could prove to be a very promising
and exciting career for the right person.
Some of the coursework and requirements pursuing a major in EDDT will include,
computer aided drafting (CAD), computer aided drafting and design (CADD), design principles,
technical drafting, and computer science / technology. These fields of study will also encompass

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the regular general coursework for engineering. There are also other areas in which one could
expand their education in EDDT. Many sub-fields are available to specialize in, or just diversify
your knowledge. There are courses on designing/drafting electrical circuit boards and layouts,
pipe drafting, civil drafting, residential/commercial architectural design, technical systems and
mechanical systems just to name a few.
The knowledge gained from these EDDT courses can lead to many exciting careers.
There are avenues for employment in fields such as architecture, manufacturing, mechanics,
electronics, government, business, and medicine. Drafting and design engineers are required in
almost every major industry. Their expertise is required in but not limited to industries such as
automotive, aviation/aerospace, HVAC, medical equipment, construction, information
technology, and computer hardware. With so many industries requiring drafting and design
engineers, there are many career paths to be taken. The demand for this career is expected to
have steady growth through the next decade.
While EDDT is expected to increase the number of jobs available, the Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) predicts that job growth as a basic drafter will have a 3% decline from 2014-24.
The decrease is mostly due to the increase in drafting program efficiency, so it's taking fewer
people to produce the same amount of work. The BLS lists the typical entry level basic drafter,
as having an associate's degree with no work-related experience or on-the-job training and
having a median salary of $51,940 per year or $24.97 per hour (Drafter). This is a moderate
pay scale for a general draftsman career. Students who specialize in both drafting and design
paired with engineering become much more valuable to an employer. Therefore students who
complete a bachelor's degree program in Drafting and Design Engineering can expect to receive
up to 50% more pay.

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Civil engineering and mechanical engineering are two of the most common fields a
drafting and design engineer will specialize in to receive that 50% pay increase. The BLS lists
the median pay for a mechanical engineer at $83,060 per year and $39.93 per hour with a
bachelor's degree. They predict a 5% increase in demand between 2014 - 24 (Mechanical).
According to the BLS, the civil engineering field will also experience job market growth
from 2014 to 2024. They predict the civil engineering field will see a 8% job increase in that
time frame. In 2014, the BLS lists civil engineers median pay scale at $82,050 per year and
$39.45 per hour, holding a bachelor's degree with no work-related experience or on-the-job
training (Civil). However after interviewing Michael Steinquest (head EDDT instructor at
SLCC), he strongly suggests students get their foot in the door after completing their associate's
degree program.
This information shed some new light on a preconception I had. I had previously thought
one needed to complete their bachelor's degree before seeking employment in the engineering
field; I was wrong. According to Steinquest, it is quite beneficial to gain as much work related
experience as possible early on. Even working as a basic drafter can be extremely helpful to
acquire as much practical experience as possible, which could give you an edge over someone
with no experience in the field. The companies that will put you to work at an entry level with
an associates degree, will often pay your tuition to finish your bachelor's degree. Steinquest told
me there are many companies out there that will do this as long as you maintain employment
with them for a certain amount of time. If you fail to maintain employment for the specified
amount of time you will have to pay the tuition back to the company. Sounds like a good deal
especially if you really like that particular company. Before this information I had thought
student loans, financial aid, or a possible grant were my only options for tuition. This additional

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option for acquiring a bachelor's degree while working in the field is one I am eager to explore
myself.
Steinquest strongly recommends EDDT students complete a bachelor's degree program as
early as possible: If I could do anything different I would have got my engineering degree much
sooner (Steinquest). Mr.Steinquest will be receiving his master's degree in Engineering Design
and Drafting at the end of this semester. He goes on to express, individuals with a bachelor's
degree in EDDT have much broader career paths with many employment opportunities.
Steinquest states this can be a competitive job market so the more education the better. Staying
current and up-to-date on the newest designing software/ principles makes further education
important.
Education has definitely been an important part of Michael Steinquests career. He has
been teaching EDDT since 1973. It was very apparent during our interview he has a genuine
love for EDDT. Mr. Steinquest expressed, EDDT has been very good to me, I love what I do. I
have been able to work for myself as an independent contractor my entire career. I have always
had plenty of work and have made a comfortable living doing it. When I asked Mr. Steinquest
what has been the most challenging part of his career, he simply stated meeting strict deadlines.
Most of the time I sit comfortably in my lazyboy working off my bigscreen, engineering and
designing parts or circuit boards for other companies".
As a self-employed independent contractor in EDDT you too could find your self
working from the comfort of your lazy-boy. That position usually comes after years of
experience. during those years gaining valuable experience most will find themselves working
in Design Studios within corporations. Working hand-in-hand with other engineers and designers

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turning qonceptual drawings and models into actual blueprints and technical diagrams using
computer aided drafting and design program (CADD).

Interview questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.

What your history in the field of EDDT?

What part of your career has been the most rewarding and why?
How important is ongoing or continued education in this field?
If you could go back and do anything different in your career what would

it be?
5. What industries are in need of or use Drafting and Design Engineers?

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6. How important do you think Drafting and design engineers will be in the
future? (Career Outlook)
7. Is there plenty of work in this industry and how competitive is it?
8. What have you found to be the most difficult?
9. What has been the most rewarding for you?
10. What would be your advice for someone looking to pursue a career in
Engineering Design and Drafting Technology?

Works Cited:
"Civil Engineers : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics." U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 7 Jan. 2016. Web. 20 Apr.
2016. <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mobile/civilengineers.htm>.
"Drafters : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics." U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2016.
"Mechanical Engineers : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d. Web. 20
Apr. 2016. <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mobile/mechanicalengineers.htm>.

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Steinquest, Michael. "EDDT Career Interview." Personal interview. 30 Mar. 2016.