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THIS is strictly my own opinion and my own solid recommendations based on what I've seen. There's definitely more than one way to do it, but here are some things I wish I had done
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: https://twitter.com/MrCarefulGamer/status/1357108539400060931
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: https://twitter.com/MrCarefulGamer/status/1357108539400060931
1. Go on LinkedIn and find the job you want that someone else has. I promise, it's not shady. So search "additive engineer" and scroll through several profiles. Take notes of what certifications they have, degrees, and any additional coursework they've mentioned.
1b. Also, take note of any engineering societies or other professional organizations they belong to or support. When you want to "network" with them and other professionals, this is the best way to meet them in an informal setting.
2. Once you've got your background research done, start working out what classes you can take at your local school that are similar to the ones you saw on the page of industry professionals.
I'd recommend anything to do with:
-CAD/CAM
-Project management
-Public speaking
-electrical engineering
-computer sci
-design for manufacturing (not just 3dp)
-any machining courses
-CAD/CAM
-Project management
-Public speaking
-electrical engineering
-computer sci
-design for manufacturing (not just 3dp)
-any machining courses
3. While the licenses are free to you as a student, get your Solidworks certifications & add it to your LinkedIn. It's one of the easiest things for recruiters to search for & find you.
So, no offense to ANY of my industry professional colleagues who come from the Ivy League schools, but my final takeaway is to say you don't need an additive degree to get into additive manufacturing.
And I say that with FULL respect to academia, however, there's a huge disconnect between universities and industry where they're not... communicating well? I've looked at syllabi from some of the AM master's programs and very little of it is knowledge you NEED to work in industry
AM companies want to hire you based on what 3D printing experience you have gained on the shop floor, not based on your GPA or how specialized you are in the science of the powder bed.
(So, once you get in the door and start working, THEN I would recommend you go back for that fancy AM degree. ((Preferably, while your company pays for it))).
