What are some useful CAD Design Tips?

I started to use SolidWorks on 2007, aprox. 16 years ago. After all this time learning CATIA, NX, SolidEdge and other software tools, you realize that CAD softwares are just…TOOLS!

The good designer/engineer have the understanding of the project itself. He/She uses the CAD package to acomplish a specific goal with the help of his clear understanding of the theory (You can project a pressure vessel without knowing some theory).

Trying to summarize, you would have to:

• Spend long hours on tutorial/courses/on-the-job training of a specific CAD software (Solidworks, Catia, NX, SolidEdge). Which software do you need? It deppends on what you want to work and what technical field you porsue.
• Spend some time just working around with other packages (if you are good at SolidWorks, you need to know how SolidEdge works and vice-versa)
• Conclude a bachelor/master/phd on the field of your project. I know some good designer that stucked just because they don’t have a diploma.
• Specialize in some workbenchs. If you are dealing with aerodynamics (car development), being a good part designer will not help you. You will need to be good at ICEM/Class A surface design (in this case). At the same time, you can work for a furniture designer company where you’ll need to be good at polygonal modelling (faster and good for catologs), instead of NURBS (used as default in CATIA and CAD industry)
• Work in a good company with a good team (this in my opinion, is the most important)
• Find a mentor
• Keep learning everyday, until you die.