So you’ve finally graduated from your CAD drafter program and you’re ready to go out into the world and share your talent. Freelancing is a great career option for those who have family commitments, who don’t want to commute several hours a day, or who are simply not interested in working the typical 9-5 grind.
Being a freelancer is an opportunity to work within your own rules. That being said, managing your own career requires a lot of discipline as well as excellent organization and planning skills. You’ll be in charge of scheduling tasks, communicating back and forth with clients, and making and accepting payments. You will essentially become your own boss, employee, an accountant!
If you’re planning to become a freelance CAD Designer after graduating from CAD college, read on to discover some of today’s top advice.
Join Online CAD Communities and Career Websites
Your best bet of finding a freelance job once you have completed your CAD training is through online job portals. There are dozens of well-known online job search websites, and some even specifically designated for CAD technicians and freelance designers. There are also plenty of online CAD communities where you can network with other CAD users and perhaps discover prospective clients! Some popular CAD online communities include 3Dcontentcentral.com and Traceparts.com.
Make a Personal Website
Even if you’ve created a profile on a range of online career websites like LinkedIn, it can also be beneficial to have your very own professional website. Your website doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should show off your previous CAD designs and maybe include a copy of your resume. These days, one of the easiest ways to create a website is to use a free content platform that comes with templates, such as WordPress. Once you’ve created your own website, you can include the URL on your LinkedIn profile, and on your resume!
Along with a website, you should also make an effort to stay active on social media. Facebook and Twitter are great ways to build your personal brand. You can use these websites to meet potential clients and stay up to date with the CAD industry.
Brush Up on Your CAD Skills Daily
Even if you have already established your freelance CAD career, it’s always important to brush up on your skills and knowledge. New technology is being developed every day, and knowing how to use this technology will put you at the front of the hiring pack.
Take some time each day to read up on the latest CAD news—or better yet, have these news websites on a feed on your smartphone. The more relevant your skills are, the more employment opportunities you will have!
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