Hi Folks,I am a 49 year old electrical contractor who runs a one man business. I enjoy my work but am wondering if I should learn Autocad and design electrical systems for an engineering firm. Do I need to be a cad user or can I be a designer without cad knowledge?Thanks,J

You will need to show (read: demonstrate) your ability.
 
If you know your stuff, AutoCAD drawings will surely show your design abilities. I call it, "demonstrate" or show 'n tell.
 
I seriously doubt any engineering firm wouldn't require AutoCAD drawings.
 
Think of learning AutoCAD as a game. If you know your stuff, AutoCAD will show it off for you.
 
Good luck in all your future efforts. By all means, go for it.

Should I use Autocad or Microstation?Thank you,Jim

[QUOTE=Ravenvalor]Should I use Autocad or Microstation?Thank you,Jim[/QUOTE]
 

I would use AutoCAD.
 
Why? Most clients, which I trust, I communicate with using AutoCAD *.dwg files.
 
If not trusted, I send them *.pdf files which are created within AutoCAD.
 
I certainly wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors.
 
You could, if you don't have AutoCAD, find a deal on eBay.
However, buyer beware, be sure you can install and/or activate the program you purchase.
 
Just curious, where in the US are you posting from?
I'm near Allentown, Pennsylvania, been working from home since '93.Tankman2010-04-26 04:04:22

[QUOTE=Ravenvalor]Should I use Autocad or Microstation?
[/QUOTE]You should use Autocad Electrical. It's designed specifically for the type of work you will be doing.

I am from Burlington, NC.,  an old textile community nestled about 45 minutes west of RTP. What type of Autocad do you use, Electrical, Civil, etc.? How long have you been drawing with cad?Thank you,Jim

[QUOTE=Cad64]
[QUOTE=Ravenvalor]Should I use Autocad or Microstation?
[/QUOTE]You should use Autocad Electrical. It's designed specifically for the type of work you will be doing.[/QUOTE]I am afraid that I do not have the time to be excellent at cad, and I do not want to be mediocre. I am looking for a natural progression of my skill set that I can offer to people that requires less physical labor than actually doing the installation.

As Cad64 noted, "You should use AutoCad Electrical."






 
I was going to recommend the same program but hesitated 'cause I never used it.
 
Although AutoCad Electrical would probably be best, you can always start with just AutoCad. 
 
Whatever, follow your dream, get to work.